Film Fixer Powder
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320411 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 320499 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824992500 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824992600 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9010502000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9010503000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3507902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3507907000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΈ Film Fixer Powder (Photographic Chemicals)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Film Fixer Powder"?
Photographic Fixer Powder is a critical chemical preparation used in the processing of photographic films or plates. Its primary function is to dissolve unexposed silver halides from the film emulsion, thereby "fixing" the image and making it permanent and light-insensitive.
In international trade, these products are broadly categorized based on their state (powder vs. liquid) and specific chemical composition. The key distinction lies in whether they fall under Chapter 32 (Tanning or Dyeing Extracts) or Chapter 35 (Albuminoidal Substances; Prepared Enzymes).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a chemical preparation (e.g., sodium thiosulfate, ammonium thiosulfate mixtures) for processing photographic materials β It typically falls under HS Code 3204 or 3207/3215 (depending on specific formulation).
- Specifically for Powders:
-3204.11: Photographic/cinematographic chemicals, including developers and fixers, in powder form.
-3204.99: Other photographic or cinematographic chemicals, not elsewhere specified, including fixers in powder form.
- Crucial Note: Do not confuse with "Enzymes" (Chapter 35). Fixers are chemical salts, not biological enzymes.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | State/Form | Tax Status (US Imports from CN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3204.11 |
Photographic or cinematographic chemicals, including developers and fixers, in powder form, used in the processing of photographic films or plates | Standard fixer powders (e.g., Sodium Thiosulfate based) | Powder | β Error (Failed to retrieve) |
3204.99 |
Other photographic or cinematographic chemicals, not elsewhere specified, including fixers in powder form, used for processing photographic materials | Niche or specific fixer mixtures not covered under 3204.11 | Powder | β Error (Failed to retrieve) |
π Critical Warning:
- The provided data source indicates "Failed to retrieve tax information" for both3204.11and3204.99.
- This is a high-risk area. In many real-world scenarios (such as under US Section 301 tariffs), photographic chemicals may attract additional duties depending on the specific chemical composition and origin.
- Do not assume 0% or 25% based on similar chapters. You must verify the exact tax rate with a customs broker or the USITC database before shipping, as the data is currently marked as an Error.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Status: Data Retrieval Failed
π¨ Important Notice on Taxability
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Tax Detail | Failed to retrieve tax information |
| Total Tax | Error |
| Recommendation | DO NOT PROCEED WITHOUT VERIFICATION |
π Explanation:
- The system could not retrieve the specific duty rate for3204.11and3204.99.
- Historical Context: Prior to recent trade adjustments, many photographic chemicals had a base duty of 0% or 2.5%. However, under USITC Footnotes and IEEPA actions, some chemical products from China have been subject to 25% Section 301 tariffs.
- Risk: If the tariff is 25%, your landed cost increases significantly. If it is 0%, you save it. The uncertainty itself is a risk.
- Action: Contact a licensed customs broker to check the HTSUS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) directly for the current year's rate. Do not rely on this incomplete data for financial planning.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation List (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Critical. Fixers often contain thiosulfates which can be corrosive or reactive. Must comply with OSHA/GHS standards. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | βοΈ | Details the chemical composition (e.g., % Sodium Thiosulfate, pH level). Essential for correct HS code verification. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Photographic Fixer Powder, HS Code 3204.11" and "For Use in Processing Photographic Film". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify net/gross weight. Powder products are subject to weight-based inspections. |
| β FDU Form (if applicable) | βοΈ | If the product contains certain controlled chemicals, FDA or other agency forms may be required. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Powder or Liquid? Check the Code. Thiosulfate or Enzyme? Don't Comfy!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Fixer Powder | HS 3204.11 + "Photographic Fixer, Powder" |
Describing as "Chemical Powder" β Vague, leads to inspection. |
| Enzyme-Based Fixer (Rare) | HS 3507.90.20 (if enzymatic) |
Misclassifying as 3204 β Potential fraud/risk. |
| Liquid Fixer | HS 3204.xx (different subheading) |
Declaring liquid as powder β Violation of packing declaration. |
| Bulk Industrial Chemical | HS 2831.10 (Sodium Thiosulfate) |
Declaring as 3204 if not for photographic use β Wrong HS code. |
π Note:
- If the product is pure Sodium Thiosulfate used for industrial bleaching/fixing, it may fall under Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals), not Chapter 32.
- Chapter 32 is specifically for "Tanning or Dyeing Extracts...; Paints and Varnishes...; Photographic Chemicals". Ensure the product is intended for photographic use.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Powders | If it contains developers + fixers, declare the primary function or split if possible. |
| Hazmat Classification | Fixers are generally non-hazardous, but check SDS. If classified as Hazardous, special packaging (UN-certified) is required for air freight. |
| FDA Notification | If the powder comes into contact with food or medical devices (rare for fixers), FDA pre-approval may be needed. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (Est.)* | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3204.11 |
Unknown/Error | SDS + OSHA | Verify tax! High risk of Section 301 tariffs. |
| π¨π³ China | 3204.11 |
0% - 5% | None | Generally low import duty for photographic chemicals. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3204.10 |
6.5% | REACH Registration | Critical: REACH compliance is mandatory for chemicals in EU. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3204.10 |
6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3204.11 |
0% - 10% | None | Check PRTR law for chemical reporting. |
π Conclusion:
- USA: Tax is uncertain in this data. HIGH RISK.
- EU/UK: Focus on REACH compliance, not just tariff.
- China: Generally favorable, but ensure proper labeling.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Misclassifying Photographic Fixer as a general "Chemical Powder" (2933 or 2852)
π Consequence: Incorrect HS code β Delayed customs release, fines, or forced reclassification.
β Error 2: Ignoring the "Powder" vs. "Liquid" distinction
π Consequence: 3204.11 is for powders. If you ship liquid fixer under this code, itβs a false declaration. Liquid may fall under 3204.99 or other codes.
β Error 3: Not Providing SDS
π Consequence: Customs may detain the shipment for safety inspection. Air freight carriers may reject the package if SDS is missing.
β Error 4: Assuming 0% Tax Without Verification
π Consequence: If Section 301 tariffs apply (25%), you face unexpected costs and potential budget overruns.
β Correct Practice:
"Photographic Fixer Powder, Sodium Thiosulfate Based, HS Code 3204.11, For Use in Film Processing, SDS Attached"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Safe Clearance, Cost Control
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Powder Fixer, Check 3204. SDS is Key, Tax is Unclear. Verify Before You Ship, Or Pay the Price!"
πΉ "Chapter 32, Not Chapter 35. Enzymes are Different, Don't Get Bent!"
π Tips:
- If your fixer is enzyme-based (modern digital processing), it might fall under 3507.90 (Enzymes). Check if itβs truly chemical or enzymatic.
- For US Imports: Given the "Error" in tax data, consult a customs broker immediately. Do not proceed with high-value shipments without a confirmed duty rate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Customs Broker + Provide SDS + Request HTSUS Verification
π Ensure Compliance, Avoid Delays, Protect Your Margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Penny of Duty, Worth Calculating Precisely!
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.