| HS Code | Official Doc | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3901105020 | Doc | 61.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3920995000 | Doc | 60.8% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3920100000 | Doc | 59.2% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 3904220000 | Doc | 61.5% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
| 8547900010 | Doc | 109.6% | CN | US | 2025-05-12 |
Heat Shrink Tubing
Heat shrink tubing is a plastic tube that shrinks in diameter when heated, conforming tightly around an object to provide insulation, protection, or a cosmetic finish. It is widely used across various industries due to its ease of use and versatile applications.
Material
Most commonly, heat shrink tubing is made from polymers like:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Economical, flexible, and suitable for general purpose applications. Lower temperature range and less resistance to abrasion and chemicals.
- Polyolefin (PO): The most popular choice. Offers good electrical properties, chemical resistance, and flexibility. Available in various formulations (cross-linked, non-cross-linked). Cross-linked polyolefin provides superior performance, including higher temperature resistance and improved mechanical strength.
- Fluoropolymers (PTFE, FEP, PFA): Used in demanding applications requiring high temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and exceptional electrical properties. More expensive than PVC or polyolefin.
- Polyethylene (PE): Offers good electrical properties and low temperature flexibility, commonly used for low-voltage applications.
Purpose
The primary purposes of heat shrink tubing include:
- Electrical Insulation: Protects electrical connections from shorts, corrosion, and environmental factors.
- Cable Jacketing: Provides a protective layer for bundled wires and cables.
- Mechanical Protection: Shields components from abrasion, vibration, and impact.
- Strain Relief: Reduces stress on connections, preventing breakage.
- Color Coding: Identifies wires, cables, and components.
- Cosmetic Finishing: Provides a neat and professional appearance.
- Sealing: Protects against moisture and contaminants.
Function
Heat shrink tubing functions by utilizing the principle of polymer memory. The tubing is manufactured slightly larger than the component it is intended to fit. When heated, the polymer molecules become energized and attempt to return to their original, smaller size, creating a tight, form-fitting covering. The degree of shrinkage is typically between 2:1 (shrinks to 1/2 its original diameter) and 6:1, depending on the material and formulation.
Usage Scenarios
- Electronics: Insulating wire splices, protecting circuit board components, cable management.
- Automotive: Protecting wiring harnesses, insulating connections, repairing damaged cables.
- Marine: Protecting connections from corrosion and moisture.
- Aerospace: Protecting wiring and components in harsh environments.
- Industrial: Protecting cables, wires, and components from abrasion, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.
- DIY/Home Repair: Insulating electrical connections, repairing damaged cords, color-coding wires.
Common Types
- Single Wall Tubing: The most common type, suitable for general purpose applications.
- Dual Wall Tubing: Offers increased flexibility, higher temperature resistance, and improved adhesion. Often features a hot melt adhesive lining for sealing and strain relief.
- Heavy Wall Tubing: Provides greater mechanical protection and higher temperature resistance.
- Clear Tubing: Allows visual inspection of underlying components.
- Flame Retardant Tubing: Designed to prevent the spread of fire.
- Spiraled Tubing: Used for wrapping around larger objects or bundles of wires.
- Busbar Tubing: Specifically designed for insulating busbars and high-current conductors.
- Semi-Rigid Tubing: Offers increased rigidity and mechanical strength.
Heat shrink tubing falls under the category of tubes, pipes and hoses, typically made of plastics, and used for insulation or protection. Based on the provided information, the following HS codes are relevant:
- 3917320050: Tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings therefor (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics: Other tubes, pipes and hoses: Other, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, without fittings. This code covers plastic tubes and hoses that are not reinforced and do not have fittings attached. Heat shrink tubing, in its basic form, would likely fall under this category.
- 3917390050: Tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings therefor (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics: Other tubes, pipes and hoses: Other Other: Other. This is a broader category for other plastic tubes and hoses not specifically classified elsewhere. If the heat shrink tubing has specific characteristics not covered by 3917320050, it may fall under this code.
Regarding HS code 3917320050 and 3917390050, the tariff details are as follows:
- 3917320050: Basic tariff: 3.1%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30.0%.
- 3917390050: Basic tariff: 3.1%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30.0%.
According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'heat shrink tubing' are limited, with only the following 2 found.