Carbendazim Agricultural Fungicide (Additive)
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πΎ Carbendazim Agricultural Fungicide (Additive)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Compliance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Carbendazim"?
Carbendazim is a broad-spectrum benzimidazole fungicide used in agriculture to control fungal diseases in crops such as rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, and vegetables. It works by inhibiting fungal cell division.
In international trade, it is crucial to distinguish between: * Technical Material (Technical Grade): High-purity carbendazim powder/granules used primarily as an active ingredient (AI) for formulating finished pesticides. * Formulated Product: The finished pesticide sold to farmers, often mixed with carriers, emulsifiers, or other additives.
β οΈ Key Classification Distinction:
- If declared as "Carbendazim Technical" (high purity, e.g., β₯95% AI): It is a single chemical substance β HS Code 2933.59.90.
- If declared as a "Formulated Fungicide" or "Mixture containing Carbendazim as an additive/ingredient": It is a prepared pesticide β HS Code 3808.94.00.π Critical Warning:
Customs often scrutinize the difference between 2933.59.90 (Chemical) and 3808.94.00 (Pesticide). Misclassification can lead to severe penalties, seizure, or back-tariffs. Technical material is NOT a pesticide product until it is formulated.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Purity/State |
|---|---|---|---|
2933.59.90.00 |
Other heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen heteroatoms only (Carbendazim Technical) | High-purity Carbendazim powder (>95%), used as raw material for formulation | β Technical Grade |
3808.94.00.00 |
Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, antisprouting agents, plant-growth regulators, disinfectants, and similar products (Other) | Formulated Carbendazim fungicide (wettable powder, EC, SC), even if Carbendazim is the main active ingredient | β Formulated Product |
π Important Note:
- Do not use2933.59.90.00for formulated products, even if they contain 90%+ Carbendazim. Once mixed with other agents (emulsifiers, dispersants, solvents), it becomes a preparation under Chapter 38.
- Do not use3808.94.00.00for pure technical grade material. Pure chemicals fall under Chapter 29.
π° 3. 2026 Tariff Rate Details (US Market)
β Destination Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards
π― 1. 2933.59.90.00 ββ Carbendazim Technical (Raw Material)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty (China-specific) | +10% (Effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deny De Minimis for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:2933.59.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Carbendazim technical is classified as a chemical intermediate.
- The 41.5% total duty is significant. Importers must factor this into cost models.
- No de minimis exemption: Even small shipments (under $800) are not exempt from these additional duties if they are of Chinese origin.
π― 2. 3808.94.00.00 ββ Formulated Carbendazim Fungicide
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Same as above |
π Note:
- Both technical and formulated Carbendazim face the same high tariff burden in the US market due to current trade policies.
- However, formulated products may face additional regulatory hurdles (EPA registration, pesticide licensing).
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | βοΈ | Must specify purity (e.g., 95% technical) or concentration (e.g., 50% WP). Crucial for HS code determination. |
| β MSDS (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for safety classification and transport compliance (UN3077 for technical, UN3077/UN1308 for formulated). |
| β EPA Registration Number | βοΈ | Mandatory for Formulated Products (3808.94.00). Without it, goods will be rejected by US Customs and EPA. |
| β Letter of Authorization (LOA) | βοΈ | If using another companyβs EPA registration. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Carbendazim Technical Grade" or "Carbendazim Fungicide 50% WP" β do not use vague terms like "Fungicide Additive". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include net/gross weight, number of packages. |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices
π₯ Golden Rule:
"Purity Defines Category: Technical = Chem; Formulated = Pesticide."
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbendazim powder, 98% pure | 2933.59.90.00 |
Declare as 3808.94.00 |
Overpayment of duties? No, but EPA may still ask for registration. Risk of audit. |
| Carbendazim WP, 50% + carriers | 3808.94.00.00 |
Declare as 2933.59.90.00 |
Major Violation. EPA will block entry. Goods seized. |
| Mixture with other AIs | 3808.94.00.00 |
Split invoice to use 2933 |
Fraud. Customs will consolidate and apply highest duty + penalties. |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Exporting to US with no EPA Reg | Do not ship. The US EPA strictly prohibits unregistered pesticides. |
| Transshipment via 3rd Country | Cannot avoid Section 301/IEEPA duties if origin is China. Rule of Origin is strictly enforced. |
| Sample Shipment (<800 USD) | Still subject to duties. Do not rely on de minimis for Chinese-origin pesticides. |
| Carbendazim as "Additive" in Non-Pesticide Product | If mixed into a non-agricultural chemical (e.g., wood preservative), classify under the end-productβs HS code, not 3808 or 2933. Provide clear usage documentation. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Key Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2933.59.90 / 3808.94.00 |
41.5% | EPA Registration | High duty, strict regulation |
| π¨π³ China | 2933.59.90 / 3808.94.00 |
6.5% / 6.5% | Pesticide Registration Certificate | Domestic market requires strict local approval |
| πͺπΊ EU | 2933.59.90 / 3808.90.90 |
6.5% / 0% (if formulated) | BPR Registration | Carbendazim is banned in EU for most uses. Do not export to EU. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 2933.59.90 / 3808.94.00 |
5% / 5% | APVMA Registration | Requires APVMA approval. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 2933.59.90 / 3808.90.90 |
6% / 6% | MHLW Registration | Strict positive list system for residues. |
π Critical Alert for EU:
Carbendazim is prohibited for use as a plant protection product in the European Union due to environmental and health concerns. Exporting to EU may result in immediate seizure and destruction.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring formulated Carbendazim as "Chemical Raw Material" (2933)
π Consequence: EPA rejection, customs penalty, shipment held indefinitely.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring EPA Registration for US imports
π Consequence: Goods returned or destroyed. No entry.
β Mistake 3: Assuming "Additive" means lower duty
π Consequence: If itβs a fungicide additive, itβs still a pesticide preparation. Duty remains 41.5% in the US.
β Mistake 4: Using vague HS codes like 3808.90.90 without specificity
π Consequence: Customs may assign a higher default rate or request additional information, causing delays.
β Correct Practice:
"Carbendazim Technical Grade 98% min, Chemical Fungicide Raw Material, UN3077"
OR
"Carbendazim WP 50%, Agricultural Fungicide, EPA Reg. No. XXXXX-XX, UN3077"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control, Compliance
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Purity is King: Technical = Chem; Mixed = Pesticide."
πΉ "EPA is a Must for US: No Reg = No Entry."
πΉ "EU is a No-Go: Carbendazim is Banned."
π Tip:
For US imports, ensure your Supplier provides a valid EPA Letter of Authorization if you are the registrant. If you are using the supplierβs EPA registration, you must file an EPA 3540-13 form.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify EPA Registration Status before shipping.
π Prepare CoA & SDS with exact purity/concentration.
π Calculate 41.5% duty into your landed cost.
β¨ Accurate Classification Saves Money & Time!
πΌ Compliance is the Best Strategy for Pesticide Trade.
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.