Ethylene Plastic Processing Scrap
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3915100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3915900090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3915100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3915100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3915900090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ Ethylene Plastic Processing Scrap (Polymer Waste)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Understanding "Ethylene Plastic Waste"
Ethylene Plastic Processing Scrap refers to the waste, trimmings, parings, and scraps generated during the manufacturing or processing of plastics where the primary polymer is polyethylene (PE) or copolymers of ethylene. In international trade, these materials are classified based on their chemical composition.
Key Distinction:
Ethylene-Based Polymers: Must be declared as such. Includes High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), etc.
* Other Plastics*: If the scrap contains mixed polymers or non-ethylene plastics, it may fall under "Other Plastics" categories, which have different HS codes but often similar tax treatments in this specific dataset.
β οΈ Critical Identification Point:
- If the material is 100% or primarily ethylene-based polymer waste β Use 3915.10.00.00
- If the material is mixed plastics or non-ethylene plastics (e.g., PVC, ABS, PS) β Use 3915.90.00.90
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
3915.10.00.00 |
Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics: Of polymers of ethylene | Industrial PE trimmings, HDPE/LDPE processing waste, recycled polyethylene flakes | β Ethylene-Based |
3915.90.00.90 |
Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics: Other plastics Other | Mixed plastic waste, PVC scraps, ABS shavings, non-ethylene polymer waste | β Non-Ethylene / Mixed |
π Important Reminder:
- 3915.10.00.00 is strictly for ethylene polymers. Do not misdeclare PVC or PP as ethylene scrap. - 3915.90.00.90 is the catch-all for other plastics. If unsure, default to this code unless proven to be pure ethylene.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtax)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025+ (Based on provided data)
π― 1. 3915.10.00.00 β Ethylene Plastic Scrap
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Added Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3915.10.00.00 β Footnote:301-Surtax |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff: 0.0%": Standard MFN rate for plastic waste is often zero.
- "Added Surtax: 25.0%": This is the critical cost driver. Imported Chinese plastic scrap/parings are subject to a 25% additional tariff under U.S. Trade Act Section 301.
- Total Effective Rate: 25%. This is a flat, high surtax applied on top of the base rate.
π― 2. 3915.90.00.90 β Other Plastic Scrap
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Added Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3915.90.00.90 β Footnote:301-Surtax |
π Note:
- Identical tax treatment to ethylene scrap.
- Whether itβs PVC, PET, or mixed plastic waste from China, the 25% surtax applies uniformly to all plastic scrap categories under HS 3915.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics: Of polymers of ethylene" or "Other plastics" |
| β Material Composition Report | βοΈ | Essential to prove ethylene content. If mixed, declare as "Other" (3915.90) |
| β Proof of Origin | βοΈ | To confirm Chinese origin (triggers 25% surtax) |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Highly recommended to avoid misclassification disputes |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Rules)
π₯ "Be Specific, Be Accurate, Avoid Ambiguity!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure PE/HDPE/LDPE waste | 3915.10.00.00 |
Vague term "Plastic Waste" β May lead to audit or reclassification |
| Mixed plastic waste | 3915.90.00.90 |
Declaring as "Ethylene" β Misclassification penalty |
| Clean vs. Contaminated Scrap | Specify cleanliness level | No specification β Delays in inspection |
β 3. Special Circumstances
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Polymer Scrap | If >50% ethylene, argue for 3915.10; otherwise, use 3915.90 |
| Recycled Plastic Pellets | If processed into uniform pellets, may still qualify as "scrap" if not fully refined |
| Non-Chinese Origin | If from Vietnam, Mexico, etc., avoid 25% surtax β check FTAs |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3915.10.00.00 / 3915.90.00.90 |
25.0% (25% surtax) | EPA/State Recycling Rules | High tax burden |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3915.10 / 3915.90 | 0% β 2.5% | REACH Compliance | Lower base tariffs |
| π¨π³ China | 3915.10 / 3915.90 | 0% (Import) | Green Channel Approval | Domestic recycling incentives |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3915.10 / 3915.90 | 0% β 3.2% | JIS Standards | Strict contamination rules |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes the highest cost due to the 25% surtax on plastic scrap from China.
- EU and Japan have lower base tariffs but stricter environmental/contamination regulations.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring mixed plastic waste as "Ethylene Scrap"
π Consequence: Customs audit, potential fines, retroactive tax adjustment.
β Error 2: Ignoring the 25% surtax in cost calculation
π Consequence: Underestimating landed cost by 25% β Profit margin erosion.
β Error 3: Failing to provide material composition proof
π Consequence: Delayed clearance, storage fees, possible rejection.
β Correct Approach:
"Plastic Scrap, Waste, Parings: Ethylene Polymers (HDPE/LDPE), Origin: China, HS: 3915.10.00.00, Tax: 25%"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Costs
π― Remember:
πΉ "Ethylene = 3915.10, Other = 3915.90, Both = 25% Surtax"
πΉ "HS Code determines tax, Tax determines profit, Mistake costs thousands!"
π Tip:
If your plastic scrap can be sourced from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico), you may avoid the 25% surtax entirely.
Consider pre-classification rulings to confirm HS code accuracy.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide material MSDS/Composition Report + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure smooth customs clearance, minimize tariffs, maximize efficiency!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percent of tariff matters β optimize your supply chain today!
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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.