Cellulose Adhesive
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3506105000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3912900090 | 40.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3912390000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4706200000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ͺ Cellulose Adhesive (Woodworking Grade)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Cellulose Adhesive"?
Cellulose adhesive, specifically for woodworking, is a binding agent derived from cellulose or its chemical derivatives. It is widely used in joinery, furniture manufacturing, and carpentry due to its strong bonding properties with wood fibers.
In international trade, the classification depends on whether the product is classified as a "prepared adhesive" (Chapter 35) or as a "cellulose derivative/chemical material" (Chapter 39/47). This distinction is critical because it affects the duty rate and compliance requirements.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a prepared glue/glue stick for industrial/commercial use β Likely falls under Chapter 35 (Animal or Vegetable Glues).
- If the product is a raw cellulose derivative or cellulose particles without complex adhesive formulation β Likely falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics/Cellulose Derivatives) or Chapter 47 (Wood Pulp/Cellulose).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
Based on the provided data, here are the four potential HS Codes for "Cellulose Adhesive (Woodworking)" and their logic:
| HS Code | Product Description | Matching Logic | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3506.10.50.00 |
Prepared Adhesives (Woodworking) | Matches "Prepared Glues & Other Prepared Adhesives." The term "Adhesive" in the name aligns with the material/usage definition. "Cellulose" as a material does not conflict with "Prepared Adhesives." | 37.1% |
3506.91.50.00 |
Adhesives Based on Polymers (Other) | Successful match. The material belongs to polymer-based adhesives. The form fits the definition of "Prepared Glues/Adhesives." The use case "Woodworking" does not conflict with "Other" categories under this heading. | 37.1% |
3912.90.00.90 |
Cellulose & Its Chemical Derivatives | Matches based on material "Cellulose." It fits the definition of "Cellulose and Its Chemical Derivatives." The form is considered a chemical derivative category. | 40.2% |
3912.39.00.00 |
Cellulose Acetates & Derivatives | Material is cellulose, used as an adhesive. It is a common application form for cellulose derivatives, consistent with the classification logic of "Cellulose and Its Chemical Derivatives." | 39.2% |
4706.20.00.00 |
Cellulose Fibers/Particles (Not Glue) | Note: Only applies if the product is "Cellulose Particles" rather than a formulated adhesive. Material is cellulose, form is particles (primary form), fitting cellulose fiber pulp/material characteristics. | 35.0% |
π Critical Analysis:
- Best Match for "Adhesive":3506.10.50.00or3506.91.50.00(37.1% total). These codes explicitly recognize the product as a "prepared adhesive."
- Alternative for Raw Material: If the product is essentially modified cellulose powder used as an adhesive but not pre-mixed into a glue stick/paste,3912.90.00.90(40.2%) or3912.39.00.00(39.2%) may apply.
- Misclassification Risk: Do not use4706.20.00.00unless the product is strictly unformulated cellulose particles. Using this for a ready-to-use woodworking glue is a misclassification that could lead to penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. HS Code 3506.10.50.00 & 3506.91.50.00 β Prepared Adhesives
Recommended for most "Cellulose Adhesive" products.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.1% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Section 301 Tariffs) |
| 122 Clause Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% (Targeting China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO (deny_de_minimis). Must be formally declared. |
| Legal Reference Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3506.10.50.00 / 3506.91.50.00 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% is the standard Section 301 tariff for Chinese goods.
- The 10% is the new "122 Clause" tariff under IEEPA targeting specific Chinese imports.
- Total 37.1% is significant but lower than the "Chemical Derivative" classification.
π― 2. HS Code 3912.90.00.90 β Cellulose Derivatives
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.2% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO |
π― 3. HS Code 3912.39.00.00 β Cellulose Acetates/Derivatives
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
π― 4. HS Code 4706.20.00.00 β Cellulose Fibers/Particles
(Only if NOT a formulated adhesive)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Cellulose-based Adhesive," "For Woodworking," "Solid/Paste/Granular Form." |
| β Ingredients List | βοΈ | Critical to distinguish between "Prepared Adhesive" (Ch 35) vs. "Raw Cellulose Derivative" (Ch 39). |
| β Product Photos (Label & Interior) | βοΈ | Show packaging label with "Adhesive" or "Glue." If inside is a paste/stick, Ch 35 is more likely. |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for hazardous material declaration, even if non-hazardous, to prove chemical nature. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Woodworking Cellulose Adhesive," NOT just "Cellulose Powder." |
| β Proof of Formulation | βοΈ | If claiming Ch 35, provide evidence that it is a "prepared adhesive" (mixed with solvents/activators). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "State Use, Define Form, Avoid 'Raw' if Formulated!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-use Wood Glue | HS 3506.10.50.00 |
Declare as "Cellulose Chemical" β 40.2% + Misclassification Risk |
| Cellulose Powder for DIY Mixing | HS 3912.90.00.90 |
Declare as "Adhesive" β Customs may reject if no binding agents present |
| Cellulose Particles (Raw) | HS 4706.20.00.00 |
Declare as "Glue" β High Penalty Risk (Misclassification) |
| Packaging Details | Include net weight, form (liquid/paste/powder) | Omit form details β Delays for customs inspection |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Adhesives | Provide the clientβs technical spec sheet to prove it is a "prepared adhesive" (Ch 35) rather than a raw chemical. |
| Multi-Component Kits (Glue + Activator) | If sold as a single unit, declare as "Adhesive Set." The primary function (bonding) dictates Ch 35. |
| High-Viscosity Paste vs. Dry Powder | Paste/Paste-like = Ch 35 (37.1%). Dry Powder without binders = Ch 39 (39.2-40.2%). |
| Woodworking Specific Use | Explicitly state "For Woodworking" to support the Ch 35 classification, as Ch 35 covers "Other Prepared Adhesives." |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3506.10.50.00 |
37.1% (37.1% total incl. 301+122) | SDS, Labeling compliant with FTC | High tariff; Ch 35 is better than Ch 39 |
| π¨π³ China | 3506.10.50.00 |
5-10% (Import Duty) | CCC (if applicable), Safety Standards | Lower import duties, but focus on domestic sales |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3506.10.00.00 |
0-6.5% (varies) | REACH Registration, CLP Labeling | No Section 301/122 tariffs; REACH is critical |
| π¬π§ UK | 3506.10.00.00 |
0-6.5% | UK REACH, CLP Labeling | Post-Brexit rules apply; check UK TRAR |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 3506.10.90.00 |
0-5% (MFN) | WHMIS Compliance | Generally lower tariffs; CEPA compliance needed |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest landed cost due to Section 301 (25%) + 122 Clause (10%).
- Ch 35 (37.1%) is generally cheaper than Ch 39 (39.2-40.2%) for adhesives.
- Non-US Markets (EU/UK/CA) are significantly more cost-effective, but REACH/UK REACH compliance is a major hurdle.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Cellulose Adhesive" as "Cellulose Powder" (4706.20.00.00)
π Consequence: If itβs a formulated glue, customs will reclassify it to Ch 35 or Ch 39, leading to back taxes + fines. Even if Ch 47 is cheaper (35%), misclassification is risky.
β Error 2: Using 3912.90.00.90 for a ready-to-use paste
π Consequence: Higher tax (40.2%) than necessary. Ch 35 (37.1%) is more appropriate for prepared adhesives.
β Error 3: Omitting "Woodworking" in description
π Consequence: Customs may classify under generic "Chemicals" (Ch 39) instead of "Adhesives" (Ch 35), increasing tax and scrutiny.
β Correct Practice:
"Cellulose-Based Woodworking Adhesive (Paste), Formulated with Activators, Net Weight 500g, HS 3506.10.50.00, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "If itβs a Glue, Use Ch 35 (37.1%). If itβs Raw Cellulose, Use Ch 39 (39-40%). Never Lie about Form!"
πΉ "301 + 122 = 35% Add-on. Plan for 37.1% Total if Adhesive."
πΉ "Documentation is Key: SDS, Spec Sheets, and Photos prevent delays."
π Pro Tip:
If your cellulose adhesive is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions, reducing the total tax to 0-5%.
Recommendation: Apply for an Advance Ruling from CBP before shipping to confirm the HS Code (3506.10.50.00 vs 3912.90.00.90).
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Samples + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Reduce Costs, and Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar of Tax 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) 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.