Glyphosate Herbicide Admixture
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808935020 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808935040 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πΏπ« Glyphosate Herbicide Admixture (N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine Mixtures)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024/2025 Tariff Analysis | Agricultural Chemicals Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What Exactly Are You Importing?
Glyphosate Herbicide Admixture refers to chemical preparations used for weed control. In international trade, the critical distinction is not just the active ingredient (Glyphosate), but the formulation and adjuvants included.
According to the provided data, this product falls under Chapter 38 (Pharmaceuticals, Agricultural Chemicals, etc.), specifically heading 3808, which covers insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, and similar products put up in forms or packings for retail sale.
β οΈ Key Classification Logic:
- If the product is a mixture of Glyphosate (or its salts/esters) and application adjuvants (substances that improve the effectiveness of the herbicide, such as surfactants, penetrants, or stickers), it is classified under 3808.93.50.20.
- If it is a generic herbicide that does not fit the specific "Glyphosate + Adjuvant" definition above (or is considered "Other"), it falls under 3808.93.50.40.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2024/2025 Latest Tariff Schedule)
The following table details the two possible classifications based on the specific composition of your Glyphosate admixture.
| HS Code | Product Description | Composition Requirement | Tariff Impact (China Origin β US) |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.93.50.20 |
Mixture of Glyphosate (or salts/esters) AND application adjuvants | Must explicitly contain Glyphosate + specific adjuvants designed for application enhancement. | 5.0% |
3808.93.50.40 |
Other Herbicides, Anti-sprouting Products, and Plant-growth Regulators | Generic herbicides not fitting the specific "Glyphosate + Adjuvant" mix definition, or broader categories. | 30.0% |
π Critical Distinction:
- The phrase "Mixtures of N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine (glyphosate) or its salts or esters and application adjuvants" is the key trigger for the lower duty rate (3808.93.50.20).
- If your product is simply "Herbicide" without specifying this specific mixture structure, customs may default to "Other" (3808.93.50.40), triggering the high 30% duty.
π° III. 2024/2025 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: USA
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates apply. Note: The 30% rate includes a 25% Section 301 additional duty on top of the base rate.
π― 1. 3808.93.50.20 ββ Glyphosate + Adjuvant Mixtures (Preferred Classification)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 5.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 5.0% |
| Legal Basis | Heading 3808, Subheading 93, Specific Entry "Mixtures of N-(phosphonomethyl) glycine..." |
π Explanation:
- This classification offers the lowest possible duty for glyphosate-based products.
- Condition: The product description MUST explicitly state that it is a mixture of Glyphosate and application adjuvants.
- Why it matters: Saving 25% (the difference between 5% and 30%) can be decisive for profit margins in the agricultural sector.
π― 2. 3808.93.50.40 ββ Other Herbicides (High Risk Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.0% |
| Additional Duty (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 30.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30.0% |
| Legal Basis | Heading 3808, Subheading 93, Entry "Other" |
π Explanation:
- This is the default/high-risk classification if the specific "Glyphosate + Adjuvant" mixture requirement is not met or not declared.
- Risk: Misclassification here can lead to significant overpayment or, if audited, retroactive duties and penalties if the goods actually qualify for the lower rate.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly describe the product as "Mixture of Glyphosate and Application Adjuvants". |
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must list ingredients, including the specific adjuvants used. |
| Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To prove origin (China) and apply correct tariff rates. |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for hazardous chemicals. Must classify under appropriate UN number. |
| EPA Registration Number | βοΈ | For herbicides imported into the US, EPA registration is often required. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Be Specific, Save 25%: Declare the Mixture, Not Just 'Herbicide'!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glyphosate mixed with surfactants/penetrants | "Herbicide: Mixture of Glyphosate and Application Adjuvants" | "Herbicide" or "Chemical Weed Killer" | Risk of being classified as 3808.93.50.40 β 30% Tax |
| Generic Herbicide (no Glyphosate) | "Herbicide: [Specific Chemical Name]" | "Glyphosate Herbicide" | Misdeclaration β Penalties + Incorrect Duty |
| Bulk Chemical (Not for Retail) | May fall under different heading (e.g., 2931) | "Retail Packaged Herbicide" | Wrong Chapter β Delay + Seizure |
β 3. Special Handling & Precautions
| Issue | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Adjuvant Definition | Ensure the adjuvants are truly for "application" (e.g., spreading, sticking) and not just fillers. Customs may challenge this. |
| Packaging | Must be "put up in forms or packings for retail sale" to fall under Chapter 38. Bulk industrial containers might fall under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals). |
| EPA Compliance | The US EPA strictly regulates herbicides. Ensure the product is registered with the EPA before shipment. |
| Documentation Consistency | The description on the Invoice, Packing List, and Bill of Lading must match exactly. Discrepancies can lead to holds. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2024/2025)
| Country | HS Code | Base Duty | Additional Duty | Total Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.93.50.20 |
5.0% | 0.0% | 5.0% | Best rate if correctly classified. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.93.50.40 |
5.0% | 25.0% | 30.0% | Default if not specific. |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.93 | ~5-10% | 0% | ~5-10% | Import duty varies; check latest PRC tariff. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.93 | 6.5% | 0% | 6.5% | No specific Section 301 equivalent. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market has the widest gap between the two classifications (5% vs. 30%).
- Correct classification is critical for US imports from China due to the 25% Section 301 surcharge on the "Other" category.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Herbicide" without specifying "Glyphosate + Adjuvant Mixture".
π Result: Customs may classify under 3808.93.50.40 β 30% Tax.
π‘ Fix: Update invoice to explicitly state the mixture composition.
β Error 2: Confusing "Bulk" with "Retail Packaged".
π Result: If imported in large drums without retail packaging, it may not qualify for Chapter 38.
π‘ Fix: Ensure packaging meets "retail sale" criteria or consult customs for bulk chemical classification.
β Error 3: Ignoring EPA Registration.
π Result: Goods held at customs for lack of EPA registration.
π‘ Fix: Obtain EPA registration number and include it in documentation.
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money
π― Remember:
πΉ "Specify the Mixture: Glyphosate + Adjuvants = 5%. Just 'Herbicide' = 30%."
πΉ "Documentation is Key: Invoice, SDS, and EPA Reg. Number must align."
π Pro Tip:
If your product is not from China, check for FTA (Free Trade Agreement) benefits. For example, imports from Canada or Mexico under USMCA may have 0% duty regardless of classification. Always verify origin-based preferences.
π£ Action Item:
π Consult with a Licensed Customs Broker to confirm the specific adjuvant composition qualifies for
3808.93.50.20.
π Optimize your supply chain by ensuring accurate product descriptions to avoid the 30% tariff trap.
β¨ Precise Classification = Significant Cost Savings!
πΌ Don't let vague descriptions cost you 25% of your value!
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.