Imidazolinone Fungicide
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2934991800 | 16.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3802905000 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2934107000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3802100050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808993000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Imidazolinone Fungicides: The Ultimate HS Code & Tariff Breakdown (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What Exactly is "Imidazolinone" in Trade?
Imidazolinone fungicides are a class of heterocyclic organic compounds widely used in agriculture for their potent antimicrobial properties. In international trade, they are classified based on two distinct factors: 1. Chemical Structure: Whether they are considered pure chemical substances (Chapter 29). 2. End Use: Whether they are formulated as pesticides/fungicides ready for application (Chapter 38).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If sold as a pure active ingredient (raw chemical) β Usually falls under Chapter 29 (Heterocyclic Compounds).
- If sold as a formulated product (mixed with carriers, solvents, or emulsifiers for direct use) β Falls under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
- Misclassification Risk: Classifying a formulated product as a pure chemical (or vice versa) can lead to massive duty discrepancies, especially with current US-China trade tensions.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
Below is the detailed breakdown of the 5 possible HS Codes for Imidazolinone, derived from the provided dataset. Each code has a significantly different tax implication.
| HS Code | Summary Description | Total Tax Rate | Tax Detail Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2934.99.18.00 | Heterocyclic Compound / Pesticide Use | 16.5% | Base: 6.5% + Section 122: 10% + Add'l: 0% |
| 3802.90.50.00 | Other Chemical Substances | 39.8% | Base: 4.8% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 10% |
| 2934.10.70.00 | Specific Chemical Structure / Fungicide | 10.0% | Base: 0.0% + Section 122: 10% + Add'l: 0% |
| 3802.10.00.50 | Chemical Active Ingredient / Raw Material | 39.8% | Base: 4.8% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 10% |
| 3808.99.30.00 | Fungicide Composition (Chemical Match) | 35.0% | Base: 0.0% + Section 301: 25% + Section 122: 10% |
π Key Observation:
- The lowest tax rate (10.0%) applies if the product is classified as a specific chemical structure under 2934.10.70.00.
- The highest tax rates (39.8%) apply if classified as a generic chemical substance (3802.90.50.00) or active ingredient (3802.10.00.50) due to the combination of Base Tariff + Section 301 Tariff + Section 122 Tariff.
π° III. Detailed Tariff Explanation (Section 122 vs. Section 301)
To understand why the taxes vary so drastically, we must break down the components mentioned in the data:
π― 1. HS Code 2934.10.70.00 β The "Goldilocks" Zone (Lowest Tax)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Tax | 10.0% |
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Why is this the best? | This code captures "Imidazolinone" as a specific chemical structure explicitly listed under Chapter 29. Because it is a precise chemical entry, it avoids the higher "Base Tariff" (4.8%) and the punitive Section 301 tariff (25%). Only the Section 122 tariff (10%) applies. |
| Legal Basis | Section 122: 10% applied to specific heterocyclic compounds. |
π― 2. HS Code 2934.99.18.00 β Moderate Tax
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Tax | 16.5% |
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Why? | Classified under "Other heterocyclic compounds." It has a slightly higher Base Tariff (6.5%) than the specific subheading (0%), but still avoids Section 301. |
π― 3. HS Code 3808.99.30.00 β Formulated Fungicide (Higher Tax)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Tax | 35.0% |
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Why? | This is for formulated fungicides. While the Base Tariff is 0%, it attracts the heavy Section 301 tariff (25%) because it is considered a chemical product subject to trade restrictions, plus Section 122 (10%). |
π― 4. HS Codes 3802.90.50.00 & 3802.10.00.50 β Highest Tax (Avoid If Possible)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Tax | 39.8% |
| Base Tariff | 4.8% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Why? | These codes classify Imidazolinone as a generic chemical substance or active ingredient under Chapter 38. This triggers ALL tariffs: Base (4.8%) + Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%). This is the wor-case scenario. |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Structure Diagram | βοΈ Must provide | To prove if it fits 2934.10.70.00 (specific structure) vs. generic categories. |
| Formula / Composition | βοΈ Critical | To distinguish between raw chemical (Ch 29) and formulated product (Ch 38). |
| MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ Required | Standard for chemical imports; helps customs verify classification. |
| Purity Certificate | βοΈ Required | High purity (>98%) supports Chapter 29 classification; low purity/formulated supports Chapter 38. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Accurate Description | Must clearly state: "Imidazolinone, [Specific Name], Purity [%], for Use as Fungicide" |
β 2. Classification Strategy (The "How-To")
π₯ Golden Rule: "Structure First, Use Second!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Chemical Powder (High Purity, No Formulation) | 2934.10.70.00 | 10.0% | Best Choice. Argue that it is a specific heterocyclic compound. Provide structural proof. |
| Pure Chemical (Not Specifically Listed) | 2934.99.18.00 | 16.5% | Second Best. If structure doesn't fit 2934.10, use this "Other" category. |
| Formulated Fungicide (Mixed with Solvents/Carriers) | 3808.99.30.00 | 35.0% | Acceptable. If it's a ready-to-use spray, you must use Ch 38. No choice here. |
| Generic Chemical Substance | 3802.90.50.00 | 39.8% | AVOID. Do not use unless necessary. High tax due to Section 301 + Base Tariff. |
| Active Ingredient (Raw Material for Mix) | 3802.10.00.50 | 39.8% | AVOID. Same reason as above. High tax. |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Customs Questions Purity | Provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) showing the chemical is not a mixture. |
| Section 122 Tariff Applicability | Ensure the product is not excluded from Section 122. Most fungicides are included. |
| Section 301 Exemption | Check if the specific HS Code is eligible for any exclusions. 2934.10.70.00 seems to have 0% Section 301, which is a huge advantage. |
| Documentation | Clearly mark: "Heterocyclic Compound, Not Formulated Pesticide" if using Ch 29 codes. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Outlook)
| Market | HS Code Focus | Tax Implication | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 2934.10.70.00 |
10.0% (Lowest) | Target this code! Avoids Section 301. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.99.30.00 |
35.0% (High) | For formulated products only. |
| π¨π³ China | Similar Codes | Varies | Domestic taxes may differ; focus on US export compliance. |
| πͺπΊ EU | Ch 29/38 | Varies | EU does not have Section 122 or 301, but may have anti-dumping duties. |
π Conclusion for US Importers:
- Maximize Savings: Classify as 2934.10.70.00 if the product is a pure chemical.
- Save 29.8% compared to misclassification as3802.90.50.00.
- Save 25.0% compared to formulated product classification3808.99.30.00(if pure).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears)
β Mistake 1: Calling a pure chemical "Fungicide Formulation"
π Result: Misclassified as 3808.99.30.00 β 35.0% tax instead of 10.0%.
π Fix: Be honest about formulation. If pure, declare as "Chemical Compound."
β Mistake 2: Using generic "Chemical Substance" codes (3802.xxxx) for a specific heterocyclic compound
π Result: Hits Section 301 (25%) + Base (4.8%) + Section 122 (10%) = 39.8%.
π Fix: Always check Chapter 29 first for specific chemical structures.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122
π Result: Underestimating costs. Even the "best" code (2934.10.70.00) has a 10% Section 122 tariff.
π Fix: Budget for 10.0% minimum for pure chemicals, 35.0% for formulated.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Imidazolinone, Pure Chemical Compound, Heterocyclic Structure, Purity 99%, Not Formulated, HS: 2934.10.70.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Maximum Savings!
π― Remember the Strategy:
πΉ "Pure Chemical β Ch 29 β 10% Tax"
πΉ "Formulated Product β Ch 38 β 35% Tax"
πΉ "Avoid Generic Ch 38 Codes β 39.8% Tax Trap"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is a pure active ingredient, insist on 2934.10.70.00. This is the only code in the list that avoids the punitive Section 301 (25%) tariff. Thatβs a 29.8% savings on the total cost!
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the Chemical Structure Diagram.
π Request a Pre-Ruling for 2934.10.70.00 if applicable.
π Secure the 10% Tax Rate and avoid the 39.8% trap!
β¨ Precision Classification Saves You Thousands!
πΌ Every Percent of Tariff is Profit Lost!
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.