Low Smoke Casting Adhesive
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506990000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Low Smoke Casting Adhesive (LSM Adhesives)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Casting Adhesives"?
Low Smoke Casting Adhesives refer to specialized prepared adhesives designed for use in casting processes (often in metalworking, molding, or composite manufacturing) that emit minimal smoke when heated or cured. In international trade, these are generally classified under Chapter 35: Albuminoidal Substances; Modified Starches; Glues; Enzymes.
The classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Composition: What is the base polymer? (e.g., epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylics based on headings 3901β3913, or rubber-based). 2. Packaging: Is it sold in retail packages weighing β€ 1 kg, or bulk industrial containers?
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the adhesive is based on polymers of headings 3901 to 3913 (plastics) or rubber, it falls under 3506.91.
- If it is a different type of prepared glue not based on those specific polymers/rubbers, it falls under 3506.99.
- Retail vs. Bulk: The provided specifically applies to products put up for retail sale with a net weight not exceeding 1 kg. Bulk industrial adhesives may have different sub-headings (e.g., 3506.10), but based on the constraints of the provided data, we focus on the retail-specific codes.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability Scenario | Key Classification Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
3506.91.50.00 |
Adhesives based on polymers of headings 3901 to 3913 or on rubber: Other | Castings using plastic-based (e.g., epoxy, acrylic) or rubber-based adhesives in retail packages β€ 1kg | β Polymer/Rubber Base |
3506.99.00.00 |
Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives... Other | Adhesives not based on headings 3901-3913 polymers/rubber, in retail packages β€ 1kg | β Non-Polymer/Rubber Base (e.g., animal glue, starch-based, etc.) |
π Critical Reminder:
- "Low Smoke" is a performance characteristic (environmental/safety), not a chemical classification factor. Customs classification depends on chemical composition (Heading 3901β3913 or Rubber) and packaging (β€ 1 kg retail).
- If your "Low Smoke Casting Adhesive" is an epoxy resin (a polymer of heading 3907), it MUST be classified under 3506.91.50.00.
- If it is a generic prepared glue not fitting the specific polymer/rubber criteria of 3506.91, it falls under 3506.99.00.00.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Explanation
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) [Inferred from context of typical trade queries, but rates shown are for the provided data]
β Effective Time: Current Tariff Schedule
π― 1. 3506.91.50.00 ββ Adhesives based on polymers of headings 3901 to 3913 or on rubber
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Generally, for low-value shipments, but subject to current USCBP enforcement policies on Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3506.91.50.00 |
π Explanation:
- The base tariff for this specific subheading is 0%.
- According to the provided , there are NO additional tariffs (neither base nor additional) applied to this HS code.
- This makes it a zero-tariff item for import into the US under the current data constraints.
- Note: While many adhesives fall under Section 301 lists (often 7.5%β25%), this specific subheading3506.91.50.00is listed with 0% total tax in the provided data. Always verify with the latest USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule as Section 301 lists are updated frequently.
π― 2. 3506.99.00.00 ββ Other prepared glues and adhesives
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Subject to current enforcement policies) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3506.99.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Similar to the above, the base tariff is 0%.
- No additional tariffs are applied according to the provided data.
- This applies to adhesives that do not fall under the polymer/rubber criteria of 3506.91.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Chemical composition (e.g., "Epoxy Resin based"), solid content, viscosity, and packaging weight (must be β€ 1 kg for retail classification). |
| β Ingredient List / MSDS/SDS | βοΈ | Critical to prove the base polymer type (Headings 3901β3913 vs. others). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify "Low Smoke Casting Adhesive" and indicate if it is for retail sale. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Must clearly state Net Weight per package. If any package exceeds 1 kg, the retail classification (3506.91.50.00 / 3506.99.00.00) may be invalidated, leading to potential misclassification. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To determine eligibility for any potential future preferential rates or to establish origin for enforcement. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ βWeight is Key, Polymer is King! Retail β€ 1kg, Code 3506 Fits!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration Approach | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Adhesive is Epoxy (Plastic-based) | 3506.91.50.00 |
Misdeclaring as 3506.99.00.00 |
| Adhesive is Rubber-based | 3506.91.50.00 |
Misdeclaring as 3506.99.00.00 |
| Package weighs 1.5 kg (Bulk/Industrial) | NOT 3506.91.50.00 or 3506.99.00.00 (Check 3506.10 or other) |
Forcing retail code |
| Adhesive is Animal Glue/Starch | 3506.99.00.00 |
Misdeclaring as 3506.91.50.00 |
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- The term "Low Smoke" does not affect HS Code classification. It is a marketing/safety term.
- The decisive factor is the base polymer (Headings 3901β3913 or Rubber) and the retail packaging weight (β€ 1 kg).
- If you ship bulk containers (e.g., 20kg drums), these HS codes are incorrect. You must use the appropriate bulk adhesive codes (e.g., 3506.10 for pre-mixed glues) which may have different tariff implications.
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Packaging | If a shipment contains both β€ 1 kg retail packs and bulk packs, they must be declared separately. Do not mix them under one HS code. |
| Hazmat Classification | Adhesives are often regulated as Dangerous Goods (DG) for transport (IATA/IMDG). Ensure proper UN Number and Packing Group declaration for shipping, even if customs duty is 0%. |
| EPA Registration | For adhesives used in the US, ensure compliance with EPA regulations, especially if they contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), even if "low smoke." |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Retail β€ 1kg) | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3506.91.50.00 or 3506.99.00.00 |
0.0% (per provided data) | EPA Registration, SDS | Zero Tariff based on provided data. Verify Section 301 status. |
| π¨π³ China | 3506.91 or 3506.99 | Varies (Check MOFCOM) | CCC (if applicable) | Import duties may differ. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3506 91 or 3506 99 | 0% - 6.5% | REACH Registration | Strict chemical regulation (REACH). |
| π¬π§ UK | 3506 91 or 3506 99 | 0% - 6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit chemical rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The provided data indicates 0% tariff for these specific retail adhesives from China to the US.
- However, regulatory compliance (EPA, DG shipping, REACH for EU) is often more complex and costly than the tariff itself.
- Always confirm the base polymer to ensure the correct subheading (3506.91 vs. 3506.99).
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring bulk 20kg drums as "Retail Adhesives" (3506.91.50.00)
π Consequence: Misclassification β Potential penalty, duty reassessment, or seizure.
Fix: Use bulk adhesive codes (e.g., 3506.10).
β Error 2: Ignoring the "Base Polymer" and just saying "Adhesive"
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration and assign a higher duty code or require reclassification.
Fix: Provide SDS/MSDS to prove if it's based on Heading 3901-3913 polymers or rubber.
β Error 3: Assuming "Low Smoke" qualifies for a special green tariff
π Consequence: No such tariff exists in Chapter 35.
Fix: Stick to chemical composition for classification.
β Correct Practice:
"Low Smoke Epoxy Casting Adhesive, Base: Epoxy Resin (HTS 3907), Net Weight: 0.5 kg, Retail Packaging, SDS Attached, UN1263 (if applicable for shipping)."
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money and Time!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Retail β€ 1kg, Polymer is King, 3506.91 for Plastic/Rubber, 3506.99 for Others."
πΉ "Zero Tariff in Data, But Check Hazmat and EPA!"
π Tips:
- If your adhesive is not based on polymers of 3901-3913 or rubber, use 3506.99.00.00.
- If it is based on those polymers or rubber, use 3506.91.50.00.
- Always ensure the net weight is β€ 1 kg for these specific retail codes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the SDS and Packaging Details.
π Ensure EPA compliance and DG shipping readiness alongside customs clearance.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Gram and Every Gram of Polymer Counts!
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.