Coumarone Indene Resin Thermosetting Adhesive
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π§ͺ Coumarone-Indene Resin (Thermosetting Adhesive)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What is Coumarone-Indene Resin?
Coumarone-Indene Resin (often abbreviated as CI Resin or C/I Resin) is a synthetic resin produced by the polymerization of coal tar light oil or petroleum heavy aromatic fractions. It is characterized by its amber color, high hardness, excellent solubility, and strong tack.
In international trade, it is primarily used as: * Thermosetting Adhesives: Especially in pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSA), hot-melt adhesives, and roofing adhesives. * Industrial Binders: For coatings, inks, and rubber compounding.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the resin is unmodified and used as a base chemical intermediate β It falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- If the resin is mixed with solvents, plasticizers, or tackifiers to form a ready-to-use adhesive formulation β It may fall under Chapter 35 (Albuminoidal substances) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products), depending on composition.
- Most common commercial form: Pre-mixed or prepared adhesive preparations β HS Code 3506.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Is it a Finished Adhesive? |
|---|---|---|---|
3911.90.90.00 |
Other resins, phenolic, polyesters, epoxy, polyurethane, coumarone-indene | Raw CI resin pellets/powder, unmodified | β No (Base Chemical) |
3506.91.00.00 |
Prepared adhesives, based on latex or synthetic polymers | CI resin mixed with solvents, rubbers, or other polymers for adhesive use | β Yes (Prepared Adhesive) |
3506.99.00.00 |
Other prepared adhesives | CI-based adhesives not classified under 3506.91 (e.g., pure CI solvent mixes) | β Yes (Prepared Adhesive) |
3824.99.99.00 |
Other prepared binding agents | Industrial blends where CI resin is a minor component | β οΈ Possible (if not primarily adhesive) |
π Key Reminder:
- Raw CI Resin (pellets/powder) β 3911.90.90.00
- Ready-to-use Adhesive (liquid, paste, or hot-melt stick containing CI resin + solvents/plasticizers) β 3506.91.00.00 or 3506.99.00.00
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a pre-mixed adhesive as raw resin (3911) to avoid higher tariffs or stricter regulations β Customs seizure + penalties!
π° 3. 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 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3911.90.90.00 ββ Coumarone-Indene Resin (Raw/Unmodified)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | +25% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (China/HK specific, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3911.90.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% USITC surtax applies to many chemical intermediates from China.
- The 10% IEEPA surtax is a new layer added in late 2025 for Chinese-origin goods.
- Total 40.3% makes raw CI resin imports from China highly costly.
π― 2. 3506.91.00.00 ββ Prepared Adhesives (Synthetic Polymer-Based)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.7% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | +25% (Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (China/HK specific) |
| Total Rate | 40.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3506.91.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- If your product is a ready-to-use adhesive (e.g., CI resin dissolved in hydrocarbon solvents for roofing or labeling), it must be declared as 3506.91.00.00.
- The tariff rate is slightly higher than raw resin due to the "prepared" nature.
- Critical: Do not under-declare the value or mislabel as "raw resin" to save taxes β Customs will audit and impose penalties.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: CI Resin content %, solvent type, hardness, tack, application |
| β Formula/Composition List | βοΈ | Percentage of CI resin, solvents, plasticizers, stabilizers |
| β Product Photos (Label/Packaging) | βοΈ | Clear image of label showing "Adhesive" or "Resin" |
| β MSDS (Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Required for chemical imports; check for flammable liquid classification |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe as "Prepared Adhesive" or "Coumarone-Indene Resin" β never generic |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If not from China, may qualify for reduced rates |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight, volume, and packaging type |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Raw is 3911, Glue is 3506. Don't mix them up!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Raw CI resin pellets/powder | 3911.90.90.00 |
Misdeclare as adhesive β 40.7% vs 40.3% (minor diff, but wrong) |
| CI resin dissolved in solvents for adhesive use | 3506.91.00.00 |
Misdeclare as raw resin β Customs penalty for misclassification |
| CI resin mixed with rubber/plasticizers | 3506.91.00.00 or 3506.99.00.00 |
Declare as "chemical additive" β Audit risk |
| Hot-melt adhesive sticks (CI-based) | 3506.91.00.00 |
Declare as "plastic sticks" β Wrong chapter |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Adhesive | Provide customer order + formula sheet. Avoid "generic" descriptions. |
| Flammable Liquid Classification | If CI resin is dissolved in flammable solvents, it may be classified as Class 3 Dangerous Goods. Ensure proper UN number and packaging. |
| Export to Non-US Markets | EU, Japan, Australia may have different tariffs. Check local HS codes. |
| Mixed Shipments | If a container contains both raw resin and prepared adhesives, separate declarations are mandatory. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3506.91.00.00 |
40.7% | MSDS + Flammable Label | High due to 301 + IEEPA |
| π¨π³ China | 3911.90.90.00 |
5.3% | β | No surtax |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3911.90 / 3506.91 |
5.3% / 6.5% | REACH | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3506.91.00.00 |
5% | AICIS | No major surtax |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3506.91.00.00 |
6.5% | JIS | No surtax |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most punitive market for CI resins/adhesives from China due to combined 301 + IEEPA surtaxes.
- EU and Japan have moderate tariffs but require REACH or JIS compliance for chemical imports.
- China domestic tariff is low, but export controls may apply.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a ready-to-use adhesive as "raw resin"
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify, leading to back taxes + fines.
π Fix: Always declare based on final use and composition.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring flammable liquid classification
π Consequence: Shipment held at port for Hazmat audit.
π Fix: Check MSDS. If flash point < 60Β°C, classify as Class 3 DG.
β Mistake 3: Using vague terms like "chemical resin"
π Consequence: Customs request for additional documentation β Delayed clearance.
π Fix: Use precise terms: "Coumarone-Indene Resin" or "Prepared Adhesive, CI-based".
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Prepared Adhesive, Based on Coumarone-Indene Resin, Dissolved in Hydrocarbon Solvents, for Roofing Application, Net Weight 20kg, Model: CI-Adh-200"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Raw is 3911, Glue is 3506. Don't mix them up!"
πΉ "Hazmat matters: Check MSDS before shipping!"
πΉ "USA Tariff is 40%+: Plan your supply chain wisely!"
π Pro Tip:
If your CI resin/adhesive is originating from Vietnam, India, or Mexico, you may qualify for lower tariffs or IEEPA exemptions. Consider supply chain diversification to reduce costs.
Apply for an Advance Ruling (US CBP) to confirm your HS code before shipping.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide MSDS + Verify Flammable Classification
π Ensure compliant clearance, avoid delays, and protect your margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every dollar of tariff savings is worth the effort!
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.