Ethylene Polymer Profile Shapes for Packaging
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3208200000 | 38.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3208100000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3923210095 | 38.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901909000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901905501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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๐ฆ Ethylene Polymer Profile Shapes for Packaging
๐ HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Ethylene Polymer Profile for Packaging"?
Ethylene Polymer Profile Shapes for Packaging refer to semi-finished or finished polyethylene components used in the manufacturing, sealing, or protection of packaging materials. In international trade, these products are often ambiguous because they can fall under different chapters depending on their form (powder, primary shape, or finished article) and intended use (coating, raw material, or specific packaging item).
The key distinction lies in: 1. Physical State: Is it a powder? A primary shape (resin/beads)? Or a finished profile? 2. Function: Is it used as a coating material (Chapter 32)? Is it a raw chemical polymer (Chapter 39)? Or is it a finished packaging article (Chapter 39)?
โ ๏ธ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is powder intended to be applied as a coating, it may be classified as a paint/coating product (HS 3208) or as a polymer (HS 3901/3923).
- If it is in primary shape (granules/powder) without specific coating additives, it is typically a polymer resin (HS 3901).
- If it is a finished packaging item (like a film or container), it falls under HS 3923.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
3208.20.00.00 |
Ethylene polymer-based coatings, for application as a coating | Coatings applied to surfaces; matches material with coating purpose | โ Coating Function |
3208.10.00.00 |
Ethylene polymer-based coatings, based on synthetic polymer characteristics | Synthetic resin coatings; chemical focus | โ Coating Function |
3923.21.00.95 |
Ethylene polymer-based packaging, categorized as "Other" for primary raw materials | Finished packaging articles; "Other" category under packaging | โ Finished Article |
3901.90.90.00 |
Ethylene polymer-based, conforms to primary shape of ethylene polymer | Raw resin/granules; primary shape classification | โ Raw Material |
3901.90.55.01 |
Ethylene polymer-based, primary shape classification | Specific sub-category for primary ethylene polymers | โ Raw Material |
๐ Key Reminder:
- If the product is powder but not mixed with binders/solvents for direct application as a paint, it is NOT Chapter 32. It is likely Chapter 39.
- HS 3208 is reserved for paints/varnishes. If the "profile shape" is just raw ethylene powder, misclassifying it here could lead to inspection delays.
- HS 3901 vs. 3923: Raw resin goes to 3901; finished packaging items (films, containers) go to 3923.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Surcharges)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 3208.20.00.00 โโ Ethylene Polymer Coatings (Paints/Varnishes)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.6% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% (USITC Footnote 9903.32.00) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Against China/Heritage) |
| Total Rate | 38.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 38.6% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | โ No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301:9903.01.25 โ Section 122:9903.01.24 โ USITC:3208.20.00.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.32.00 |
๐ Explanation:
- This classification assumes the product is treated as a coating/paint.
- The 25% Section 301 tariff applies to chemicals/coatings from China.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is an additional surcharge for certain Chinese goods.
- Total 38.6% is a high cost for coating materials.
๐ฏ 2. 3208.10.00.00 โโ Ethylene Polymer Coatings (Synthetic Polymer Based)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF ร 38.7% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | โ No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301:9903.01.25 โ Section 122:9903.01.24 โ USITC:3208.10.00.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.32.00 |
๐ Note:
- Similar to above, but a slightly higher base rate (3.7% vs 3.6%).
- Applicable if the coating is specifically defined by its synthetic polymer chemistry rather than application.
๐ฏ 3. 3923.21.00.95 โโ Ethylene Polymer Packaging ("Other")
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Rate | 38.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF ร 38.0% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | โ No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301:9903.01.25 โ Section 122:9903.01.24 โ USITC:3923.21.00.95 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.32.00 |
๐ Note:
- This is for finished packaging articles made of ethylene polymers.
- Lowest base rate (3.0%) among the options, but still subject to full surcharges.
๐ฏ 4. 3901.90.90.00 โโ Ethylene Polymer, Primary Shape
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF ร 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | โ No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301:9903.01.25 โ Section 122:9903.01.24 โ USITC:3901.90.90.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.32.00 |
๐ Note:
- This is for raw ethylene polymer resin (powder/granules) in primary shape.
- Highest total rate (41.5%) due to higher base rate (6.5%).
- Common mistake: Importing raw powder as "packaging" to avoid 6.5% base, but if it's not a finished good, it must be 3901.
๐ฏ 5. 3901.90.55.01 โโ Ethylene Polymer, Primary Shape (Specific Sub)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF ร 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | โ No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301:9903.01.25 โ Section 122:9903.01.24 โ USITC:3901.90.55.01 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.32.00 |
๐ Note:
- Specific sub-category for primary ethylene polymers.
- Same total rate as3901.90.90.00.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (ๅฎๆ้ฟๅๆๅ)
โ 1. Preparation Checklist (Missing Items = Delay)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must specify physical form (powder, granule, film) and chemical composition |
| โ Formula/Composition List | โ๏ธ | Critical for distinguishing between Chapter 32 (coatings) and Chapter 39 (polymers) |
| โ Product Photos | โ๏ธ | Show packaging, labeling, and physical state (powder vs. solid profile) |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state "Ethylene Polymer [Form]" not just "Packaging Material" |
| โ Statement of Use | โ๏ธ | Is it used as a coating? Raw material? Or finished packaging? |
| โ Packaging List | โ๏ธ | Ensure no mixed shipments of raw and finished goods without clear separation |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
๐ฅ "Form Determines Chapter, Function Determines Sub-Class, Honesty Avoids Penalties!"
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Raw ethylene powder for melting | 3901.90.90.00 or 3901.90.55.01 |
Misdeclare as "Coating" (3208) โ 38.6% (Lower base, but risk of penalty for wrong use) |
| Ethylene powder pre-mixed for coating | 3208.20.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "Resin" (3901) โ 41.5% (Higher total, but might be correct if used as coating) |
| Finished ethylene packaging film | 3923.21.00.95 |
Misdeclare as "Resin" (3901) โ 41.5% (Wrong classification) |
| Unfinished profiles for further processing | 3901.90.90.00 |
Misdeclare as "Finished Packaging" (3923) โ 38.0% (Under-reporting value/function) |
โ ๏ธ Critical Warning:
- If you import powder, you must declare whether it is mixed with binders/solvents (Chapter 32) or pure polymer (Chapter 39).
- Chapter 39 is for primary shapes. If itโs a finished "profile shape" that is already a packaged good, itโs 3923.
โ 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Custom Ethylene Profiles | Provide engineering drawings to prove they are unfinished โ Classify as 3901 or 3923 based on form. |
| Ethylene Powder for Coating | If itโs just resin powder, itโs 3901. If itโs a ready-to-use paint, itโs 3208. Do not mix. |
| Mixed Shipment (Powder + Films) | Declare separately. Do not lump under one HS code. |
| Re-export | Ensure proper documentation for temporary import or re-export to avoid duty leakage. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 3901.90.90.00 |
41.5% (CN Origin) | None Specific | High due to 301 + 122 |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 3901.90.90.00 |
6.5% | CCC (if applicable) | No additional surcharges |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 3901.90.90.00 |
6.5% | REACH | No additional surcharges |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 3901.90.90.00 |
6.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit tariffs apply |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 3901.90.90.00 |
6.0% | PSE (if electrical) | No additional surcharges |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA has the highest effective tariff (41.5%) due to Section 301 and Section 122.
- EU/China/Japan have significantly lower base rates (6-6.5%) with no additional punitive tariffs.
- Recommendation: If possible, consider supply chain diversification to non-US markets or third-country assembly (with substantial transformation) to mitigate US tariffs.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood and Tears Lessons)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring raw polymer powder as "Packaging" (3923)
๐ Consequence: Customs may reclassify to 3901 (41.5%) or 3208 (38.6%), leading to back taxes + penalties.
โ Mistake 2: Declaring coating powder as "Resin" (3901)
๐ Consequence: If itโs actually a coating, it should be 3208 (38.6%). Wrong declaration leads to audit risk.
โ Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
๐ Consequence: Forgetting the 10% surcharge results in underpayment, triggering customs holds.
โ Correct Practice:
"Ethylene Polymer Powder, Primary Shape, Not Mixed, For Industrial Packaging Applications"
OR
"Ethylene-Based Coating Powder, Pre-Mixed, For Surface Application"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Efficiency!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Powder? Check Mix. Resin? 3901. Coating? 3208. Finished? 3923. USA? 41.5%! "
๐น "HS Code Determines Life, Tax Rate Determines Profit, Declaration Determines Clearance Speed!"
๐ Pro Tip:
- If your ethylene polymer is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may apply for Section 301 Exclusions or lower IEEPA rates.
- Consider applying for an Advance Ruling from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to lock in the HS Code and tariff rate before shipment.
๐ฃ Act Now:
๐ Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
๐ Ensure Your Ethylene Polymers Clear Customs Smoothly, Reduce Costs, and Boost Profits!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every Cent of Your Cost Deserves Precise Calculation!
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.