Boron containing insecticide
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808913000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808915001 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Boron-Containing Insecticide
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What exactly is a "Boron-Containing Insecticide"?
Boron-containing insecticides are specialized agrochemicals used for pest control, particularly effective against crawling insects like ants, cockroaches, and termites. In international trade, the classification depends strictly on whether the product contains an inorganic substance as its active ingredient or component.
Inorganic Boron Formulations:
Products where boron compounds (e.g., Borax, Sodium Tetraborate, Boric Acid) are the primary active ingredients, often formulated into baits, powders, or dusts for retail sale.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product contains an inorganic substance (like pure boron compounds) β Classified under 3808.91.30.00
- If the product is a different type of insecticide (e.g., organic, synthetic, or non-inorganic) β Classified under 3808.91.50.01
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Contains Inorganic Substance? |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.91.30.00 |
Other Insecticides: Containing an inorganic substance | Borax baits, Boric acid dusts, Inorganic boron formulations for retail | β Yes |
3808.91.50.01 |
Other Insecticides: Other | Synthetic organic insecticides, Carbamates, Pyrethroids, etc. | β No |
π Important Reminder:
- Boron is an inorganic element. Therefore, insecticides where boron compounds are the key active ingredient must be classified under 3808.91.30.00.
- Do not misclassify boron-based products as general insecticides (3808.91.50.01), as this leads to incorrect tariff application and potential customs penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3808.91.30.00 ββ Boron-Containing Insecticides (Inorganic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Surtax | 0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Yes (If value is below $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3808.91.30.00 |
π Explanation:
- No base tariff is applied to this specific subheading for agricultural/pest control chemicals containing inorganic substances.
- No additional surtax (such as Section 301 or IEEPA penalties) is currently listed for this HS Code in the provided data.
- This makes it a highly cost-effective category for import, with zero tariff burden.
π― 2. 3808.91.50.01 ββ Other Insecticides (Non-Inorganic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Surtax | 25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 30.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Likely subject to full taxation) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3808.91.50.01 |
π Note:
- If your boron-containing insecticide is incorrectly classified under this code, you will face a 30% tariff.
- Ensure your product description clearly states "Containing Inorganic Substance (Boron)" to justify the correct classification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must explicitly state active ingredient: Boric Acid/Borax (Inorganic) |
| β Formula Composition | βοΈ | Detail % of inorganic boron compound vs. other inert ingredients |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear labels showing "Insecticide" and active ingredient name |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for hazardous chemical declaration |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe as: "Insecticide, Boron-Containing, Retail Packaged" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Match invoice details exactly |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βInorganic Boron, Code .30; Synthetic Stuff, Code .50!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Boric Acid Bait for Ants | 3808.91.30.00 |
Misdeclare as general insecticide β 30% Tax |
| Synthetic Pyrethroid Spray | 3808.91.50.01 |
Misdeclare as boron β 0% Tax (but illegal misclassification) |
| Mixed Formulation (Inorganic + Organic) | Consult Customs | Ambiguous description β Delay & Audit |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Boron Dust + Inert Carriers | Still classified under 3808.91.30.00 if boron is the active pesticidal ingredient |
| Retail vs. Bulk | If packaged for retail sale (e.g., small bottles, bait stations), it fits the HS Code definition perfectly |
| Regulatory Approval | Ensure EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency) registration is obtained before clearance |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirement | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.91.30.00 |
0.0% | EPA Registration | Best market for boron insecticides |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.91.30.00 |
0% (Export) | N/A | Export-friendly |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.91.30 |
~0-5% | EFSA Approval | Varies by member state |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.91.30 |
~5-10% | APVMA Approval | Strict chemical controls |
π Conclusion:
- The USA offers the most favorable tariff (0%) for boron-containing insecticides when correctly classified.
- Ensure EPA compliance to avoid regulatory hold-ups, even though tariffs are zero.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood-Lesson Experience)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Borax as "Industrial Salt"
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code, delayed clearance, potential fines.
π Fix: Always declare as "Insecticide, Boron-Containing".
β Mistake 2: Using generic term "Pest Control Product"
π Consequence: Customs may assign a higher default tariff (up to 30%).
π Fix: Be specific: "Boric Acid Insecticide Bait for Retail".
β Mistake 3: Ignoring EPA Registration
π Consequence: Product seized at US border, even with 0% tariff.
π Fix: Obtain EPA Registration Number and include it in documentation.
β Correct Practice:
"Insecticide, Boron-Containing, Retail Packaged, EPA Reg. No. XXXXX, Active Ingredient: Boric Acid 5%"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification, Profit in Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Boron Inorganic, 3808.30, 0% Tax; Synthetic Organic, 3808.50, 30% Tax!"
πΉ "One Code Wrong, Tax Skyrockets; EPA Approved, Safe Passage!"
π Pro Tip:
If your boron insecticide is originating from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, check for preferential trade agreements (e.g., CPTPP, RCEP) which may offer additional benefits, though US tariffs are already 0% for this specific code.
π Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed US Customs Broker + Provide EPA Registration + Apply for Advance Ruling if unsure
π Clear your Boron Insecticides smoothly, avoid 30% traps, and maximize profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent 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.