Find HS Code and trade information for insulation tape

Insulation Tape

Insulation tape, also known as electrical tape, is a pressure-sensitive tape used to insulate wires and other metal conductors. It is widely used in electrical and electronic applications for both low and high voltage systems.

Material

The primary backing material for most insulation tapes is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC provides good electrical insulation properties, flexibility, and abrasion resistance. Other materials used include:

• Rubber-based tapes: Offer excellent flexibility and conformability, suitable for splicing wires.
• Cloth-based tapes: Typically made with cotton cloth impregnated with rubber adhesive, providing good strength and resistance to abrasion and moisture.
• Acrylic-based tapes: Provide good resistance to UV radiation, temperature extremes, and aging.
• Fluoropolymer tapes (e.g., PTFE/Teflon): Offer exceptional resistance to chemicals, high temperatures, and electrical breakdown.

The adhesive used is generally a rubber-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, though acrylic adhesives are also common.

Purpose

The primary purpose of insulation tape is electrical insulation. It prevents short circuits, protects against electric shock, and secures wire connections. Secondary purposes include:

• Color-coding: Identifying wires and components.
• Bundling: Organizing wires and cables.
• Repairing minor insulation damage: Providing a temporary fix for damaged wire insulation.
• Sealing: Protecting connections from moisture and corrosion.

Function

Insulation tape functions by:

• Preventing current leakage: The tape’s insulating material creates a barrier that prevents electricity from flowing where it shouldn’t.
• Providing mechanical protection: The tape protects wires from abrasion, damage, and environmental factors.
• Maintaining conductivity: Ensuring that electrical signals flow correctly through the intended conductors.
• Adhering to surfaces: The pressure-sensitive adhesive allows the tape to stick firmly to wires, components, and other surfaces.

Usage Scenarios

• Electrical wiring: Insulating splices, connections, and exposed wires in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
• Electronics repair: Repairing damaged insulation on electronic components and devices.
• Automotive applications: Insulating wires and connections in vehicles.
• HVAC systems: Insulating electrical connections in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
• Cable management: Bundling and organizing wires and cables.
• Temporary repairs: Providing a short-term fix for damaged insulation.

Common Types

• PVC Electrical Tape: The most common type, suitable for general electrical applications. Available in various colors and widths.
• Rubber Electrical Tape: Offers excellent flexibility and conformability, ideal for splicing wires and applications requiring a tight seal.
• Cloth Electrical Tape: Provides good strength and abrasion resistance, suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• Fluoropolymer Tape (PTFE/Teflon): Used in high-temperature, chemical-resistant environments.
• Self-Fusing Tape: Consists of a specially formulated rubber compound that bonds to itself when wrapped, creating a waterproof seal.
• Cold Shrink Tape: Expands for easy application and shrinks to fit tightly around connections, providing a waterproof seal.
• Color-Coded Tape: Used for identifying wires and components based on color-coding standards.
• Anti-Static Tape: Used in electronics assembly to prevent electrostatic discharge.

Insulation Tape Classification

Based on the provided information, the classification of “insulation tape” falls under several HS codes, depending on its form and width.

• 3919102020: Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls: In rolls of a width not exceeding 20 cm: Other Electrical tape. This code applies to insulation tape in roll form with a width of 20 cm or less, specifically categorized as “Electrical tape”.

  • 39: Plastics and articles thereof.
  • 19: Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics.
  • 10: Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls.
  • 20: In rolls of a width not exceeding 20 cm.
  • 20: Other Electrical tape.

• 3919905030: Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls: Other: Other Electrical tape. This code applies to insulation tape that is not in rolls of a width not exceeding 20 cm, and is specifically categorized as “Electrical tape”.

  • 39: Plastics and articles thereof.
  • 19: Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics.
  • 90: Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls.
  • 50: Other.
  • 30: Other Electrical tape.

• 8547200000: Insulating fittings for electrical machines, appliances or equipment, being fittings wholly of insulating material apart from any minor components of metal (for example, threaded sockets) incorporated during molding solely for the purposes of assembly, other than insulators of heading 8546; electrical conduit tubing and joints therefor, of base metal lined with insulating material: Insulating fittings of plastics. This code applies to insulation tape used as fittings for electrical machines, appliances, or equipment, made entirely of insulating material (with minor metal components for assembly).

  • 85: Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recording or reproducing apparatus, television-image multiplier tubes, klystrons, magnetrons and like tubes.
  • 47: Insulating fittings for electrical machines, appliances or equipment.
  • 20: Insulating fittings for electrical machines, appliances or equipment, being fittings wholly of insulating material apart from any minor components of metal (for example, threaded sockets) incorporated during molding solely for the purposes of assembly, other than insulators of heading 8546; electrical conduit tubing and joints therefor, of base metal lined with insulating material.
  • 00: Insulating fittings of plastics.

Tax Rate Information:

• 3919102020 & 3919905030: Basic tariff: 5.8%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30%. Total tariff: 60.8%.
• 8547200000: Basic tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Post-April 2, 2025, additional tariff: 30%. Total tariff: 55.0%.