Imidacloprid Water Dispersible Granules
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808611000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808915001 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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πΏ Imidacloprid Water Dispersible Granules (WDG)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Understand "Imidacloprid"?
Imidacloprid is a widely used neonicotinoid insecticide. In international trade, its classification depends on whether it is declared as a chemical intermediate or a finished agricultural formulation. The product specified, "Imidacloprid Water Dispersible Granules (WDG)," is a formulated pesticide product, not pure chemical substance.
Two Main Classification Paths:
1. As a Chemical Compound: If declared primarily for its chemical structure (nitrogen heterocycle), it falls under Chapter 29.
2. As a Pesticide Formulation: If declared as a formulated insecticide ready for agricultural use, it falls under Chapter 38.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- WDG (Water Dispersible Granules) is a formulation (pesticide product). It contains impurities, surfactants, and carriers. Therefore, it must generally be classified under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products) as a pesticide formulation, NOT Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals).
- Misclassifying a formulated pesticide as a pure chemical (Chapter 29) can lead to severe penalties, but it may offer a lower tax rate (16.5% vs. 41.5%). However, customs authorities are increasingly strict about this distinction.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) | Tax Detail Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3808.99.08.00 |
Insecticides, acaricides and similar products (not retail) | Standard WDG Formulation. Contains aromatic structure, formulated for agricultural pest control. | 41.5% | Base: 6.5% + Section 301: 25.0% + Section 122: 10% |
2933.39.27.00 |
Compounds containing uncondensed pyridine ring | Chemical Intermediate. Pure Imidacloprid or high-purity technical grade, not formulated for direct use. | 16.5% | Base: 6.5% + Section 301: 0.0% + Section 122: 10% |
2933.99.22.00 |
Other heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen | Chemical Intermediate. Alternative Chapter 29 classification for nitrogen-containing heterocycles. | 16.5% | Base: 6.5% + Section 301: 0.0% + Section 122: 10% |
3808.91.25.01 |
Insecticides (Aromatic-based) | Specific Insecticide Category. Emphasizes the aromatic structure of Imidacloprid in formulated state. | 41.5% | Base: 6.5% + Section 301: 25.0% + Section 122: 10% |
π Key Note:
- WDG is a Formulation: According to GRI 3(a) and Note 1 to Chapter 38, products put up for retail or as agricultural formulations are classified in Chapter 38.
- Tax Difference: Chapter 38 codes incur 25% additional Section 301 tariffs (total 41.5%), while Chapter 29 codes do not (total 16.5%).
- Customs Risk: Declaring WDG as Chapter 29 (16.5%) is often rejected unless you can prove it is not a "pesticide formulation" (e.g., industrial intermediate only). If rejected, you face back-taxes + penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Nov 10, 2025 onwards
π― 1. 3808.99.08.00 & 3808.91.25.01 ββ Pesticide Formulations (High Risk/High Tax)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (IEEPA, specific to China-origin goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny de minimis for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3808.99.08.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Section 301 (25%): Applies to all Chinese-origin pesticides formulated in Chapter 38.
- Section 122 (10%): Additional duty imposed on China-origin goods under IEEPA.
- Total 41.5%: This is a high-cost category. Importers must factor this into pricing.
π― 2. 2933.39.27.00 & 2933.99.22.00 ββ Chemical Intermediates (Low Risk/Low Tax)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +0.0% (Not listed in Section 301 exclusion lists for these specific subheadings) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% (IEEPA, applies to all China-origin goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 16.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 16.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 122 still applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β USITC:2933.39.27.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.01.24 |
π Caution:
- While the tax rate is significantly lower (16.5% vs. 41.5%), misclassification is a major customs violation.
- WDG (Water Dispersible Granules) is explicitly a formulation. Declaring it as a chemical intermediate (Chapter 29) is high-risk and likely to be audited.
- Only use Chapter 29 if the product is NOT for direct agricultural use (e.g., industrial synthesis intermediate).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Imidacloprid Water Dispersible Granules," concentration (e.g., 70% WDG), CAS number (138261-41-3). |
| β Formula/Composition | βοΈ | List all active ingredients and inert ingredients (surfactants, carriers). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show packaging, label, and granule form. |
| β EPA Registration Number | βοΈ | Crucial for US Imports. Must have EPA Reg. No. for the pesticide. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Imidacloprid 70% WDG (Water Dispersible Granules)." |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for Section 301/122 determination. |
| β MSDS (SDS) | βοΈ | Safety Data Sheet for hazardous material handling. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Rules)
π₯ "Formulation goes to Ch. 38, Chemical to Ch. 29. Don't guess, or pay double!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Action | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished Pesticide (WDG, WP, EC) | 3808.99.08.00 |
Declare as 2933.39.27.00 |
Audit, Back-taxes (25% penalty), Seizure |
| Pure Technical Grade Imidacloprid (95%+) | 2933.39.27.00 |
Declare as 3808.99.08.00 |
Overpay Tax (41.5% vs 16.5%) |
| Pre-mix with Solvents (Liquid) | 3808.99.08.00 |
Declare as Chemical | Misclassification |
| Imidacloprid for Industrial Synthesis Only | 2933.39.27.00 |
Declare as Pesticide | Overpay Tax |
β 3. Special Handling Notes
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| EPA Registration | No EPA Reg No. = No Entry. Ensure the product is registered with the US EPA before shipment. |
| Labeling | Labels must comply with EPA requirements (bilingual if necessary, signal words, etc.). |
| Section 301 Exclusion | Check if Imidacloprid WDG was excluded from Section 301 in 2025. Currently, it is NOT excluded. |
| Hydrolysis/Chemical Reaction | If the product undergoes chemical reaction during use, it may still be classified as a pesticide if formulated for that purpose. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.99.08.00 |
41.5% | EPA Registration Mandatory | High tariff. Strict customs on pesticide formulations. |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.99.08.00 |
5% (Standard) | Pesticide Registration Certificate | Lower tax, but domestic regulation is strict. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.94.00 |
6.5% | EFSA Approval Mandatory | No Section 301, but strict MRL (Maximum Residue Limit) checks. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.94.00 |
5% | APVMA Approval Mandatory | Requires APVMA permit for import. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3808.94.00 |
0%~6% | MHLW Registration | Strict Positive List System for residues. |
π Conclusion:
- USA: High tariff (41.5%) due to Section 301. Compliance is key.
- EU/Asia: Lower tariffs, but non-tariff barriers (EPA/EFSA/APVMA) are stricter.
- Do not attempt to misclassify WDG as Chapter 29 to save tax. The risk of penalty is too high.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Imidacloprid 70% WDG" as 2933.39.27.00 to save 25% tax.
π Consequence: Customs audits reveal it's a formulation. Back-taxes + 25% penalty + legal fees.
β Error 2: Ignoring EPA Registration Number.
π Consequence: Cargo seized and destroyed at US port.
β Error 3: Using "Imidacloprid" as the only product name.
π Consequence: Ambiguity. Must specify "WDG" (Water Dispersible Granules) to clarify formulation type.
β Error 4: Not providing SDS/MSDS.
π Consequence: Customs holds cargo for safety review, delaying clearance by weeks.
β Correct Practice:
"Imidacloprid 70% WG (Water Dispersible Granules), Insecticide, EPA Reg. No. 12345-67, CAS 138261-41-3"
π― VII. Conclusion: Compliant Clearance, Save Costs!
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Formulation = Chapter 38 (41.5% Tax in USA)"
πΉ "Pure Chemical = Chapter 29 (16.5% Tax in USA)"
πΉ "WDG is Formulation. Do not Misclassify."πΉ "HS Code Determines Tax. One Mistake Costs 25%."
πΉ "EPA Registration is Mandatory. No EPA, No Entry."
π Tip:
- If you are importing pure Imidacloprid Technical Grade (not formulated), use Chapter 29 (16.5%).
- If you are importing WDG, WP, EC, etc., use Chapter 38 (41.5%).
- Always verify EPA registration status before shipping.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact Customs Broker + Provide EPA Reg No. + Apply for Pre-Ruling (if unsure)
π Ensure Compliant Clearance, Avoid Seizure, Optimize Costs!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved is Cleanly Earned!
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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.