Agricultural Glyphosate Formulation
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808935020 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808935040 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πΎ Herbicides, Anti-Sprouting Products, and Plant-Growth Regulators: Glyphosate Mixtures
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy for Agrochemicals
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Glyphosate"?
Glyphosate is the worldβs most widely used broad-spectrum herbicide. In international trade, it is strictly regulated under Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System. The classification hinges on whether the product is a pure substance or a retail-ready mixture with adjuvants.
Based on your input, we are dealing with retail-packaged mixtures containing N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine (glyphosate) or its salts/esters combined with application adjuvants.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is put up in forms or packings for retail sale (e.g., small bottles, pouches, kits) as a preparation (mixture of glyphosate + adjuvants/additives) β It falls under HS 3808.
- Pure glyphosate acid or simple salts without complex adjuvant mixtures for retail use may fall under HS 2933 (Chemical products), but mixtures with adjuvants for agricultural use are specifically categorized under 3808.93.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (China Origin to US) |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.93.50.20 |
Mixtures of glyphosate or its salts/esters AND application adjuvants | Retail-packaged herbicide mixtures with specific adjuvants | 5.0% (Base Tariff Only) |
3808.93.50.40 |
Other herbicides, anti-sprouting products, and plant-growth regulators | Other retail-packaged agrochemical preparations not falling under .20 | 30.0% (Base 5% + Additional 25%) |
π Critical Note:
- The key differentiator between3808.93.50.20and3808.93.50.40lies in the specific formulation.
-.20explicitly covers "Mixtures of ... glyphosate ... and application adjuvants". If your product contains glyphosate + adjuvants (surfactants, spreaders, etc.) for retail sale, this is the most likely and favorable code.
-.40is a "catch-all" for other herbicides/preparations. If customs deems your product does not fit the specific "glyphosate + adjuvant" definition of.20, it defaults to.40, triggering the 25% Section 301 additional tariff.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (With Additional Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Ongoing Section 301 tariffs apply
π― 1. 3808.93.50.20 ββ Glyphosate Mixtures with Adjuvants
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% (General Rate of Duty) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 5.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 5.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Applicable (Section 301 goods are generally excluded from de minimis relief if value exceeds thresholds, but more importantly, agricultural chemicals often face strict scrutiny). |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3808.93.50.20 β Section 301 Footnote: No Additional Duty for this specific subheading |
π Explanation:
- This is the optimal classification for glyphosate formulations.
- Unlike many other Chinese-manufactured goods, glyphosate mixtures with adjuvants (3808.93.50.20) are exempt from the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Cost Advantage: Only 5% duty vs. 30% for similar but incorrectly classified items.
π― 2. 3808.93.50.40 ββ Other Herbicides & Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 30.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3808.93.50.40 β USITC: Section 301 List 4A / 301 Footnote |
π Warning:
- If your product is misclassified here, you pay 30% duty instead of 5%.
- This usually happens if the product is deemed not to contain "application adjuvants" as defined, or if it is classified as a "other" pesticide preparation.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: Active Ingredient: Glyphosate (or salt/ester). Inert Ingredients: List all adjuvants. |
| β Formula/Mixture Ratio | βοΈ | Crucial for proving it fits 3808.93.50.20 (Glyphosate + Adjuvants). |
| β Retail Packaging Photos | βοΈ | Show the final consumer-ready package (bottles, pouches). |
| β EPA Registration Number | βοΈ | Mandatory for US import. Glyphosate products must be registered with the US EPA. Provide the EPA Registration Number on the invoice. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code: "Herbicide Mixture: Glyphosate + Adjuvants for Retail Sale" |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Proves Chinese origin for tariff calculation. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Glyphosate + Adjuvant = .20 (5%); Other Herbs = .40 (30%)"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Glyphosate + Surfactants/Spreaders (Retail) | 3808.93.50.20 |
Classify as .40 β Pay 30% unnecessarily |
| Pure Glyphosate Acid (Not retail/prep) | 2933.39 (Different Chapter) |
Classify as 3808 β Potential error if not a preparation |
| Glyphosate ready-to-use spray (Retail) | 3808.93.50.20 |
Call it "Plant Food" or "Fertilizer" β Fraudulent misclassification |
| Bulk Glyphosate Concentrate (Not retail) | May be 2933 or 3808.10 |
Call it "Retail Mix" β Wrong classification |
π Key Advice:
- Ensure your EPA label and Invoice Description align.
- Clearly state "Contains Application Adjuvants" in the commercial invoice description to support the.20classification.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label Glyphosate | Provide the EPA Registration Number of the registered product. Ensure the formulation matches the EPA-approved formula. |
| Generic Glyphosate | Must still have an EPA Registration Number. Unregistered imports will be refused entry. |
| Mixture with Non-Adjuvant Inerts | If the mixture contains significant non-adjuvant inerts that change the product's character, consult a customs broker. It might risk being classified as .40. |
| Anti-Sprouting Products | If the product is primarily for anti-sprouting (e.g., potato sprout inhibition) and not herbicidal, it still falls under 3808.93, but ensure it doesn't fit .20's specific glyphosate definition. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.93.50.20 |
5.0% | EPA Registration | Best rate. Avoid .40 (30%). |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.93.50.20 |
5.0% | Pesticide Registration | Standard import duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.93 |
6.5% | EU Pesticide Approval | No Section 301 equivalent, but strict EU regulations. |
| π§π· Brazil | 3808.93 |
~14% | IBAMA Registration | High regulatory barrier. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA offers a significant cost advantage (5%) for correctly classified glyphosate-adjuvant mixtures.
- EPA Registration is the single most critical compliance document for importing into the US. Without it, the goods will be seized.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying Glyphosate + Adjuvants under 3808.93.50.40
π Consequence: Pay 30% instead of 5%. Loss of $25 per $100 CIF value.
β Mistake 2: Missing EPA Registration Number on Invoice
π Consequence: Goods denied entry by CBP. Forced to export or destroy.
β Mistake 3: Calling it "Herbicide" without specifying "Mixture with Adjuvants"
π Consequence: Customs officer may question the classification. Provide detailed formula.
β Mistake 4: Importing Unregistered Glyphosate
π Consequence: Illegal. Seizure and fines. Glyphosate is heavily regulated in the US.
β Correct Practice:
"Herbicide Preparation: Mixture of Glyphosate Isopropylamine Salt (41%) and Application Adjuvants. EPA Reg. No. XXXXX-XXX. For Retail Sale."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Glyphosate + Adjuvants = 3808.93.50.20 (5%)"
πΉ "Other Herbicides = 3808.93.50.40 (30%)"
πΉ "No EPA Number = No Entry"
π Pro Tip:
- Always request the EPA Registration Certificate from your supplier.
- Ensure your commercial invoice explicitly mentions "Mixture of Glyphosate and Application Adjuvants" to support the .20 classification.
- Consider Advance Ruling from US CBP if the formulation is complex.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker to review your EPA Registration and Formulation Sheet.
π Ensure your HS Code is3808.93.50.20to save 25% in tariffs.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved in duty 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.