Injection Molding Grade PTFE Granules
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3904610010 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3916905000 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3904610090 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901905501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐ญ Injection Molding Grade PTFE Granules (Polytetrafluoroethylene)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "PTFE Granules"?
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), commonly known as Teflonยฎ, is a high-performance synthetic fluoropolymer. In international trade, "Injection Molding Grade PTFE Granules" refer to raw plastic materials in their primary shape, specifically processed for injection molding applications.
Key Distinctions: * Primary Shape (Resin/Granules): Raw polymer beads or granules before they are turned into final products. โ Classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof). * Finished Articles: Already molded into gears, seals, or tubes. โ Classified under Chapter 39 (Various other headings) or Chapter 84/85 depending on function.
โ ๏ธ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is raw PTFE resin in granular form intended for further manufacturing โ It falls under Heading 39.04 (Primary Forms of Fluoropolymers).
- If it is a specific molded part โ It might fall under Heading 39.26 (Other articles of plastics).
- Warning: Misclassifying granules as "finished plastic articles" can lead to significant duty discrepancies and customs delays.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the potential HS Code classifications for PTFE Granules, ranging from specific to "catch-all" categories.
| HS Code | Product Description | Logic & Application | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3904.61.00.10 |
PTFE Injection Molding Grade Granules | Specific classification for PTFE in primary forms, specifically suited for injection molding. Matches "Primary Shape" definition perfectly. | 40.8% |
3904.61.00.90 |
Other PTFE Granules | Used if the granules do not fit the specific "Injection Molding Grade" sub-description but are still PTFE primary forms. A "Other" category fallback. | 40.8% |
3916.90.50.00 |
PTFE Granules (Catch-all for Plastics) | Classifies as "Other plastic materials in primary forms." Often used as a fallback when specific fluoropolymer headings are ambiguous or if the importer prefers this broader category. | 40.8% |
3901.90.55.01 |
Food-Grade PTFE Resin Granules | Specifically for Food-Grade applications. Classified under "Other primary forms of polymers of ethylene" (Note: This classification logic implies a specific regulatory or structural interpretation for food-grade fluoropolymers in some jurisdictions). | 41.5% |
3926.90.99.89 |
PTFE Plastic Products (Article) | โ ๏ธ High Risk: Classifies PTFE granules as "Other plastic articles." This is generally incorrect for raw granules but may be forced if the granules are considered "finished goods" in a specific trade context. | 22.8% |
๐ Key Insight:
- Standard PTFE Granules typically fall under 3904 (Fluoropolymers).
- Food-Grade variants may trigger specific sub-codes like3901.90.55.01depending on local tariff schedules.
- 3926 is usually for manufactured items, not raw resin. Using this code for granules is risky and may be challenged by customs.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes, Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Country of Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: Post-November 2025 (Subject to ongoing Section 301 & IEEPA regulations)
๐ฏ 1. Standard PTFE Granules (3904.61.00.10 / 3904.61.00.90 / 3916.90.50.00)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.8% (Most Favored Nation / Section 301 Base) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Trade Remedy Tariff on Chinese Goods) |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% (Additional tariff on Chinese products under IEEPA) |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 40.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | โ No (deny_de_minimis applies to Section 301/IEEPA goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3904.61.00.10 โ SECTION:301 (25%) โ IEEPA:122 (10%) |
๐ Explanation:
- The 25% is the standard Section 301 tariff on Chinese plastics.
- The 10% is an additional tariff under IEEPA Section 122 (or similar executive orders targeting Chinese imports).
- Total: 40.8%. This is a very high duty rate for raw materials.
๐ฏ 2. Food-Grade PTFE Resin (3901.90.55.01)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | โ No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3901.90.55.01 โ SECTION:301 (25%) โ IEEPA:122 (10%) |
๐ Note:
- Food-grade classification does not exempt you from Section 301 or IEEPA tariffs.
- The base rate is slightly higher (6.5% vs 5.8%), leading to a total of 41.5%.
๐ฏ 3. "Plastic Article" Classification (3926.90.99.89)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Note: Lower surtax rate for this specific code in some interpretations) |
| Section 122 / IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | โ No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.99.89 โ SECTION:301 (7.5%) โ IEEPA:122 (10%) |
โ ๏ธ CRITICAL WARNING:
- This rate (22.8%) is significantly lower than the standard PTFE rate (40.8%).
- However, classifying raw granules as "Plastic Articles" (3926) is technically incorrect under general rules of interpretation. Customs may audit this and reclassify to3904, resulting in back taxes + penalties.
- Use only if you have a strong legal opinion or pre-ruling supporting this classification.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Pitfall Avoidance)
โ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state: "PTFE Resin," "Injection Molding Grade," "Primary Form," "Granular." |
| โ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | โ๏ธ | Shows molecular weight, density, and purity. Proves it is raw resin, not a finished part. |
| โ Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) | โ๏ธ | Required for chemical imports. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Description must match HS Code logic. E.g., "PTFE Resin Granules for Injection Molding." |
| โ Country of Origin Certificate | โ๏ธ | Critical for determining Section 301 applicability. |
| โ Packaging Details | โ๏ธ | Bags, pallets, etc. Ensure no "finished goods" imagery is visible. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
๐ฅ "Granules are Raw, Not Articles; Name it Right, Save Your Taxes!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Raw PTFE Granules | "PTFE Resin Granules, Primary Form" |
"PTFE Injection Molding Parts" |
| Food-Grade PTFE | "Food-Grade PTFE Resin" |
"PTFE Plastic Pellets" |
| Misclassified as Article | โ Avoid 3926 unless pre-approved |
Using 3926 without proof โ Risk of Audit |
โ 3. Special Handling Scenarios
| Scenario | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Color Granules | Specify color in specs, but still classify as 3904 unless the color changes the fundamental nature (unlikely). |
| Mixed with Fillers (e.g., Carbon/Graphite) | If fillers >10% by weight, may still be 3904, but ensure the base polymer is PTFE. If fillers dominate, re-evaluate classification. |
| Small Samples (< $800) | โ Do NOT use De Minimis (Section 321). Section 301/IEEPA tariffs apply even to low-value shipments from China. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 3904.61.00.10 |
40.8% (or 41.5% for food-grade) | FDA (if food contact) | High Section 301/IEEPA duties. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 3904.61.00.00 |
~5-8% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower duties, but check export controls. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 3904.61.00 |
~6.5% | REACH Registration | No Section 301 equivalent. REACH compliance is critical. |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 3904.61.00 |
~5-7% | JIS Standards | Stable tariffs, no major surcharges. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 3904.61.00 |
~6.5% | UKCA (post-Brexit) | Similar to EU but separate certification. |
๐ Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market for PTFE granules from China due to combined Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.
- Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from Vietnam, Malaysia, or US-based producers) to mitigate the 40.8% duty burden.
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
โ Error 1: Declaring "PTFE Granules" as "Plastic Parts" (3926) to save on duties.
๐ Consequence: Customs audit โ Reclassification to 3904 โ Back taxes (40.8% - 22.8% = 18% difference) + Penalties.
โ Error 2: Ignoring Section 122/IEEPA in tariff calculation.
๐ Consequence: Underpayment of 10% โ Interest and fines upon audit.
โ Error 3: Claiming De Minimis for shipments under $800.
๐ Consequence: Shipment seized. Section 301/IEEPA tariffs apply to all Chinese imports, regardless of value.
โ Error 4: Vague description "Plastic Pellets."
๐ Consequence: Customs cannot determine if it's PTFE, PE, or PP. Clearance delay for additional info.
โ Correct Practice:
"Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Resin, Injection Molding Grade, Primary Form, Granular, Non-Food Contact, Model XYZ, Origin: China"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration for Cost Efficiency!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Granules = Primary Form (3904)"
๐น "Articles = Finished Goods (3926)"
๐น "China Origin = 40.8% Duty"
๐น "No De Minimis for 301/IEEPA"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your PTFE granules are critical components and the 40.8% duty is impacting profitability, consider:
1. Exclusion Requests: Check if your specific PTFE grade has an exclusion from Section 301.
2. Supply Chain Shift: Source from non-China origins (e.g., US, EU, Southeast Asia) to avoid surtaxes.
3. Pre-Ruling: Apply for a Customs Ruling (CBP Ruling) to confirm your HS Code classification before shipping.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Consult a licensed customs broker
๐ Prepare detailed specs & COAs
๐ Accurate classification saves money, delays cost time!
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
๐ผ Every dollar of duty saved is pure profit!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.