Low Viscosity Casting Adhesive
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3907300000 | 41.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3907915000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506990000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824100000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824999397 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§ͺ Low Viscosity Casting Adhesive (LVCA)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Deep Dive | Professional Export Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Low Viscosity Casting Adhesive"?
Low Viscosity Casting Adhesive refers to specialized liquid adhesives designed for impregnation, sealing, bonding, and encapsulation of electronic components, composites, or industrial parts. Their defining characteristic is low viscosity, allowing them to flow deeply into pores, cracks, and between dense materials without trapping air bubbles.
In international trade, these products fall primarily under Chapter 35 (Animal, Vegetable, or Microbial Products) or Chapter 39 (Plastics/Resins), depending on the chemical base.
π Critical Classification Distinctions
| Feature | Category A: Polymer-Based | Category B: Rubber/Other | Category C: Foundry Binders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Base | Epoxide resins, Polyacetals, Polycarbonates, Polyesters (Heads 3901β3913) | Rubber-based or unspecified polymers | Chemical binders for molds/cores |
| Typical Use | Encapsulation, potting, casting electronics, composite bonding | General bonding, retail adhesives | Sand casting molds, core binding |
| Packaging | Often >1kg (bulk) or <1kg (retail) | Retail packaging (<1kg) | Industrial bulk |
| HS Code Range | 3907 (Resins) | 3506 (Prepared Adhesives) | 3824 (Chemical Preparations) |
β οΈ Key Decision Point:
- Is it Epoxide/Polyester in primary form? β 3907
- Is it a preparation put up for retail sale (<1kg)? β 3506
- Is it for foundry molds? β 3824
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Schedule)
Based on the provided data for Low Viscosity Casting Adhesives
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Detail (Base + Additional) | Total Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3506.91.50.00 | Adhesives based on polymers of headings 3901β3913 or on rubber, put up for retail sale <1kg, not elsewhere specified | Small retail packs, DIY casting, lab samples | Base: 0.0% Add-on: 0.0% |
0.0% |
| 3506.99.00.00 | Other prepared glues/adhesives, not elsewhere specified (e.g., non-polymer/rubber base, bulk, or non-retail) | Bulk industrial casting, non-polymer bases, specialized industrial grades | Base: 2.1% Add-on: 25.0% |
27.1% |
| 3907.30.00.00 | Epoxide resins, in primary forms (liquid casting resins, unhardened) | Raw liquid epoxide casting resin, bulk industrial use | Base: 6.1% Add-on: 25.0% |
31.1% |
| 3907.91.50.00 | Other polyesters (unsaturated), in primary forms | Liquid unsaturated polyester casting resin, bulk | Base: 0.0% Add-on: 0.0% |
0.0% |
| 3824.10.00.00 | Prepared binders for foundry molds or cores | Sand casting molds, core binding (NOT for general casting/bonding) | Base: 6.0% Add-on: 25.0% |
31.0% |
| 3824.99.93.97 | Other chemical preparations (miscellaneous binders/adhesives not elsewhere specified) | Complex formulations, non-standard casting agents | Base: 5.0% Add-on: 25.0% |
30.0% |
π Critical Note:
- Retail vs. Bulk matters immensely. If the adhesive is <1kg and explicitly labeled for retail, it may fall under 3506.91.50.00 (0% tax).
- Epoxide Resins (3907.30.00.00) are often the primary component for "casting" but are taxed heavily if not classified as "adhesives".
- Unsaturated Polyesters (3907.91.50.00) offer a 0% tariff pathway if classified correctly as "polyesters" rather than "adhesives".
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown & Legal Basis
(Assuming Import into US from China)
π― 1. 3506.91.50.00 β Retail Adhesives (Polymer/Rubber Base)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% (Exempt for specific polymer-based retail adhesives) |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| Legal Path | HTSUS: 3506.91.50.00 β 301 List Exclusion (if applicable) |
π Strategy: If your product is in small packs (<1kg) and based on polymers, this is the golden ticket for 0% duty.
π― 2. 3907.91.50.00 β Unsaturated Polyesters (Bulk/Casting)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% (Exempt for specific polyester resins) |
| Total Tax | 0.0% |
| Legal Path | HTSUS: 3907.91.50.00 β Chemical Exclusion |
π Strategy: Classify as polyester resin rather than "adhesive" to unlock 0% duty for bulk casting materials.
π― 3. 3907.30.00.00 β Epoxide Resins (Bulk)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.1% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Total Tax | 31.1% |
| Legal Path | HTSUS: 3907.30.00.00 β 301 List (No exemption) |
β οΈ Risk: Epoxides are heavily taxed. Avoid this classification if possible by proving the product is an "adhesive" (3506) or "polyester" (3907.91).
π― 4. 3824.10.00.00 β Foundry Binders
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Total Tax | 31.0% |
| Legal Path | HTSUS: 3824.10.00.00 β Chemical Add-on |
β οΈ Risk: If your "casting adhesive" is used for sand molds, it falls here. For electronics casting, this is a wrong classification.
π― 5. 3506.99.00.00 β Other Adhesives (General)
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.1% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Total Tax | 27.1% |
| Legal Path | HTSUS: 3506.99.00.00 β 301 List |
β οΈ Risk: High tax if the product doesn't fit the "retail" or "polymer" exemptions.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices & Pitfall Avoidance
β 1. Product Documentation (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | Must specify chemical composition (e.g., "Unsaturated Polyester", "Epoxide Resin") | Determines HS Code (3907 vs 3506) |
| SDS (Safety Data Sheet) | Must show viscosity and curing mechanism | Proves "casting" application, not "foundry" |
| Packaging Label | Must state Net Weight (<1kg for retail exemption) | Critical for 3506.91.50.00 vs 3506.99.00.00 |
| Application Manual | Must describe usage (e.g., "Electronics Encapsulation", "Composite Bonding") | Avoid 3824.10.00.00 (foundry) misclassification |
| Chemical Formula | Explicitly state polymer type | Distinguish between 3907.30.00 (epoxy) and 3907.91.50.00 (polyester) |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Golden Rules)
π₯ Rule of Thumb:
"Low Viscosity" + "Retail Pack (<1kg)" + "Polymer Base" = 0% Duty (3506.91.50.00)
"Bulk" + "Unsaturated Polyester" = 0% Duty (3907.91.50.00)
"Bulk" + "Epoxide" = 31.1% Duty (3907.30.00.00)
"Foundry/Mold" = 31.0% Duty (3824.10.00.00)
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Avoid This Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small pack (<1kg), epoxy-based | 3506.91.50.00 |
3907.30.00.00 |
Retail exemption |
| Bulk, unsaturated polyester | 3907.91.50.00 |
3907.30.00.00 |
Polyester exemption |
| Bulk, epoxide resin | 3907.30.00.00 (Accept 31.1%) |
3506.99.00.00 |
Not an "adhesive" |
| Used for sand molds | 3824.10.00.00 |
3506.91.50.00 |
Wrong application |
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Epoxide resins taxed at 31.1% | Reformulate as "unsaturated polyester" (3907.91.50.00) for 0% duty if chemically feasible. |
| Retail pack >1kg | Re-package into <1kg units to qualify for 3506.91.50.00 (0% tax). |
| Foundry vs. Casting Confusion | Provide application manuals proving use in electronics/composites, not molds. |
| High Additional Duty (25%) | Check Section 301 Exclusions for your specific chemical composition; some may qualify for exemption. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3506.91.50.00 / 3907.91.50.00 |
0%β31.1% | MSDS, TDS, UL (if electrical) | High risk for epoxides |
| π¨π³ China | Same as above | 0%β5% | CCC, RoHS | Lower tax than US |
| πͺπΊ EU | Same as above | 0%β6% | CE, REACH | No Section 301 |
| π―π΅ Japan | Same as above | 0%β8% | PSE, JIS | Low tax, strict safety |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to 25% Section 301 on most chemical products.
- EU/Asia offer 0%β8% rates without punitive add-ons.
- Classification strategy is critical to avoid 30%+ duties.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Learn from Mistakes)
β Error 1: Calling "Epoxide Resin" an "Adhesive"
π Result: If bulk, you pay 31.1%; if retail, you pay 0%.
π Fix: If retail, declare as 3506.91.50.00; if bulk, declare as 3907.30.00.00.
β Error 2: Mixing "Foundry Binder" with "Casting Adhesive"
π Result: If used for sand molds, 3824.10.00.00 applies (31.0%).
π Fix: Clarify end-use in documentation.
β Error 3: Packaging >1kg but claiming retail
π Result: Disqualified from 3506.91.50.00, taxed at 27.1%.
π Fix: Repackage into <1kg units.
β Best Practice:
"Low Viscosity Casting Adhesive, Unsaturated Polyester, <1kg Retail Pack, For Electronics Encapsulation, Viscosity: 500 cP, Model XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification = Zero Duty
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ "Retail <1kg" + "Polymer Base" = 0% Duty (3506.91.50.00)
πΉ "Bulk" + "Polyester" = 0% Duty (3907.91.50.00)
πΉ "Bulk" + "Epoxide" = 31.1% Duty (3907.30.00.00)
πΉ "Foundry Binder" = 31.0% Duty (3824.10.00.00)πΉ "Packaging Size" is the #1 factor for 0% tax
πΉ "Chemical Base" determines 25% add-on
π Pro Tip:
If your product is epoxide-based and bulk, consider reclassifying as "unsaturated polyester" (if chemically feasible) to avoid the 31.1% tariff.
Always request an Advance Ruling from customs before shipping.
π£ Action Plan:
π Contact customs broker with TDS + SDS + Packaging Specs
π Repackage into <1kg units for retail exemption
π Reformulate as polyester if possible
π Avoid "foundry binder" terminology for casting adhesives
β¨ Precision Classification = Maximum Profit!
πΌ Your Adhesive, Your Strategy, Your Bottom Line!
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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.