Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete Products
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6811899000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6811820000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815994170 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6815190000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§± Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) Products
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "GFRC"?
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC), also known as Glass Fiber Reinforced Cement (GFRC), is a composite material consisting of Portland cement, fine aggregate, water, and alkali-resistant glass fibers. Unlike traditional concrete, it does not require steel reinforcement. In international trade, it is broadly classified under Chapter 68: Articles of Stone, Plaster, Cement, Asbestos, or Similar Materials.
The classification hinges on two critical factors:
1. Material Composition: Is it primarily "fiber cement" (Chapter 68.11) or "other articles of stone/mineral materials" (Chapter 68.15)?
2. Form Factor: Is it a standardized sheet/panel or a custom-shaped architectural element?
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is manufactured primarily as a sheet, board, or tile using a cementitious matrix reinforced with fibers β Likely falls under Chapter 68.11 (Fiber Cement).
- If the product is a custom architectural element (e.g., cladding panels, sculptures, window sills) made from mineral/cement mix but not strictly defined as "fiber cement sheets" β Likely falls under Chapter 68.15 (Other articles of stone/mineral materials).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
6811.82.00.00 |
Articles of asbestos-cement, cellulose-fiber cement, or similar, reinforced with glass fibers | Pre-cast panels, siding, roofing sheets, standardized cladding | β Material Match: Explicitly mentions "reinforced with glass fibers." |
6815.99.41.70 |
Articles of stone or of other mineral substances, n.e.c. (not elsewhere classified) | Custom GFRC architectural elements, sculptural pieces, non-standard shapes | β Material Match: "Mineral/Inorganic matter." Falls under "Other articles" when 68.11 doesn't fit. |
6815.19.00.00 |
Articles of stone or of other mineral substances, excluding flooring tiles/paving | Non-electrical mineral products, custom stone-like GFRC items | β Material Match: "Stone or mineral material." Used if the item is perceived more as a stone substitute than cement. |
6811.89.90.00 |
Other articles of fiber-cement or similar, not specified elsewhere | General fiber-cement products not covered by 6811.82 (e.g., if glass fiber reinforcement is not the primary defining feature or if form varies) | β Material Match: "Fiber cement or similar." A broader category for fiber-cement articles. |
π Key Reminder:
- Chapter 68.11 is specific to "fiber-cement or similar." If your GFRC is clearly a cement-based composite with glass fibers, 6811.82.00.00 is the most precise fit for standardized products.
- Chapter 68.15 is a "basket" category for mineral products. If customs officers view your GFRC as an "architectural stone substitute" rather than a "cement sheet," they may lean toward 6815.99.41.70 or 6815.19.00.00.
- Consistency is Key: Once you choose a code based on product documentation, stick to it across shipments to avoid flags.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onwards)
π― 1. 6811.82.00.00 ββ Articles of fiber-cement reinforced with glass fibers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (Under Section 301 Tariffs) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% (Specific China-related surcharge) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High tariff items often excluded from de minimis exemptions) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 6811.82.00.00 β Section 122: 6811.82.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% reflects the ongoing Section 301 tariffs on Chinese imports.
- The 10% is the additional "Section 122" duty (often related to specific trade remedies or policy surcharges on Chinese goods).
- Total 35% is a significant cost factor. Must be accounted for in pricing strategies.
π― 2. 6815.99.41.70 ββ Other articles of mineral substances (GFRC Architectural Elements)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 6815.99.41.70 β Section 122: 6815.99.41.70 |
π Note:
- Same tariff structure as above.
- Even though the HS code is different, the additional duties apply equally due to the country of origin (China).
- Do not assume a different HS code reduces tax burden if the Section 301 and Section 122 surcharges remain applicable.
π― 3. 6815.19.00.00 ββ Other articles of stone/mineral substances
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 6815.19.00.00 β Section 122: 6815.19.00.00 |
π Note:
- Identical tax burden.
- The distinction here is purely classification-based, not tax-based.
π― 4. 6811.89.90.00 ββ Other fiber-cement articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 6811.89.90.00 β Section 122: 6811.89.90.00 |
π Note:
- All four HS codes provided in the data source carry the exact same total tariff rate of 35.0% for Chinese-origin GFRC products.
- Strategic Implication: The choice of HS code should be based on accurate product description and customs compliance, not on tax savings, as the tax impact is uniform.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Detail composition: Cement %, Sand %, Glass Fiber %, Water/Cement Ratio. |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Confirms no hazardous asbestos or harmful chemicals. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show finished surface, thickness, and any reinforcement (if visible). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC)" and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail dimensions, weight, and packaging type (critical for CIF calculation). |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for proving Chinese origin to apply correct Section 301/122 duties. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Be Specific, Don't Guess, Match the Material, Avoid the Penalty!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard GFRC Panels | HS Code: 6811.82.00.00 |
Declare as "Stone Tiles" (Wrong Chapter 68/71) |
| Custom GFRC Sculpture | HS Code: 6815.99.41.70 |
Declare as "Fiber Cement Sheet" |
| Mixed Shipment (Panels + Custom) | Split Declaration: 6811.82.00.00 for panels, 6815.99.41.70 for custom |
Lump all under one code β High risk of audit |
| GFRC with Stone Veneer | Declare based on primary material | Vague description "Decorative Panel" β Delay |
π Critical Note:
- Do not use generic terms like "Concrete Products" or "Construction Materials" without specifying "Glass Fiber Reinforced."
- Customs may classify vague declarations under higher-tariff or more restricted codes.
- If the product contains steel mesh in addition to glass fibers, re-evaluate classification (may shift to Chapter 73).
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom GFRC | Provide client design specs to justify 6815.99.41.70 (custom article) vs. 6811.82.00.00 (standardized). |
| Prefabricated Cladding Systems | Declare the main structural element. If assembly is complex, consider HTS for "parts of buildings" but ensure GFRC is correctly identified. |
| Samples vs. Commercial | Samples may still incur duties if over $800. No de minimis for high-tariff items. |
| Re-export to Third Country | Ensure Certificate of Origin is valid. US tariffs apply at entry; re-export may have different rules. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 6811.82.00.00 or 6815.99.41.70 |
35% | None specific | High due to Section 301 + 122 |
| π¨π³ China | 6811.82.00.00 |
0-5% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower barrier, but monitor for environmental regs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 6811.82.00.00 |
5.5% | CE + REACH | No Section 301 equivalent, but strict chemical regs |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 6811.82.00.00 |
5.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 6811.82.00.00 |
5% | None | USMCA may apply if from US/Mexico, not China |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for Chinese GFRC due to layered tariffs.
- EU/UK/Canada are more favorable but require strict compliance with chemical/environmental standards (REACH, etc.).
- Strategic Advice: Consider supply chain diversification if targeting the US market long-term to mitigate 35% duty burden.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring GFRC as "Natural Stone"
π Consequence: Incorrect HS code (Chapter 68 vs 68/71 mismatch) β Delay + Potential Penalty
β Mistake 2: Omitting "Glass Fiber" in Description
π Consequence: Customs may classify as plain cement (Chapter 68.01/68.10) with different duty rates β Audit Risk
β Mistake 3: Assuming De Minimis Applies
π Consequence: Packages under $800 still incur 35% duty β Unexpected costs for buyers
β Mistake 4: Mixing Standard Panels and Custom Pieces in One HS Code
π Consequence: Customs may reject the code for one item β Shipment hold-up
β Correct Practice:
"Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) Architectural Cladding Panel, 12mm Thick, Alkali-Resistant Glass Fiber Reinforced, Model ABC, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Declaration, Cost Control, Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "GFRC is not stone, it's fiber-cement; declare precisely, avoid 35% surprises!"
πΉ "HS Code dictates compliance; Tax code dictates cost; Be accurate to be fast!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your GFRC is imported from Vietnam, Mexico, or Malaysia, you may be eligible for lower or zero tariffs under USMCA or other FTAs.
- Recommendation: Apply for a Binding Ruling with CBP before shipping high-value batches to confirm HS Code and duty rate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product specs + Request Pre-Ruling
π Ensure smooth customs clearance, control costs, and boost profit margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent in tariff cost should be calculated precisely!
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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.