Alkylbenzene High Boiling Fraction
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3824994900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824995500 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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๐งช Alkylbenzene High Boiling Fraction (Foundry Chemicals)
๐ HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2024/2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Specialized Clearance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Alkylbenzene High Boiling Fraction"?
Alkylbenzene High Boiling Fraction is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons primarily used as prepared binders for foundry molds or cores in metal casting industries. It falls under the chemical and allied industries category.
In international trade, this product is not classified as a simple petroleum oil or fuel, but rather as a specialized chemical preparation due to its specific industrial application (binding sand molds).
Key Distinction: * Chemical Preparation: It is a mixture derived from petroleum/shale oil/natural gas, modified or used specifically for foundry applications. * Not a Bulk Fuel: It does not fall under general fuel oils because of its functional additive nature and specific boiling fraction characteristics used in mold binding.
โ ๏ธ Critical Classification Point:
- If the mixture contains halogenated hydrocarbons โ It falls under 3824.99.55.00.
- If the mixture consists of non-halogenated hydrocarbons (standard alkylbenzenes) โ It falls under 3824.99.49.00.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (Authoritativeๅฏน็ ง)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Halogen Content? |
|---|---|---|---|
3824.99.49.00 |
Other Mixtures: Mixtures of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum/shale oil/natural gas (Non-halogenated) | Standard foundry binders, non-toxic core binders, general industrial adhesives | โ No |
3824.99.55.00 |
Other Mixtures: Mixtures of halogenated hydrocarbons | Flame-retardant binders, specialized chemical preparations containing chlorine/bromine | โ Yes |
๐ Key Reminder:
- The presence of halogens (Chlorine, Bromine, etc.) is the deciding factor.
- If your Alkylbenzene fraction is pure hydrocarbon (C, H only), use 3824.99.49.00.
- If it has been chemically modified to include halogens for flame resistance or other properties, use 3824.99.55.00.
๐ฐ III. Tariff Rate Details (Detailed Breakdown)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: Current 2024/2026 Trade Policy Era
๐ฏ 1. 3824.99.49.00 โ Non-Halogenated Alkylbenzene Mixtures
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (Standard MFN Rate) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Trade War Tariff) |
| Total Tax Rate | 31.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 31.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible (Value usually exceeds $800 threshold, and chemical preparations are often scrutinized) |
| Legal Basis | USHTS 2024, Section 301 Footnotes |
๐ Explanation:
- 6.5% Base Rate: Reflects the standard duty for "other prepared binders" and "mixed chemical products."
- 25% Additional Tariff: Imposed under Section 301 on many Chinese chemical products and preparations.
- Total 31.5%: This is a significant cost factor. Must be included in landed cost calculations.
๐ฏ 2. 3824.99.55.00 โ Halogenated Hydrocarbon Mixtures
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (Standard MFN Rate) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Trade War Tariff) |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 28.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | โ Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USHTS 2024, Section 301 Footnotes |
๐ Note:
- Although the base rate is lower (3.7% vs 6.5%), the total rate (28.7%) is still high due to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Savings: Compared to3824.99.49.00, this option saves 2.8% in total duty.
- Caution: You must provide chemical composition analysis proving the presence of halogens to qualify for this lower base rate. Misclassification can lead to severe penalties.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| โ Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | โ๏ธ | Must specify: Boiling range, hydrocarbon composition, halogen content (if any), flash point. |
| โ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | โ๏ธ | Proves chemical composition. Critical for distinguishing 3824.99.49.00 vs 3824.99.55.00. |
| โ MSDS (Safety Data Sheet) | โ๏ธ | Required for chemical shipments. Shows hazardous properties, storage requirements. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must state: "Prepared Binder for Foundry Molds" or "Alkylbenzene High Boiling Fraction." Avoid vague terms like "Chemical Oil." |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail net/gross weight, number of drums/containers. |
| โ Origin Certificate | โ๏ธ | If applicable for other markets, but for US, COO is mandatory to apply 25% tariff correctly. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
๐ฅ "Specify the Binder, Declare the Halogens, Avoid 'Oil' Labels!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Alkylbenzene Binder | HS: 3824.99.49.00 Name: "Alkylbenzene High Boiling Fraction, Prepared Binder for Foundry Molds" |
"Petroleum Oil" or "Solvent" |
| Halogenated Flame-Retardant Binder | HS: 3824.99.55.00 Name: "Halogenated Alkylbenzene Mixture, Flame-Retardant Foundry Binder" |
"Halogenated Solvent" |
| Vague Chemical | HS: 3824.99.99.00 (Higher scrutiny) | "Other Chemicals" |
โ ๏ธ Warning:
- Do not declare as "Petroleum Oil" or "Fuel." This will lead to misclassification, penalties, and potential seizure.
- If the product contains halogens, you must declare it as such. Hiding halogen content to avoid environmental fees is illegal.
โ 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipments | If you ship both halogenated and non-halogenated products in one container, split the declaration into two separate line items with different HS Codes. |
| New Product Formulation | If the chemical composition changes (e.g., adding halogens), re-evaluate HS Code. A change from 3824.99.49.00 to 3824.99.55.00 affects the base tariff. |
| Duty Drawback | If the product is re-exported, explore Duty Drawback programs to claim back the 31.5% or 28.7% paid. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2024/2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ United States | 3824.99.49.00 / 3824.99.55.00 |
31.5% / 28.7% | High Section 301 tariffs. Strict chemical documentation required. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 3824.99.49.00 |
~6.5% (Import Duty) + VAT | Lower tariffs for import. |
| ๐ช๐บ European Union | 3824.99.97 |
~3.5% | No Section 301 equivalent, but REACH compliance is critical. |
| ๐ฎ๐ณ India | 3824.99.99 |
~7.5% | Check for anti-dumping duties on specific chemicals. |
๐ Conclusion:
- The US market is the most challenging due to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Total duty of 28.7%โ31.5% must be factored into pricing.
- Halogen content is the key differentiator for base tariff rates.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring as "Petroleum Distillate"
๐ Consequence: Misclassification, customs delay, penalties. Foundry binders are preparations, not simple distillates.
โ Mistake 2: Ignoring Halogen Content
๐ Consequence: If halogens are present but not declared, you may face environmental violations or incorrect duty assessment (paying 31.5% instead of 28.7%, or vice versa if understated).
โ Mistake 3: Vague Description "Chemical Oil"
๐ Consequence: Customs will assign a duty-free or ambiguous code, leading to an audit and potential back-taxes.
โ Correct Practice:
"Alkylbenzene High Boiling Fraction, Prepared Binder for Foundry Molds, Non-Halogenated, CAS [Insert CAS Numbers], Net Weight 200kg/Drum"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification for Cost Optimization
๐ฏ Remember:
๐น "Binder, Not Oil; Halogen, Not Hydrocarbon; 25% Tariff is Fixed."
๐น "31.5% vs 28.7%: The 2.8% Difference Matters!"
๐น "Document Halogens: Avoid Environmental Penalties."
๐ Pro Tip:
If your product is non-halogenated, stick to 3824.99.49.00 (31.5% total).
If it is halogenated, ensure you have lab reports to support 3824.99.55.00 (28.7% total) to save 2.8%.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Consult a Customs Broker: Provide TDS and COA.
๐ Request Pre-Ruling: Apply for an ISF (Import Security Filing) and ACE Portal classification review if volume is high.
๐ Optimize Landed Cost: Factor in 28.7%โ31.5% duty in your pricing model.
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
๐ผ Every Percent Saved is Pure Profit!
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.