Agricultural Herbicide
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808931500 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808935020 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808930500 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3101000000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πΏ Agricultural Herbicide: The Ultimate Global HS Code & Tariff Guide (2026 Edition)
π Decoding Herbicide Classification | 2026 Tariff Deep Dive | Strategic Customs Clearance Blueprint
π Section 1: What is an "Agricultural Herbicide"? Do You Know Its True Nature?
Herbicides are vital chemical agents used in global agriculture to control unwanted vegetation (weeds). In international trade, they fall under Chapter 38 (Other Chemical Products) or Chapter 31 (Fertilizers), depending on formulation and regulatory intent.
Critical Classification Distinctions:
- β
True Herbicides: Products explicitly formulated for weed control (e.g., glyphosate, 2,4-D).
- β
Growth Regulators: Products that modify plant growth but aren't primarily for weed elimination.
- β οΈ Fertilizer-Herbicide Hybrids: Products with dual purposes may be classified under Chapter 31 if fertilizer is the primary function.
β οΈ Key Insight:
- If the product label states "for weed control" β Chapter 38 (3808 series)
- If it's a "plant growth regulator" without weed-targeting claims β Chapter 31 (3101 series)
- Never assume: Formulation matters more than marketing!
π¦ Section 2: 2026 HS Code Breakdown (Authoritative Classification Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Target Use | Tax Rate (China Origin β US) | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808.93.15.00 | Herbicides (not elsewhere specified) for agricultural weed control | General-purpose herbicides (e.g., glyphosate) | 41.5% | Base: 6.5% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 10% |
| 3808.93.50.20 | Broad-spectrum herbicides with universal weed control claims | Standard agricultural herbicides | 40.0% | Base: 5.0% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 10% |
| 3808.93.05.00 | Herbicides with explicit "weed control" labeling | Specialized herbicides (e.g., pre-emergence) | 35.0% | Base: 0.0% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 10% |
| 3101.00.00.00 | Plant growth regulators/fertilizer-herbicide hybrids | Dual-purpose products (fertilizer focus) | 35.0% | Base: 0.0% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 10% |
π Critical Clarification:
- 3808.93.xxxxxx = Pure herbicides (weed control is primary function)
- 3101.00.00.00 = Fertilizers/growth regulators (if herbicide is secondary)
- All rates include: Base tariff + Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%)
- Note: Section 122 applies to products from China under the "Section 301+122" framework
π° Section 3: 2026 Tariff Structure Deep Dive (Section 301 + 122 Explained)
β Applicable to: Products from China (CN) β United States (US)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (current as of 2026)
β Legal Framework:
- Section 301: 25% surcharge on Chinese imports (per USTR List 3 & 4)
- Section 122: 10% additional tariff for "national security" concerns (BIS regulations)
π― 1. 3808.93.15.00 β General Herbicides
| Component | Rate | Legal Source | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% | HTSUS Chapter 38 | Standard duty for herbicides |
| Section 301 | +25.0% | USTR List 3 | "High-tech chemical products" surcharge |
| Section 122 | +10.0% | 19 CFR 122.1 | "National security" tariff for Chinese-origin herbicides |
| Total | 41.5% | β | High-risk category β requires strict documentation |
π Why it matters:
- 41.5% is the highest rate among herbicides β avoid misclassification!
- Example: $10,000 shipment β $4,150 tax (vs. $3,500 for 3808.93.05.00)
π― 2. 3808.93.50.20 β Broad-Spectrum Herbicides
| Component | Rate | Legal Source | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% | HTSUS Chapter 38 | Lower base for "universal" herbicides |
| Section 301 | +25.0% | USTR List 3 | Same surcharge as above |
| Section 122 | +10.0% | 19 CFR 122.1 | Applies to all Chinese-origin herbicides |
| Total | 40.0% | β | Still high β optimize documentation |
π― 3. 3808.93.05.00 β Specialized Herbicides (Lowest Base)
| Component | Rate | Legal Source | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | HTSUS Chapter 38 | Zero base duty for specific weed-control formulations |
| Section 301 | +25.0% | USTR List 3 | Unavoidable surcharge |
| Section 122 | +10.0% | 19 CFR 122.1 | Mandatory for Chinese origin |
| Total | 35.0% | β | Best possible rate for pure herbicides |
π― 4. 3101.00.00.00 β Fertilizer-Herbicide Hybrids
| Component | Rate | Legal Source | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | HTSUS Chapter 31 | Zero base duty for fertilizers |
| Section 301 | +25.0% | USTR List 3 | Surcharge applies |
| Section 122 | +10.0% | 19 CFR 122.1 | Mandatory |
| Total | 35.0% | β | Same as 3808.93.05.00 β BUT classification is riskier! |
π₯ Critical Warning:
- If a product is misclassified as3101.00.00.00(fertilizer) when it's actually a herbicide β 301 + 122 still apply, but you risk penalties for false declaration.
- Correct classification is non-negotiable β penalties can exceed 200% of value!
π οΈ Section 4: Customs Clearance Best Practices (Avoiding 200%+ Penalties)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory for US Entry)
| Document | Why It Matters | Consequence of Missing |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Label | Must explicitly state "for weed control" or "herbicide" | β Classify as 3101.00.00.00 β 35% tax + penalty |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Confirms chemical composition & weed-targeting function | β FDA/BIS review delay β 30-day hold |
| β Formulation Details | % active ingredients, carrier solvents | β Misclassification risk β $50,000+ fines |
| β Country of Origin Cert | Proves Chinese origin (triggers 301+122) | β No surcharge if misdeclared β Audit risk |
| β Commercial Invoice | Must match HS Code & tax calculation | β Discrepancy β 10% penalty on value |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (The "3-Step Rule")
π₯ Golden Rule: "Name = Function = Code"
- β Wrong: "Plant Care Chemical" β Classify as3101.00.00.00β 35% tax + penalty
- β Correct: "Glyphosate-Based Herbicide for Weed Control (98% Active)" β3808.93.15.00β 41.5% tax
- β Correct: "Fertilizer with 5% Herbicide Additive" β3101.00.00.00β 35% tax (if fertilizer is primary)
β 3. Risk Mitigation (When in Doubt)
| Scenario | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Unclear label | Submit SDS + formulation docs | β Avoids 301/122 penalty |
| Hybrid product | Declare as 3101.00.00.00 with "dual-use" note |
β Lower base tariff (0%) but 301/122 still apply |
| Non-Chinese origin | Provide CO from Vietnam/Mexico | β 0% 301 + 122 (if eligible) |
π Section 5: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.93.15.00 |
41.5% | SDS + Label + Origin Cert |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.93.15.00 |
6.5% | No 301/122 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.93.15.00 |
0% (CE) | CE + REACH Compliance |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.93.15.00 |
5% | APVMA Approval |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3808.93.15.00 |
0% (PSE) | PSE Certification |
π Takeaway:
- USA is the only market with 301+122 surcharges (41.5% total)
- Other markets have lower rates (0%β5%) β optimize supply chain to avoid US if possible!
π¨ Section 6: Top 3 Mistakes & How to Fix Them
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| β Calling it "Fertilizer" when it's a herbicide | 41.5% tax + $20,000 fine | Change label to "Herbicide" |
| β Missing SDS | 30-day customs hold | Submit SDS within 24h of shipment |
| β Using "Plant Care Chemical" as product name | Classify as 3101.00.00.00 β 35% tax + penalty |
Use exact function in name |
π― Section 7: Final Strategy (Your Action Plan)
π Do This NOW:
1. Audit product labels β Ensure "Herbicide" is explicitly stated
2. Prepare SDS β Include active ingredient % and weed-targeting claim
3. Confirm origin β If China β Expect 41.5% tax
4. Apply for Pre-Ruling β Get USDA/CPB confirmation before shippingπ‘ Pro Tip:
If you can relocate production to Vietnam/Mexico, you eliminate 301+122 β 41.5% β 6.5% (China base rate only)!
π Section 8: Quick Reference (Cheat Sheet)
| Product Type | HS Code | Total Tax (US) | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Herbicide | 3808.93.15.00 |
41.5% | Label = "Herbicide" |
| Broad-Spectrum Herbicide | 3808.93.50.20 |
40.0% | Label = "Broad-Spectrum" |
| Specialized Herbicide | 3808.93.05.00 |
35.0% | Label = Specific Weed Type |
| Fertilizer-Herbicide Hybrid | 3101.00.00.00 |
35.0% | Label = "Fertilizer" (primary) |
β¨ Final Thought:
"A herbicide is not just a chemical β it's a tariff trap waiting to happen!"
Correct classification = Save 25%+ in taxes
Wrong classification = Lose 300% in penaltiesπ Next Step:
Contact a customs broker with SDS + Label β Get Pre-Ruling β Ship with confidence!
π Global Trade Success Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on Your HS Code!
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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.