Acrylic Plastic Protective Board
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3920515090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920515090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π‘οΈ Acrylic Plastic Protective Board (PMMA Sheets)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Customs Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Acrylic"?
Acrylic Plastic Protective Boards (commonly known as PMMA sheets or Plexiglas) are rigid, transparent plastic sheets widely used in architecture, advertising displays, automotive lighting, and protective barriers. In international trade, they are strictly classified under Chapter 39: Plastics and Articles Thereof.
Key Distinction Point:
- These are non-cellular (not foam/expanding), non-reinforced, and not laminated with other materials (like fabric or metal).
- If the product is cellular (foam) or reinforced (fiberglass), it falls under different HS codes.
- The specific code 3920.51.50.90 applies to: Other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics, noncellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials: Of acrylic polymers: Other.
β οΈ Critical Note:
- Ensure the material is Poly(methyl methacrylate) [PMMA].
- Ensure it is non-cellular (solid, not foam).
- Ensure it is not reinforced (no glass/fiber mesh embedded).
- If these conditions are met, it belongs to HS Code 3920.51.50.90.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Cellular? | Reinforced? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3920.51.50.90 |
Other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics, noncellular and not reinforced... Of acrylic polymers: Other | Solid acrylic sheets, clear protective shields, signage blanks, non-laminated PMMA | β No | β No |
π Important Reminder:
-3920.51.50.90is the specific sub-category for acrylic polymers (PMMA) that are noncellular and not reinforced.
- Do NOT confuse with3920.51.50.10(if specific subcategories exist for cellular acrylics) or3921.xx(laminated/acrylic combined with other materials).
- If the acrylic sheet is laminated with another material (e.g., adhesive-backed, fabric-backed), it may fall under3921.xxinstead. This guide assumes pure, non-laminated, non-reinforced solid sheets.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3920.51.50.90 ββ Acrylic Plastic Protective Board (Noncellular, Non-reinforced)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Applicable (under $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3920.51.50.90 β Section 301: No Additional Duty for this specific sub-category |
π Explanation:
- Base Tariff: The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for this specific acrylic polymer sheet is 0%.
- Section 301 Tariff: Unlike many other Chinese plastics or electronics, this specific HS code (3920.51.50.90) is NOT included in the high additional tariff lists (e.g., List 3, List 4, etc.). Therefore, the additional duty is 0%.
- Total Tax: 0.0%. This makes acrylic protective boards one of the most tariff-efficient plastic imports from China to the US.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Checklist (None Can Be Missing)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: Material: 100% PMMA (Poly methyl methacrylate), Non-cellular, Non-reinforced, Dimensions, Thickness. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Acrylic Sheets, Solid, Non-laminated, Non-reinforced". Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Board". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, quantity, and packaging type. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove Chinese origin and confirm tariff applicability. |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | May be requested to verify non-hazardous nature of pure PMMA. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Pure PMMA, No Foam, No Fiber, No Lamination = 0% Duty!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Acrylic Sheet | 3920.51.50.90 |
Misdeclaring as "Plastic Board" (vague) β Potential audit |
| Acrylic + Aluminum Frame | Split Declaration | Declaring as one item β May fall under metal chapter or higher tariff |
| Foamed Acrylic (Plexiglas Foam) | 3920.xx.xx.xx (Different Code) |
Declaring as 3920.51.50.90 β Misclassification Risk |
| Acrylic with Adhesive Backing | 3921.xx.xx.xx (Laminated) |
Declaring as 3920.51.50.90 β 0% may turn into 3-6% + penalties |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Colors | Specify color in invoice, but keep HS code same if material is pure PMMA. |
| Acrylic Sheets with Printing | If printing is part of the sheet production (e.g., silk-screened acrylic), it may still be 3920.51.50.90. If itβs a printed signage with stand, consider different classification. |
| Mixed Container | If mixed with other plastics, ensure clear separation in documentation to avoid scrutiny. |
| High-Performance Acrylic | Even if itβs high-clarity or impact-modified (but not reinforced), it still falls under 3920.51.50.90 if not reinforced. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3920.51.50.90 |
0.0% | None specific | Zero duty advantage |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.51.50.90 |
0% (VAT 13% if domestic) | CCC (if applicable) | For export purposes, origin key |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.51.50.00 |
6.5% (standard) | REACH, RoHS | Different HS structure than US |
| π¬π§ UK | 3920.51.50.00 |
6.5% | UKCA, REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3920.51.50.00 |
5% | ABA (if electrical) | Standard rate applies |
π Conclusion:
- The US offers a unique 0% tariff advantage for this specific HS code from China.
- Other major markets (EU, UK, Australia) charge standard import duties (5-6.5%).
- Leverage the US market if possible for cost efficiency.
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Describing product as "Plastic Board" without specifying PMMA
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to a higher tariff plastic β Potential 3-6% duty + penalties.
β Error 2: Declaring Foamed Acrylic as 3920.51.50.90
π Consequence: Foamed acrylic is cellular β Wrong HS code β 100% duty + seizure risk.
β Error 3: Declaring Laminated Acrylic (e.g., with fabric or metal) as 3920.51.50.90
π Consequence: Laminated products fall under Chapter 3921 β Different tariff structure β Audit trigger.
β Error 4: Using "Plexiglas" as the only description
π Consequence: "Plexiglas" is a brand name. Customs requires generic description: "Acrylic Sheets, PMMA".
β Correct Description Example:
"Solid Acrylic Sheets, Material: 100% Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) [PMMA], Non-cellular, Non-reinforced, Non-laminated, Clear, Thickness: 3mm, Size: 1220x2440mm"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Pure PMMA, No Foam, No Fiber = 0% US Duty!"
πΉ "Describe accurately, avoid brand names, specify 'Non-cellular' and 'Non-reinforced'."
π Pro Tip:
- Always request a pre-classification ruling from US Customs if the product has any ambiguity (e.g., slightly textured surface, colored tint).
- For large-volume imports, consider using FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone) benefits if applicable, though with 0% duty, itβs less critical.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a licensed customs broker.
π Provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and Product Specs clearly stating "Non-cellular, Non-reinforced PMMA".
π Enjoy 0% Duty Advantage on Acrylic Protective Boards!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent saved is pure profit!
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.