Epoxy Adhesive for Casting
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506990000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ͺ Epoxy Adhesive for Casting (Resin Casting Glue)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Epoxy Adhesive for Casting"?
Epoxy Adhesives for Casting are two-component synthetic polymers (typically a resin and a hardener) that, when mixed, undergo an exothermic chemical reaction to form a rigid, transparent, or opaque solid. In international trade, they are classified primarily under Chapter 35 (Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes) rather than Chapter 39 (Plastics), because their primary function is described as a "prepared glue" or "adhesive."
Key Distinctions for Classification:
1. Retail vs. Bulk:
* Retail Sale: If the adhesive is put up for direct sale to the end-user (e.g., kits with resin, hardener, mixing cups, gloves) in packages weighing β€ 1 kg net weight, it is classified under specific subheadings for retail packings.
* Bulk/Industrial: If sold in large drums or containers > 1 kg, or not specifically put up for retail as a glue kit, it may fall under different subheadings (often 3506.91 or 3506.99 without the retail constraint).
- Base Material:
- Most casting epoxies are based on polymers of heading 3901 to 3913 (e.g., epoxy resins, phenolic resins, acrylics).
- The critical determinant for the final 8-digit HS code in many jurisdictions (like the US HTSUS) is the packaging (β€ 1 kg retail) and the specific polymer base.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If it is a small kit (β€ 1 kg) containing epoxy based on polymers 3901-3913 β3506.91.50.00
- If it is a small kit (β€ 1 kg) but does NOT fit the "epoxy based on 3901-3913" description (rare for standard casting epoxy) or is "Other" β3506.99.00.00
- If it is > 1 kg (Bulk) β Generally falls under3506.91(Adhesives based on polymers 3901-3913) or3506.99(Other), but the specific 8-digit retail codes in apply only to β€ 1 kg retail packages.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided DATA)
The provided data specifies two HS codes for "Prepared glues... not exceeding a net weight of 1 kg". This implies the product is retail-packaged.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Base Material | Tax Rate (China Origin) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3506.91.50.00 |
Adhesives based on polymers of headings 3901 to 3913 or on rubber: Other: Specific retail adhesive category | Standard Epoxy Casting Resin (β€ 1 kg kit) | Epoxy Resins (Heading 3907) | 0.0% (Base) + 0.0% (Added) = 0.0% |
3506.99.00.00 |
Other prepared glues/adhesives: Other: Other | Non-standard epoxies, or epoxies not meeting the specific criteria for 3506.91.50 | Other Polymers | 2.1% (Base) + 25.0% (Added) = 27.1% |
π Critical Insight:
-3506.91.50.00is the "Golden Ticket" for standard epoxy casting adhesives (β€ 1 kg). It has 0% total tariff.
-3506.99.00.00is the "Trap". It carries a 27.1% total tariff (2.1% base + 25% Section 301 added duty).
- Why the difference? The US HTSUS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) often has specific subheadings for "Other" adhesives based on specific polymers (like epoxy/resins) that may be excluded from the "Other" category (3506.99) if they fit the3506.91definition. However, the provided data shows3506.91.50.00at 0%. This suggests that for the specific product "Epoxy Adhesive for Casting," if it qualifies under3506.91.50, it is duty-free. If it is misclassified or falls into the residual "Other" bucket, it incurs the 25% penalty.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Product Type: Epoxy Adhesive for Casting (Retail β€ 1 kg)
π― 1. 3506.91.50.00 ββ Epoxy Adhesives (Polymers 3901-3913)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Added Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Check (Usually, duties < $800 may be de minimis, but this code is 0% anyway, so it's always de minimis-friendly) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3506.91.50.00 |
π Explanation:
- This code represents adhesives based on polymers (like epoxy resins, heading 3907).
- Crucially, it is NOT subject to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Strategy: Ensure your product is correctly described and classified under this specific subheading to enjoy 0% duty.
π― 2. 3506.99.00.00 ββ Other Prepared Adhesives
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.1% |
| Section 301 Added Duty | +25.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 27.1% |
| Duty Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NO (If duty > $0, de minimis doesn't apply if value exceeds $800; if < $800, it may be exempt, but for commercial shipments, it applies) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3506.99.00.00 + USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 |
π Warning:
- If your epoxy adhesive is misclassified as "Other" (3506.99), you will pay 27.1% duty.
- This is a high-cost scenario. Avoid this classification for standard epoxy casting resins.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Proven Tips)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Epoxy Resin," "Two-Part System," "Base Polymer: Epoxy (HTS 3907)." |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Essential for hazardous material classification. Shows it's not a flammable liquid if cured, but may be hazardous in transit. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Epoxy Adhesive for Casting, Net Weight β€ 1 kg per unit, Based on Polymers of Heading 3907." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Confirm net weight is β€ 1 kg to qualify for retail subheadings. |
| β HS Code Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly declare 3506.91.50.00. Do not use "Other Adhesives." |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Epoxy is 3907, Glue is 3506, Retail β€ 1kg, Code .50 is Free!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Duty Rate | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epoxy Casting Kit (β€ 1 kg) | 3506.91.50.00 |
0.0% | β Low (If correctly described) |
| Epoxy Casting Kit (β€ 1 kg) but miscoded as "Other" | 3506.99.00.00 |
27.1% | β High (Unnecessary cost) |
| Epoxy Drum ( > 1 kg) | 3506.91.xx.xx (Non-retail) |
Check 3506.91 subheadings | β οΈ Medium (Different code family) |
| Non-Epoxy Adhesive (e.g., Cyanoacrylate) | 3506.91.10.00 or 3506.99 |
Varies | β οΈ Medium |
π Key Tip:
- Do NOT declare as "Plastic Resin" (Chapter 39). Chapter 39 is for raw materials, not "prepared glues."
- DO emphasize "Prepared Adhesive" and "Based on Polymers of Heading 3907."
β 3. Special Circumstances
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Kit Includes Tools | If the kit includes brushes, cups, or gloves, the adhesive is still the principal component. Classify the whole kit as the adhesive (3506.91.50.00). |
| Net Weight Just Over 1 kg | If the net weight of the adhesive component is 1.001 kg, you lose the retail classification. Move to bulk codes (likely still 3506.91 but different subheading). Keep β€ 1.0 kg net weight. |
| Flammable Components | If the resin/hardener are classified as dangerous goods (UN 1263, etc.), provide proper shipping name and UN number. This does not affect HS code but affects logistics. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3506.91.50.00 |
0.0% | Best option. Avoid 3506.99 (27.1%). |
| π¨π³ China | 3506.91.90.00 |
~6-9% | Import duty into China. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3506.10 or 3506.91 |
~6.5% | VAT applies separately. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3506.10 |
~6.5% | Post-Brexit tariffs. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3506.10 |
~5.7% | No Section 301 equivalent. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market offers a duty-free opportunity (0%) for epoxy casting adhesives if correctly classified under3506.91.50.00.
- Misclassification leads to a 27.1% tax penalty. Precision in description is critical.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Plastic Resin, Unsaturated Polyester" (Heading 3907)
π Consequence: CBP may reject Chapter 39 classification because it's a "prepared glue." May force reclassification to 3506, potentially triggering duties if not specific enough.
π Fix: Use "Prepared Adhesive" language.
β Error 2: Using 3506.99.00.00 (Other Adhesives)
π Consequence: 27.1% Duty. Why pay $271 for $1000 of product when you can pay $0?
π Fix: Verify if your epoxy base polymer fits under 3506.91 (Polymers of 3901-3913). Most epoxies do.
β Error 3: Ignoring Net Weight Limit
π Consequence: If > 1 kg, the retail subheadings (3506.91.50.00 / 3506.99.00.00) may not apply. You fall into general 3506.91 or 3506.99 categories, which may have different tax implications.
π Fix: Keep individual packages β€ 1 kg net weight of adhesive.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Epoxy Casting Adhesive, Two-Part System, Based on Epoxy Resins (Heading 3907), Put Up for Retail Sale in Kits of 500ml Net Weight Each, HS Code 3506.91.50.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Zero Duty!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Epoxy is a Glue, Not Just Plastic"
πΉ "β€ 1 Kg Retail, Code .50, Duty is Zero"
πΉ "Code .99, 27% Tax, Don't Be Lazy!"
π Pro Tip:
If your epoxy adhesive is based on natural rubber or other polymers not in 3901-3913, it might fall under
3506.99. However, casting epoxies are almost always synthetic polymers (3907). Therefore,3506.91.50.00is your target.
Recommendation: Submit an Advance Ruling to US CBP if your product is unique, to confirm eligibility for3506.91.50.00.
π£ Take Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the correct HS Code:
3506.91.50.00
π Ensure packaging label reads "Net Weight β€ 1 kg"
π° Save 27.1% by getting the code right!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Deserves to Keep That 27.1% You Don't Pay!
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.