Binder Anti settling Agent Mixture for Casting
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3901909000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901905501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3903901000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3903905000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ͺ Binder Anti-Settling Agent Mixture for Casting
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Pro-Level Import Strategy
π One Product, Five HS Codes β Why? Letβs Decode the Logic!
π‘ Key Insight:
This is not a simple chemical β it's a performance-enhanced polymer formulation used in casting processes (e.g., foundry molds, 3D printing, industrial casting).
Its HS Code depends on two factors:
1οΈβ£ Chemical base material (ethylene-based, styrene-based, or general polymer)
2οΈβ£ Functional logic: Is it primarily a polymer or a bonding agent?
π¦ II. HS Code Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff Authority β US Focus)
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3901.90.90.00 |
Binder anti-settling agent mixture, based on ethylene polymers, in primary form | Classified under polymer base (ethylene) + primary form (raw material) | 41.5% |
3901.90.55.01 |
Binder anti-settling agent mixture, based on ethylene copolymers, in primary form | Same logic β copolymer of ethylene β still under 3901.90.55 | 41.5% |
3903.90.10.00 |
Binder anti-settling agent mixture, based on styrene polymers, in primary form | Styrene-based polymer β falls under 3903.90.10 | 41.5% |
3903.90.50.00 |
Binder anti-settling agent mixture, based on styrene polymers, but not in primary form (e.g., formulated, blended) | Not raw polymer β classified under other styrene polymers | 41.5% |
3506.91.50.00 |
Binder anti-settling agent mixture, based on general polymer, used as adhesive in casting | Functional logic: adhesive purpose β 3506.91.50 | 37.1% |
β οΈ Critical Note:
Even though all five have different HS Codes, four carry 41.5% total tax, and only one (3506.91.50.00) is lower at 37.1%.
The difference lies in classification logic, not product quality.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Breakdown (US Customs β China Origin)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and ongoing)
π― 1. 3901.90.90.00 β Ethylene Polymer-Based, Primary Form
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 301 (IEEPA) 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (denied under US law) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3901.90.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why this applies:
- The product is not a finished adhesive β it's a raw polymer (ethylene-based) used as a binder in casting.
- Even if blended, if in primary form, it falls under 3901.90.90.
π― 2. 3901.90.55.01 β Ethylene Copolymer-Based, Primary Form
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| USITC 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis? | β No |
| Legal Path | Same as above β IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3901.90.55.01 |
π Why this applies:
- Ethylene copolymers (e.g., EVA, EMA) are not pure polyethylene β classified under 3901.90.55.
- Still considered primary form β same tax burden.
π― 3. 3903.90.10.00 β Styrene Polymer-Based, Primary Form
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| USITC 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total | 41.5% |
| De Minimis? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3903.90.10.00 |
π Why this applies:
- Styrene-based polymers (e.g., polystyrene, ABS, SAN) are not ethylene-based β must go under 3903.90.10.
- If raw, unformulated, it's primary form β same 41.5% rate.
π― 4. 3903.90.50.00 β Styrene Polymer-Based, Not Primary Form
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| USITC 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total | 41.5% |
| De Minimis? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3903.90.50.00 |
π Why this applies:
- Even if blended or formulated, if based on styrene polymers, and not in primary form, itβs still under 3903.90.50.
- No tax reduction β same rate as raw form.
π― 5. 3506.91.50.00 β General Polymer-Based, Used as Adhesive (Functional Logic)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.1% |
| USITC 301 Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total | 37.1% |
| De Minimis? | β No |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3506.91.50.00 |
π Why this applies:
- Key difference: The product is not just a polymer β itβs formulated as an adhesive for casting applications.
- Functional logic (adhesive purpose) overrides material base β 3506.91.50.00 is lower tax.
- Savings: 4.4% vs. other codes β significant for high-volume shipments.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips)
β 1. Document Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Shows polymer base, formulation, function |
| β Formulation & MSDS | βοΈ | Proves itβs not raw polymer but a blended agent |
| β Lab Test Report | βοΈ | Confirms adhesive performance in casting |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state: "Binder Anti-Settling Agent Mixture for Casting, Formulated as Adhesive" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For tariff eligibility |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Shows total weight, packaging, no component separation |
| β Sample (Optional but Recommended) | βοΈ | For customs inspection |
β 2. η³ζ₯ηη₯ (The Golden Rule)
π₯ "If itβs a blend for casting, call it an adhesive β not a polymer!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Raw ethylene polymer in powder form | 3901.90.90.00 |
Primary form β polymer logic |
| Ethylene copolymer blend, used in casting | 3901.90.55.01 |
Copolymer + primary form |
| Styrene-based blend, not raw | 3903.90.50.00 |
Not primary form |
| Formulated mixture, used as adhesive in casting | 3506.91.50.00 |
Functional logic wins! |
β Pro Tip:
Use "Adhesive" in the product name, not "polymer" or "resin".
Example:"Formulated Anti-Settling Agent Mixture for Casting, with Polymer Base, Functioning as Adhesive"
β 3. Avoid These Common Pitfalls
| Mistake | Risk | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| β Calling it a "polymer" in invoice | Taxed at 41.5% | Use "adhesive mixture" |
| β Not proving formulation | Customs may assume raw polymer | Submit formulation sheet |
| β Splitting shipment into "polymer" + "additive" | Each part taxed at 41.5% β total 83%+ | Do NOT split |
| β Using generic name like "casting agent" | Ambiguous β risk of misclassification | Use precise technical name |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3506.91.50.00 |
37.1% (China) | None (unless FDA-regulated) | Best to claim adhesive logic |
| π¨π³ China | 3506.91.50.00 |
5% | CCC, RoHS | No extra duties |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3506.91.50.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE, REACH | No additional tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3506.91.50.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra duties |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3506.91.50.00 |
0% | PSE | No extra duties |
π Takeaway:
- USA is the only market with 41.5% rate for polymer-based versions.
- Only in the US does functional logic (adhesive) reduce tax from 41.5% β 37.1%.
π VI. Final Verdict: How to Minimize Tariff Risk
β Best Strategy:
- Classify as3506.91.50.00if the product is formulated as an adhesive for casting.
- Provide proof of function (test reports, formulation, application notes).
- Avoid using βpolymerβ or βresinβ in documentation.
- Do NOT split the shipment.π¨ Worst Case:
- Misclassify as3901.90.90.00β 41.5% tax instead of 37.1% β extra $4,400 per $100k shipment.
π― VII. Pro Tips for Exporters & Importers
π₯ "Function Over Form β Declare It as an Adhesive, Not a Polymer!"
- Use "anti-settling agent mixture for casting" + "adhesive function" in all docs.
- Submit lab reports showing bonding strength, viscosity, settling resistance.
- Request Advance Ruling (Pre-Decision) from US CBP if unsure.
- Consider relocating production to Vietnam/Mexico to avoid IEEPA 122 Clause.
π£ Call to Action: Secure Your Shipment Today!
π Contact a US Customs Broker + Submit Product Data
π Get a Pre-Approval for3506.91.50.00
πΌ Save 4.4% β Thatβs thousands per container!
β¨ Your product is not just a chemical β itβs a strategic asset.
πΌ Precise HS Code = Lower Tax = Faster Clearance = Higher Profit!
π― Remember:
"Polymer" = 41.5%
"Adhesive" = 37.1%
The name you use decides your fate!
β
Pro Tip:
If your product is produced in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemption β 0% extra duty β total tariff drops to 2.1%!
π Act now β your next shipment is waiting!
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.