Ethylene Polymer 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 |
| 3915900090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3915100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3915900090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
β»οΈ Ethylene Polymer Scrap (Plastic Waste/Scrap)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Ethylene Polymer Scrap"?
Ethylene polymer scrap refers to waste, fragments, off-cuts, or by-products derived from polyethylene (PE) and its copolymers. In international trade, these materials are critical for recycling industries, serving as raw materials for regrinding, pelletizing, or extrusion processes.
Key Characteristics: * Material Origin: Ethylene homopolymers (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) or ethylene copolymers. * Physical State: Must be in the form of waste, fragments, or trimmings (not finished products like bottles or pipes, unless destroyed/recyclable waste). * Usage: Primarily for recycling and reprocessing into secondary raw materials.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the material is "Scrap/Waste/Fragment" (post-industrial or post-consumer waste) β It falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics) specific waste codes (3915).
- If it is "Granules/Pellets" (ready for use, not waste) β It may fall under3901or3902(Primary Forms).
- This guide strictly addresses "Scrap/Waste" as per your input.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Data)
Based on the provided dataset, Ethylene Polymer Scrap is primarily classified under two HS Codes depending on the specific polymer type (Homopolymer vs. Other/Copolymer nuances) and administrative categorization.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
3915.10.00.00 |
Waste, Scraps, and Off-cuts of Polymers of Ethylene | Specific to Ethylene Homopolymers (e.g., standard HDPE/LDPE waste). | Matches the definition of "Ethylene Polymer" waste precisely. |
3915.90.00.90 |
Waste, Scraps, and Off-cuts of Other Plastics | Broad category including Ethylene Copolymers or mixed ethylene-based plastic waste not specifically listed under 3915.10. | Categorized as "Other plastics" if not strictly homogeneous ethylene polymer or for administrative grouping of copolymers. |
π Key Note from Data:
- Both3915.10.00.00and3915.90.00.90are explicitly linked to "Ethylene Polymer Scrap", "Ethylene Copolymer Scrap", and "Ethylene Plastic Scrap" in the provided summary.
- The tax treatment is identical for both codes under current trade measures.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current trade restrictions apply
π― 1. 3915.10.00.00 & 3915.90.00.90 β Ethylene Polymer Scrap
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Additional duty under US Trade Act Section 301) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific trade measure often applied to certain Chinese goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (High-value or restricted goods usually excluded; verify with CBP) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3915.10.00.00 / 3915.90.00.90 β Section 301: Footnote 9903.xx β Section 122: Trade Measures |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 0%": The standard MFN rate for plastic waste is often low or zero to encourage recycling, but this is overridden by trade remedies.
- "Section 301 Surtax 25%": The primary punitive tariff against Chinese-manufactured plastic products and raw materials.
- "Section 122 Tariff 10%": An additional layer of duty often associated with specific trade enforcement actions or national security provisions.
- Total 35%: This is a significant cost factor. Importers must factor this into their landed cost calculations. Note: Unlike some electronics, plastic scrap does not typically qualify for de minimis exemptions if declared as commercial waste/scrap, especially if high volume.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Description | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Ethylene Polymer Scrap" or "PE Plastic Waste". Avoid vague terms like "Plastic". |
| β HS Code Declaration | βοΈ | Clearly declare 3915.10.00.00 or 3915.90.00.90. |
| β Material Composition Report | βοΈ | Proof of content (e.g., >90% Polyethylene) to justify HS Code. |
| β Photos of Scrap | βοΈ | Show waste state (fragments, not pellets). Crucial for CBP inspection. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must list CIF value, weight, and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and dimensions of the scrap load. |
| β EPA/Recycling Compliance | βοΈ | If applicable, proof of legal waste export/import under Basel Convention or local regulations. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Scrap is Waste, Not Pellets; Name it Right, Tax is Light(er)!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Post-Industrial PE Trimmings | 3915.10.00.00 β "Waste of Polymers of Ethylene" |
"Plastic Granules" or "Raw Material" | Misclassification β Potential penalty, audit |
| Mixed Ethylene Copolymer Scrap | 3915.90.00.90 β "Other Plastic Waste" |
"PE Scrap" without specifying copolymer | Ambiguity β CBP may reclassify to higher duty |
| Recyclable Plastic Waste | Clearly state "Scrap/Recyclable" | "Used Plastic Products" | Could be seen as "Used Goods" (different rules) |
| Pellets for Sale | 3901.10.00.00 (Example) |
3915.xxxx |
High Risk! Scrap codes are for waste, not products. |
π Critical Tip:
Ensure the term "Scrap", "Waste", or "Off-cuts" is prominently used in the commercial invoice. If you ship "Pellets" or "Granules" (processed for immediate reuse), they are NOT scrap and fall under different HS Codes (3901/3902), which may have different tariff treatments (though still subject to 301 tariffs). Do not misdeclare pellets as scrap to avoid duties.
β 3. Special Handling for Plastic Waste
| Issue | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Contamination | Ensure scrap is clean. Contaminated plastic may be rejected or classified as "Municipal Solid Waste" (MSW), which has stricter import bans. |
| Basel Convention | Verify if the scrap is hazardous. Non-hazardous ethylene polymer scrap is generally allowed, but documentation must prove non-hazardous nature. |
| Section 122 Specifics | Since Section 122 is mentioned in the data, ensure your importer of record is aware of this specific 10% add-on, as itβs not part of the standard 301 list and might be missed in automated systems. |
| Bonded Warehouses | Consider using bonded warehouses if re-exporting after processing, to defer duty payment (though 35% is the final liability). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Overview)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Duty (China Origin) | Key Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3915.10.00.00 / 3915.90.00.90 |
35% (0% + 25% + 10%) | CBP Inspection, EPA Compliance | High barrier due to trade wars. |
| π¨π³ China | 3915.10.00.00 / 3915.90.00.90 |
Varies (Import Duty + VAT) | Import License (if restricted) | China has tightened plastic waste imports (National Sword Policy). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3915.10.00.00 |
~0-2% | REACH, Extended Producer Responsibility | Generally lower tariffs, but strict environmental rules. |
| π²π½ Mexico | 3915.10.00.00 |
~0-5% (with USMCA if applicable) | USMCA Rules of Origin | Potential for lower duties if processed in NA region. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA imposes the highest effective tariff (35%) on ethylene polymer scrap from China due to the combination of Section 301 and Section 122.
- Documentation is key: Clear identification of "Scrap" vs. "Product" is essential to avoid severe penalties.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Plastic Pellets" as "Scrap"
π Consequence: Customs may view this as evasion of higher tariffs for primary products, leading to fines and seizure.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the "Section 122" 10% Add-on
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties. The total duty is not just 25% (Section 301) but 35%.
β Mistake 3: Using vague descriptions like "Plastic Mix"
π Consequence: CBP will assign the highest possible duty rate or reject the entry for insufficient information.
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis Applies
π Consequence: Plastic waste/scrap is often scrutinized. Do not rely on $800 de minimis for commercial shipments of scrap without verifying CBP rulings.
β Correct Practice:
"Ethylene Polymer Scrap (HDPE), Post-Industrial Waste, Fragments, Unprocessed, Origin: China, HS Code: 3915.10.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Formula:
πΉ "Scrap = 3915; Ethylene = 3915.10 (or 90 for copolymers); Total Duty = 35% (0% Base + 25% 301 + 10% 122)."
πΉ "Call it Waste, Not Product. If you call it Pellets, You Pay More."
πΉ "Section 122 is the Hidden Killer β Don't Forget the 10%!"
π Pro Tip:
If your ethylene polymer scrap is originally from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, check for USMCA or ASEAN free trade benefits. These origins may exempt you from the 25% Section 301 duty, reducing the total tax to 10% (Section 122 only) or even 0% if specific FTAs apply.
Recommendation: Conduct a Tariff Engineering review or apply for a Pre-Ruling with CBP to confirm classification and duty liability before shipping.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact your Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Verify Section 122 Applicability
π Clear the Hurdles, Maximize Margins, Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance!
β¨ Professional Customs Compliance Starts with Accurate HS Codes!
πΌ Your Cost Efficiency Depends on Precise Classification!
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.