Colored Film (Low Saturation)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3920991000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920992000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9001200000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921905050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921904090 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π¨ Colored Film (Low Saturation) β Material: Plastic
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Colored Film (Low Saturation)"?
Colored Film (Low Saturation), specifically made of plastic material and shaped as sheet/film, falls under the broader category of plastic sheets, films, boards, and foils. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on:
- Physical Properties: Is it a generic plastic film, or does it have specific optical properties (like low saturation)?
- Application: Is it for general packaging, industrial insulation, or specialized optical/polarizing applications?
- Color/Finish: Is it colored, transparent, or metallic?
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the film has special optical properties (e.g., low saturation, polarizing capability) β It may fall under Chapter 90 (Optical Instruments).
- If it is a general-purpose colored plastic film without special optical functions β It falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 most relevant HS Codes for "Colored Film (Low Saturation)":
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Characteristics | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9001.20.00.00 |
Polarizing Materials, Sheets, Plates | Optical films, LCD polarizers, low-saturation special films | Low saturation is a key feature; often used in display tech | 35.0% |
3920.99.10.00 |
Other Plastic Sheets, Films | Generic colored plastic films, packaging, insulation | General plastic, no special optical function | 41.0% |
3920.99.20.00 |
Other Plastic Plates, Sheets, Films, Foils | Thick plastic films, industrial plastic sheets | Plate/sheet form, non-optical | 39.2% |
3921.90.50.50 |
Other Plastic Plates, Sheets, Films, Foils | Colored plastic films, adhesive-backed films | Plastic material, film form | 39.8% |
3921.90.40.90 |
Other Plastic Plates, Sheets, Films, Foils | Colored plastic films | Explicitly states "Colored" attribute | 39.2% |
π Critical Note:
- If your product has low saturation and is used for optical/display purposes, prioritize9001.20.00.00.
- If it is a general colored plastic film (e.g., for packaging or decoration), use3921.90.40.90(explicitly "colored") or3920.99.10.00/3920.99.20.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9001.20.00.00 β Polarizing Materials, Sheets, Plates (Low Saturation)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β 9001.20.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Base 0% because optical polarizing materials are often duty-free under general provisions.
- +25% is the standard Section 301 surcharge on Chinese goods.
- +10% is the Section 122 tariff (national security-related).
- Total 35% is significantly lower than generic plastic films.
π― 2. 3920.99.10.00 β Other Plastic Sheets, Films (Generic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β 3920.99.10.00 |
π Explanation:
- This is the highest tax rate in the list (41%).
- Apply only if the product cannot be classified as polarizing (9001.20.00.00) or specifically "colored" (3921.90.40.90).
π― 3. 3920.99.20.00 β Other Plastic Plates, Sheets, Films, Foils
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β 3920.99.20.00 |
π― 4. 3921.90.50.50 β Other Plastic Plates, Sheets, Films, Foils
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.8% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
π― 5. 3921.90.40.90 β Other Plastic Plates, Sheets, Films, Foils (Colored)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β 3921.90.40.90 |
π Note:
- This HS Code explicitly mentions "Colored" attribute, making it a strong candidate if the product is not optical/polarizing.
- Tax rate (39.2%) is identical to3920.99.20.00.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include dimensions, color, saturation level, material composition |
| β Technical Data Sheet | βοΈ | Highlight if it has optical properties (e.g., low saturation, polarizing) |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear shots of color, texture, and any labeling |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | UV resistance, color fastness, optical transmission (if applicable) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Colored Plastic Film, Low Saturation" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, dimensions, and package count |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, may qualify for preferential rates |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Optical = 9001, Colored = 3921, Generic = 3920; Don't misdeclare!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Action | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Film / Low Saturation / Polarizing | 9001.20.00.00 (35.0%) |
Declare as 3920.99.10.00 |
Overpay tax by 6% |
| General Colored Plastic Film | 3921.90.40.90 (39.2%) |
Declare as 9001.20.00.00 |
Customs may reject/optical claim rejected |
| Thick Plastic Sheet (Non-colored) | 3920.99.20.00 (39.2%) |
Declare as 3921.90.40.90 |
Minor discrepancy, possible delay |
| Packaging Film (Generic) | 3920.99.10.00 (41.0%) |
Any other code | Highest tax rate |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Colored Film | Provide customer order + color sample (Pantone code) |
| Film with Adhesive Backing | Still classified under Chapter 39, but specify "adhesive" in description |
| Low Saturation for Display Use | Strongly recommend 9001.20.00.00 for lower tax (35%) |
| Mixed Packaging (Film + Accessories) | Declare film separately; accessories may have different HS codes |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 9001.20.00.00 |
35.0% (China) | N/A | Lowest tax if optical |
| πΊπΈ United States | 3921.90.40.90 |
39.2% (China) | N/A | If not optical |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.99.10.00 |
~6% | CCC (if applicable) | No surtaxes |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 3920.99.00.00 |
0-6% | REACH, RoHS | No Section 301 |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3920.99.00.00 |
0-5% | PSE (if electrical) | Low tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- US is the only market with significant surtaxes (25% + 10%).
- If your product has low saturation for optical use,9001.20.00.00saves 4-6% in taxes.
- If it's general colored plastic,3921.90.40.90is the most accurate.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring optical low-saturation film as generic plastic (3920.99.10.00)
π Result: Pay 41% instead of 35% β 6% unnecessary cost!
β Error 2: Declaring general colored film as optical (9001.20.00.00)
π Result: Customs rejects claim β Delay, reclassification, or penalties
β Error 3: Not providing color specification (Pantone/Hex code)
π Result: Customs cannot verify "colored" attribute β Possible misclassification
β Error 4: Using vague terms like "plastic sheet"
π Result: Customs assigns highest default rate (41%) β Overpayment
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Plastic Colored Film, Low Saturation, Optical Grade, for LCD Display Use, Model XYZ, 0.2mm Thickness, Pantone 123C"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Optical = 9001 (35%), Colored = 3921 (39.2%), Generic = 3920 (41%)"
πΉ "HS Code determines tax; 4-6% difference can be huge on large volumes!"
π Pro Tip:
If your film is originally from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions or lower tariffs.
Recommend Applying for Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) before shipment to avoid disputes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide Product Specs + Color Sample + Apply for HS Code Pre-classification
π Ensure smooth clearance, lower costs, and higher profit margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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.