Acrylic Clamp Board
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3920515050 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920515090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3906100000 | 41.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921110000 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3906902000 | 41.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§± Acrylic Clamp Board (PMMA Sheets)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Acrylic Clamp Board"?
The "Acrylic Clamp Board" is typically a Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) sheet used in signage, construction, or industrial clamping applications. In international trade, it falls under Chapter 39: Plastics and Articles Thereof.
The critical distinction for customs lies in the state of the material: 1. Primary Form (Granules/Resin/Powder): Raw material before shaping. 2. Semi-finished/Finished Form (Sheets/Plates): Shaped PMMA sheets.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is PMMA in primary form (e.g., granules, powder) β It falls under 3906.10.00.00.
- If the product is PMMA in sheet/plate form (even if used for clamping) β It is NOT primary form. It falls under 3920.51 or 3921.11 depending on density/adhesiveness.
- Note: "Acrylic" is chemically PMMA. "Clamp Board" describes the usage, not the physical form. Customs looks at physical form.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the applicable HS Codes for Acrylic/PMMA boards, ranked by most likely compliance for "Clamp Boards" (sheets).
| HS Code | Product Description | Physical Form | Key Characteristic | Total Tax (US/CN Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3920.51.50.50 |
Acrylic Sheets (PMMA) | Sheets/Plates | Solid, non-cellular, unworked | 41.5% |
3920.51.50.90 |
Other Acrylic Sheets | Sheets/Plates | Solid, non-cellular, other variants | 41.5% |
3906.10.00.00 |
PMMA Primary Form | Granules/Powder | Raw Material (NOT Sheets) | 41.3% |
3921.11.00.00 |
Polymer Plates/Sheets | Plates/Sheets | Non-cellular, non-adhesive | 40.3% |
3906.90.20.00 |
Acrylic Resin Semi-finished | Semi-finished | Plastic semi-finished goods | 41.3% |
π Critical Reminder:
- Do NOT classify solid sheets as "Primary Form" (3906) unless they are granules. Using3906.10.00.00for a solid board is a high-risk misclassification.
-3920.51.50.50/90is the most standard code for solid PMMA sheets (acrylic boards).
-3921.11.00.00applies if the material is classified as "other polymers" rather than strictly PMMA, or if it meets specific density/adhesion criteria, but3920.51is more precise for PMMA.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025εΉ΄11ζ10ζ₯θ΅· (Including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3920.51.50.50 / 3920.51.50.90 ββ Acrylic Sheets (PMMA Plates)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% (USITC Footnote) |
| 122-Clause Duty | +10.0% (Specific policy surcharge) |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Denied) |
| Legal Path | Base: 3920.51 β 301: 25% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Base 6.5%: Standard MFN rate for plastic plates/sheets.
- 301 Clause 25%: Additional tariff on Chinese plastic products.
- 122-Clause 10%: Specific additional levy applied to certain chemical/plastic imports.
- Total 41.5%: This is a very high entry cost. Must be factored into FOB/CIF pricing.
π― 2. 3906.10.00.00 ββ PMMA Primary Form (Granules)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.3% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| 122-Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base: 3906.10 β 301: 25% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Warning:
- Only use this code if you are importing PMMA granules/powder, not solid boards.
- If you import solid boards but declare as3906.10.00.00, customs will likely reject, detain, or reclassify, leading to penalties.
π― 3. 3921.11.00.00 ββ Polymer Plates/Sheets (Non-Cellular)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| 122-Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | Base: 3921.11 β 301: 25% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Note:
- Slightly lower total tax (40.3%) than3920.51(41.5%).
- Applicable if the acrylic sheet is classified under "Other Plates, Sheets, Film, Foil and Strip, of Plastics" (3921) rather than "Tablet, Rod, Tube" (3920).
- However, PMMA sheets are most commonly and correctly classified under 3920.51. Use3921only if specific technical characteristics (e.g., non-cellular, non-adhesive, different polymer composition) justify it. Consult a customs broker for precise fit.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Mandatory | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (PMMA), Dimensions, Thickness, Density, Color, Treatment (e.g., matte, glossy). |
| β Photos (Clear Label) | βοΈ | Show the board, packaging, and any labels indicating "PMMA" or "Acrylic". |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "PMMA Acrylic Sheet/Board, HS Code 3920.51.50.50". Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Board". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List weight, volume, and quantity. Ensure no mixed goods. |
| β Certification (Optional but Recommended) | βοΈ | MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) may be required for plastic resins/sheets. |
| β Country of Origin | βοΈ | Must be clearly marked as China (CN) if applicable. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Form Matters, Name Matters, Tax Varies!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Solid PMMA Sheet | 3920.51.50.50 (Acrylic Sheet) |
Calling it "Clamp" or "Tool" β May be misclassified as tools (higher tax) |
| PMMA Granules | 3906.10.00.00 (Primary Form) |
Calling it "Sheet" β Misclassification |
| Mixed Packaging | Declare all items together | Splitting sheets and clamps into different HS codes incorrectly |
| Labeling | "PMMA Acrylic Sheet" | "Acrylic Clamp Board" (Vague) |
β οΈ Important:
- "Clamp Board" is a functional description. Customs classifies by material and form.
- If the product is solid PMMA, it is NOT a "tool" or "machine part" (Chapter 84/82). It is Plastic Sheet (Chapter 39).
- Misdeclaring as "Tool" or "Part" can lead to higher duties or rejection.
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Coated Acrylic Sheets | If coated with adhesive or other materials, ensure the coating doesnβt change the classification to 3921 (laminated). If it's just surface treatment, 3920.51 still applies. |
| Colored PMMA | Color does not change the HS code 3920.51.50.50. |
| OEM Custom Sizes | Provide exact dimensions and thickness. Ensure no machining beyond cutting/sheet forming that would classify it as "worked" (but 3920 covers worked sheets). |
| Importing from Non-China Origins | If originating from Vietnam/Mexico, Section 301 and 122-Clause taxes may not apply. Verify country of origin carefully! |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3920.51.50.50 |
41.5% | None | High tariffs due to 301 & 122-Clause. |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.51.50.50 |
5-6% (Import Duty) | None | Standard MFN rate. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.51.50.50 |
6.5% (Import Duty) | CE (if applicable) | No additional punitive tariffs. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3920.51.50.50 |
5% (Import Duty) | None | Low duty, no major surcharges. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3920.51.50.50 |
5-6% (Import Duty) | PSE (if electrical) | Moderate duty. |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes 41.5% total tax on Chinese PMMA sheets.
- EU, Japan, Australia have much lower duties (~5-6.5%).
- If possible, supply chain diversification to non-China origins can save ~35% in taxes.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring Solid Acrylic Sheets as PMMA Granules (3906.10.00.00)
π Consequence: Customs will reject the shipment. Misdeclaration leads to fines, delays, and forced reclassification.
β Error 2: Using "Acrylic Clamp" as the product name in the invoice
π Consequence: Customs may classify it under Tools (Chapter 82) or Other Plastic Articles (Chapter 39.26), leading to uncertainty and potential higher duties.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 301 and 122-Clause Taxes
π Consequence: Unexpected 41.5% tax burden at the port. Budget accordingly!
β Error 4: Assuming Acrylic is not subject to additional tariffs
π Consequence: Acrylic (PMMA) is explicitly targeted by 301 and 122-Clause. No exemption for "plastic sheets".
β Correct Practice:
"PMMA Acrylic Sheet, Solid, Unworked/Worked, 5mm Thick, Clear Color, HS Code 3920.51.50.50, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time and Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Solid Sheet = 3920.51"
πΉ "Granules = 3906.10"
πΉ "USA Tax = 41.5% (Base 6.5% + 301 25% + 122-Clause 10%)"
πΉ "Name Matters: Use 'PMMA Sheet', not 'Clamp Board'"
π Pro Tip:
- If your acrylic boards are not made in China (e.g., sourced from Thailand, Vietnam, or Germany), Section 301 and 122-Clause taxes do not apply. The total duty may drop to 6.5% (US) or lower.
- Always verify the Country of Origin on the production certificate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide Product Photos + Request HS Code Advance Ruling if unsure.
π Clear the customs efficiently, maximize your profit margin!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every cent of tax matters! Calculate precisely!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.