Flower and Fruit Plant Growth Regulator
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808935040 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808999501 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3402901000 | 38.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824991100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824405000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π± Flower and Fruit Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Plant Growth Regulators"?
Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) are chemical substances used to regulate the growth and development of plants. In international trade, specifically for products aimed at flower and fruit preservation/protection, classification hinges on the primary function and chemical composition.
The product in question is a "Flower and Fruit Plant Growth Regulator". Key characteristics: * Function: Specifically used to protect flowers and fruits (preventing premature drop, enhancing quality). * Formulation: Typically a preparation (liquid, powder, or granule). * Chemical Nature: Organic or synthetic chemicals affecting plant physiology.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a pure active ingredient intended for further processing β May fall under specific chemical headings.
- If the product is a ready-to-use formulation (preparation) for direct agricultural use β Usually falls under Heading 3808 (Insecticides, Rodenticides, Fungicides, Herbicides, Anti-sprouting Products, Plant-growth Regulators...).
- If the product is primarily an adjuvant/auxiliary agent (e.g., surfactants) mixed with the PGR β May fall under Heading 3402 or 3824.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, there are two main categories: Direct PGR Preparations and PGR Adjuvants/Preparations.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Function Match |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.93.50.40 |
Plant growth regulator preparation for flower and fruit protection | Direct application to flowers/fruits to prevent drop; form is preparation. | β Perfect Match: Function & Category align; Form is preparation; No material conflict. |
3808.99.95.01 |
Plant growth regulator for flower and fruit protection | Specific use case matches Heading 3808; Material attributes have no conflicts. | β High Confidence: Specific use is consistent; No material conflict. |
3402.90.10.00 |
Adjuvant for plant growth regulators (Surfactants) | Often contains surfactants to enhance PGR efficacy; fits synthetic detergent/organic surface-active agents. | β οΈ Partial Match: Only applies if the product is primarily an adjuvant/surfactant mixture, not the active PGR itself. |
3824.99.11.00 |
Chemical industry-related preparation for PGRs | Classified as a chemical industrial product/preparation; fits the definition of chemical products and preparations. | β οΈ Alternative: Used if the product doesn't strictly fit 3808 but is a chemical preparation. |
3824.40.50.00 |
Chemical preparation for PGRs (Additive) | Fits the definition of prepared additives; Material attributes have no conflicts. | β οΈ Alternative: Broader chemical preparation category. |
π Priority Assessment:
- Primary Choice:3808.93.50.40or3808.99.95.01if the product is a dedicated plant growth regulator preparation. This is the most accurate classification for "Plant Growth Regulators."
- Secondary Choice:3402.90.10.00or3824.xxxxonly if the product is primarily an adjuvant, surfactant, or general chemical preparation used in conjunction with PGRs, rather than the active regulator itself.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes, Policy Additions)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3808.93.50.40 & 3808.99.95.01 β Plant Growth Regulator Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 or similar for Chapter 38) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% (ιε―ΉδΈε½/ι¦ζΈ―δΊ§εοΌθͺ2025εΉ΄11ζ10ζ₯θ΅· - 122ζ‘ζ¬Ύ) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3808.93.50.40 β Section 301: 25% β IEEPA: 10% β Total: 40% |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 5%": Standard MFN rate for Heading 3808 (Plant-growth regulators).
- "Section 301 Surtax 25%": The standard 25% tariff added under US Trade Law Section 301 for many Chinese chemical products.
- "IEEPA Surtax 10%": Additional 10% tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) for specific Chinese imports, effective from Nov 10, 2025.
- Combined Rate: 40% is a significant burden. Must be factored into landed cost calculations.
π― 2. 3402.90.10.00 β Adjuvants/Surfactants
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.8% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
π Note:
- Slightly lower than the PGR direct classification due to a lower base tariff (3.8% vs 5.0%), but still subject to the same 35% in combined surtaxes.
- Risk: Misclassifying a PGR as an adjuvant to save 1.2% may lead to customs audits, penalties, and retroactive tax collection.
π― 3. 3824.99.11.00 & 3824.40.50.00 β Chemical Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (3824.99.11.00) / 5.0% (3824.40.50.00) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% (3824.99.11.00) / 40.0% (3824.40.50.00) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Rate |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available |
π Note:
-3824.99.11.00offers the lowest total rate (35%) but requires the product to be classified as a "Chemical Industry Preparation" rather than a dedicated Plant Growth Regulator.
- Customs Scrutiny: HS Code 3824 is broader. Customs may challenge this if the primary function is clearly plant regulation, pushing it back to 3808.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Document Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Plant Growth Regulator for Flowers/Fruits," active ingredients, concentration, and usage method. |
| β MSDS/SDS (Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Mandatory for chemical imports. Must comply with GHS standards. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To determine eligibility for any potential exemptions (though unlikely for US/China under current tariffs). |
| β Commercial Invoice & Packing List | βοΈ | Accurate description matching HS Code. Avoid vague terms like "Chemical Mix." |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | Proof of active ingredient concentration and purity. |
| β EPA Registration Number (if applicable) | βοΈ | In the US, many PGRs require EPA registration. Lack of it can lead to refusal. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Active Ingredient First, Function Second, Name Precise, Rate Reduced!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration Method | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Direct PGR Product | Use 3808.93.50.40 or 3808.99.95.01. State "Plant Growth Regulator Preparation." |
Misclassifying as general chemical (3824) to save 5% β High Audit Risk. |
| PGR Adjuvant Mix | If primarily surfactant, use 3402.90.10.00. Clearly state "Adjuvant/Surfactant." |
Calling it a PGR but using 3402 β False Declaration. |
| Pure Active Ingredient | May fall under specific chemical headings (e.g., 293x) if not a preparation. | Declaring as a "preparation" when it's a raw chemical β Classification Error. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom PGR | Provide client order + formula sheet. Avoid generic names. |
| Mixtures with Fertilizers | If combined with nutrients, the primary purpose dictates classification. If PGR effect dominates, 3808. |
| Biological PGRs | If derived from natural sources (e.g., seaweed extract), ensure it doesn't fall under Chapter 12 (Edible Plants) or Chapter 30 (Pharmaceuticals). Usually 3808 still applies if used for growth regulation. |
| Small Sample Imports | Even small quantities are subject to 40% tariff if classified under 3808. De Minimis ($800) does NOT apply due to Section 301/IEEPA restrictions on Chinese chemical imports. |
π V. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 3808.93.50.40 |
40.0% | EPA Registration, SDS | Highest Tariff. Strict chemical regulations. |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.93.50.40 |
5.0% - 10.0% (Est.) | Chinese Standards (GB) | No Section 301/IEEPA surtaxes. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 3808.94.00 |
0% - 4.7% | EFSA Approval, REACH | Complex regulatory approval process for new PGRs. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.94.00 |
5.0% | APVMA Approval | Strict biosecurity and chemical registration. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3808.94.00 |
0% - 6.0% | JGMP, Pesticide Control Law | Requires detailed safety data and labeling in Japanese. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is exceptionally costly due to the cumulative 35% surtaxes (25% + 10%) on top of base tariffs.
- Alternatives: Consider sourcing from or manufacturing in countries with favorable trade agreements (e.g., Vietnam, India) to mitigate US tariffs.
- Compliance: Ensure EPA registration for the US market is complete to avoid shipment rejection.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Misclassifying PGR as general fertilizer (3105)
π Consequence: If primary function is growth regulation, not nutrition, customs will reclassify β 40% tariff + penalties.
β Error 2: Ignoring IEEPA 10% Surcharge
π Consequence: Underpayment by 10% β Back taxes + Interest + Fines upon audit.
β Error 3: Declaring "Chemical Preparation" (3824) for a dedicated PGR
π Consequence: Customs suspicion β Delays, inspections, potential seizure. Even if tax is 35% vs 40%, the risk of audit outweighs the 5% savings.
β Error 4: No EPA Registration for US Imports
π Consequence: Shipment refused entry or destroyed. Chemicals for plant growth often require EPA oversight.
β Correct Practice:
"Plant Growth Regulator Preparation for Flower and Fruit Protection, Active Ingredient: [Chemical Name], Formulation: [Liquid/Powder], HS Code: 3808.93.50.40, EPA Reg. No.: [Number]"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time and Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "PGR is 3808, Tax is 40%, Adjuvant is 3402/3824, Audit Risk is High!"
πΉ "Accurate Classification Saves Thousands, Misdeclaration Costs Everything!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your product is a biological PGR (e.g., from plants), check if it qualifies for non-GMO or organic exemptions in specific markets, though US tariffs remain strict.
- For US imports, Apply for Advance Ruling from CBP to confirm HS Code and tariff liability before shipment.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: With a 40% tariff, consider if the profit margin can sustain US market entry or if alternative markets (EU, Asia) are more viable.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide Product Formula + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure your Plant Growth Regulators pass customs smoothly, avoid penalties, and protect your margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tariff Matters in the Chemical Trade!
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.