Ethion Emulsifiable Concentrate
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808915001 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π Ethion Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Full Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy π I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Understand "Ethion"?
Ethion Emulsifiable Concentrate (EC) is a widely used organophosphate insecticide. The term "Emulsifiable Concentrate" refers to the physical formulation, where the active ingredient (Ethion) is dissolved in a solvent with emulsifiers to form a stable emulsion when mixed with water.
In international trade, chemical pesticides are strictly regulated under Chapter 38 of the HS Code system. The classification depends on: 1. Active Ingredient: Ethion is classified as an Insecticide. 2. Form/Packing: It is "put up in forms or packings for retail sale" or as a "preparation." 3. Specific Sub-category: Since Ethion is not typically classified as a Rodenticide, Fungicide, Herbicide, or Antisprouting product, it falls under the general "Other" category for Insecticides.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is Ethion (active ingredient) formulated for insect control β 3808.91.50.01
- If the product were a Fungicide or Herbicide, it would fall under different sub-headings (e.g., 3808.93 or 3808.94).
- Formulation does not change the chemical identity: An "Emulsifiable Concentrate" of an insecticide is still treated as an insecticide preparation.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Active Ingredient Type |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.91.50.01 |
Other Insecticides: Other: Other | Ethion EC, Diazinon EC, Malathion EC (Non-retail bulk or standard retail packs) | β Insecticide |
3808.91.10.00 |
Insecticides: For public health use (e.g., mosquito control) | DDT, Lindane, Pyrethroids used in public health campaigns | β Insecticide |
3808.93.00.00 |
Fungicides, Herbicides, etc. | If the product were actually a fungicide (misdeclared as insecticide) | β Not Applicable |
2933.99.00.00 |
Chemical Products (Raw Ethion) | Pure Ethion active ingredient not formulated for retail (bulk chemical) | β Not Formulated |
π Key Reminder:
- 3808.91.50.01 is the specific code for Ethion EC when imported as a finished pesticide preparation.
- Do not confuse with raw chemical code2933.99.00.00. If it is an "Emulsifiable Concentrate," it is a preparation (HS 3808), not a raw chemical.
- The code3808.91.50.01explicitly covers "Other: Other" insecticides, which is the catch-all for Ethion.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Trade Policy)
π― 1. 3808.91.50.01 ββ Insecticides: Ethion Emulsifiable Concentrate
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 5.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 / Section 301 List 4A) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 30.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3808.91.50.01 β USITC:301List4A β Footnote:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 5.0% basic tariff is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for this HS code.
- The 25.0% additional tariff is imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 against Chinese-origin goods. This is a permanent surcharge for most HS codes in Chapter 38, including insecticides.
- Total Cost Impact: For every $10,000 CIF value, you pay $3,000 in duties. This is a significant cost factor that must be included in your pricing strategy.
- Note: There are no IEEPA (Executive Order) surcharges for this specific code in 2026, only the Section 301 301 tariffs.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist (Missing Any Will Delay Clearance)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Must be Section 15 compliant, detailing Ethion content, solvents, and hazards. |
| β EPA Registration Number | βοΈ | CRITICAL: US Customs requires proof of EPA registration for all pesticides. |
| β Product Label (English) | βοΈ | Must match the EPA-approved label exactly. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Ethion 40% EC, Formulation: Emulsifiable Concentrate." |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To confirm CN origin (triggers the 25% surcharge). |
| β MSDS/SDS for Solvents | βοΈ | If solvents are hazardous, additional Hazmat declarations may be needed. |
β 2. Declaration Techniques (Key Mantras)
π₯ "EPA First, Code Accurate, Label Match, Tariff Avoid Mistake!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Ethion EC | 3808.91.50.01 with EPA Reg. # |
Misdeclare as "Industrial Chemical" β Seizure + Fine |
| Unregistered Pesticide | Do Not Import | Attempting to clear without EPA # β 100% Rejection/Destroy |
| Bulk vs. Retail | Specify "Packaging for Retail" | Ambiguous packing description β Audit Risk |
| Mixtures | Declare main active ingredient | Hiding Ethion in a "general insecticide" blend β Fraud |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| EPA Registration Pending | Cannot clear until EPA approval is granted. Apply for EPA TSCA/FFDCA compliance first. |
| Hazardous Materials | Ethion is toxic. Must declare as Hazmat if required by carrier. Provide UN Number (e.g., UN 3029 or UN 2586 depending on flashpoint of solvents). |
| Re-export | If clearing through a foreign trade zone (FTZ), consider duty deferral strategies. |
| Samples | Even samples require EPA notification. No de minimis exemption for pesticides. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.91.50.01 |
30.0% (5% + 25%) | EPA Registration (Strict) | High regulatory barrier. 25% tariff is unavoidable. |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.91.50.01 |
5.0% | Pesticide Registration Certificate | Lower import tariff, but domestic production dominates. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.39.80 |
6.5% | EU BPR Registration | Ethion is restricted in many EU countries. Check Annex I status. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3808.93.00 |
5.0% | PMDA/MHLW Registration | Strict MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) enforcement. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.91.00 |
5.0% | APVMA Registration | High biosecurity standards. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most tariff-heavy market (30%) but has the largest agricultural demand.
- EU has high regulatory barriers (Ethion may be banned/restricted).
- China has low tariffs but is a major producer of Ethion.
- Always verify EPA/EU/PMID registration status before shipping.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Misdeclaring Ethion EC as "General Chemical Solvent"
π Consequence: Customs seizure, penalties, and blacklisting. Pesticides are high-risk commodities.
β Error 2: Failing to provide EPA Registration Number on the Invoice
π Consequence: Automatic Hold. CBP will not release the goods without proof of EPA compliance.
β Error 3: Assuming De Minimis Applies (Under $800)
π Consequence: Denied. Pesticides are explicitly excluded from de minimis thresholds in the US.
β Error 4: Incorrect Hazardous Material Declaration
π Consequence: Carrier refusal, fines for misdeclared Hazmat, and potential safety violations.
β Correct Practice:
"Ethion 40% Emulsifiable Concentrate, Insecticide, EPA Reg. No. [Insert Number], Formulated in USA/China, HS Code: 3808.91.50.01"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Cost, Ensure Compliance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "EPA First, Code Accurate, 30% Tax is Inevitable, Hazmat Declared!"
πΉ "HS Code 3808.91.50.01 is for Ethion, No Shortcuts, No De Minimis!"
π Pro Tip:
- If you are importing Ethion EC into the US, budget for a 30% duty cost.
- Ensure your EPA Registration is valid and current.
- Work with a licensed customs broker who has experience with pesticides and Hazmat.
- Consider pre-clearance or Bonded Warehouse strategies if cash flow is tight.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact EPA for registration status + Hire experienced Customs Broker + Prepare SDS/EPA docs
π Let your Ethion EC clear smoothly, avoid fines, and protect your supply chain!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Duty Dollar Counts β Calculate it Right!
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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.