Modified Ethylene Copolymer Plastic
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3904905000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901909000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901905501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3903901000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3903905000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Modified Ethylene Copolymer Plastic (Raw Materials)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly Are "Modified Ethylene Copolymers"?
Modified ethylene copolymer plastics are intermediate raw materials obtained by chemically modifying ethylene polymers or blending them with other resins (such as polystyrene) to enhance properties like toughness, transparency, or processability. In international trade, these materials are classified based on their base polymer type and physical state (typically in primary shapes: powders, pellets, granules, or lumps).
The dataset provided indicates two main categories: 1. Ethylene Polymer-based: Raw materials primarily composed of ethylene copolymers. 2. Polystyrene-based (Modified): Resins where polystyrene is modified, often using ethylene copolymers as compatibilizers or modifiers.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the material is a primary shape (pellets, powder) of ethylene copolymer βε½ε ₯ 3901/3904
- If the material is a primary shape of modified polystyrene βε½ε ₯ 3903
- Note: Even if "modified," if it remains in primary shape, it is generally classified under the chapter for the principal polymer.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the precise HS Codes and their corresponding descriptions:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Basis | Physical State | Key Classification Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3904.90.50.00 |
Ethylene polymer modified raw material | Ethylene Polymer | Raw Material (Primary Shape) | Fits primary shape classification for ethylene polymers. |
3901.90.90.00 |
Ethylene polymer modified raw material | Ethylene Polymer | Raw Material (Primary Shape) | Fits primary shape classification for ethylene polymers. |
3901.90.55.01 |
Ethylene polymer modified raw material | Ethylene Polymer | Raw Material (Primary Shape) | Fits primary shape classification for ethylene polymers. |
3903.90.10.00 |
Modified Polystyrene Resin | Polystyrene | Resin (Primary Shape) | Fits primary shape classification for modified PS. |
3903.90.50.00 |
Modified Polystyrene Resin | Polystyrene | Resin (Primary Shape) | Fits primary shape classification for modified PS. |
π Critical Reminder:
- All listed codes specify "Raw Material" (εζ) or "Resin" (ζ θ) in Primary Shape (εηΊ§ε½’ηΆ).
- If the product were in the form of finished articles (e.g., pipes, films), it would NOT fall under these codes.
- The term "Modified" (ζΉζ§) does not change the heading if the modification is minor or if it remains within the scope of the base polymer chapter (Chapter 39).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: China (CN) Importing from US or US Importing from CN?
Note: The tax details provided in the data include "122 Clause" and high surcharges, which strongly suggest China's anti-dumping/surcharge tariffs on US-origin goods or US Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods. Given the "122 Clause" (often associated with US-Section 301 or specific trade remedies), this analysis assumes the context of cross-border trade between the US and China with heavy surcharges.
π― 1. Ethylene Polymer Codes: 3904.90.50.00, 3901.90.90.00, 3901.90.55.01
| Tax Component | Rate | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff (εΊη‘ε ³η¨) | 6.5% | Standard MFN (Most Favored Nation) import duty for Chapter 39 plastics. |
| Additional Tariff (ε εΎε ³η¨) | 25.0% | Likely Section 301 Tariff (US) or Retaliatory Tariff (CN). Applies to "plastics and articles thereof." |
| Section 122 Tariff (122ζ‘ζ¬Ύε ³η¨) | 10.0% | Specific trade remedy or additional duty (e.g., US Section 301 List 4 or CN specific surcharge). |
| Total Tax Rate (ζ»η¨η) | 41.5% | 6.5% + 25.0% + 10.0% = 41.5% |
π Explanation:
- The 25% surcharge is significant and applies to most ethylene polymers from/to the counterpart country.
- The 10% "122 Clause" is an additional layer, often related to specific trade enforcement actions.
- Total Cost Impact: For every $10,000 of CIF value, the tax burden is $4,150.
π― 2. Modified Polystyrene Codes: 3903.90.10.00, 3903.90.50.00
| Tax Component | Rate | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff (εΊη‘ε ³η¨) | 6.5% | Standard MFN import duty for Polystyrene (Chapter 39). |
| Additional Tariff (ε εΎε ³η¨) | 25.0% | Same Section 301/Retaliatory tariff as above. |
| Section 122 Tariff (122ζ‘ζ¬Ύε ³η¨) | 10.0% | Same additional duty as above. |
| Total Tax Rate (ζ»η¨η) | 41.5% | 6.5% + 25.0% + 10.0% = 41.5% |
π Note:
- Despite being "Modified Polystyrene," the tariff structure is identical to the ethylene polymers in this dataset.
- Do not assume lower rates for "modified" goods if they fall under Chapter 39.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Ethylene Copolymer Raw Material" or "Modified Polystyrene Resin." Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Granules." |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for determining if the 25% surcharge applies. If origin is not US/CN (depending on trade direction), surcharges may be avoided. |
| β Product Specification Sheet (MSDS/Technical Data) | βοΈ | Must confirm: 1. Primary Shape (pellets, powder). 2. Base Polymer (Ethylene vs. Polystyrene). 3. Modification Type (compatibilizer, additive, etc.). |
| β Bill of Lading (B/L) | βοΈ | Ensure commodity description matches invoice. |
| β Import/Export License | βοΈ | Some plastic raw materials may require specific licenses depending on the country. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Rules)
π₯ "Shape is King, Polymer is Queen!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code Category | Common Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pellets/Powders of Ethylene Copolymer | 3901 or 3904 |
Misclassifying as "Plastic Articles" (e.g., 3926) | Wrong tariff, delays, penalties. |
| Pellets/Powders of Modified PS | 3903.90 |
Misclassifying as "ABS" or "SAN" | Incorrect base rate, potential audit. |
| Finished Pipes/Films | NOT 3901/3903 |
Using raw material codes for finished goods | Severe misdeclaration, high fines. |
| Recycled Granules | Check 3902 or specific recycling codes | Using virgin polymer codes | Ethical & compliance violations. |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Issue | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| "Modified" Definition | If the modification changes the fundamental character (e.g., becomes a new polymer entirely), re-evaluate HS Code. However, most "modifications" (blending, compatibilizing) stay in Chapter 39. |
| Section 122 Clause | Verify if your product is specifically listed under the "122 Clause." Not all plastics are subject to this additional 10%. |
| Origin Shopping | If the 41.5% rate is prohibitive, consider sourcing from Vietnam, Thailand, or Mexico (if eligible under FTAs like USMCA or ASEAN agreements) to avoid surcharges. Ensure no substantial transformation is done just to bypass tariffs (circumvention risk). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | HS Code (Example) | Base Tariff | Surcharge (US/CN) | Total Effective Rate | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA (Import from CN) | 3901.90 / 3903.90 |
5-6.5% | +25% (Sec 301) | ~30-31.5% | High barrier. |
| π¨π³ China (Import from US) | 3901.90 / 3903.90 |
6.5% | +25% (Retaliatory) + 10% (Sec 122) | 41.5% | As per data. Very high. |
| πͺπΊ EU (Import from CN) | 3901.90 / 3903.90 |
6.5% | 0% | 6.5% | No US-style surcharges. |
| π»π³ Vietnam (Export to US) | 3901.90 |
0% | 0% (if US origin) | 0% | Potential if manufactured in Vietnam with sufficient value-add. |
π Conclusion:
- China-US Trade: Both sides face high tariffs (41.5%) on these plastic raw materials.
- EU/Other Markets: Much more competitive with standard MFN rates (~6.5%).
π VI. Common Pitfalls & Risk Mitigation
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Plastic Raw Material" without specifying "Ethylene" or "Polystyrene."
π Result: Customs may classify under the highest duty rate or hold for inspection.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the "122 Clause" and underpaying by 10%.
π Result: Audit, back taxes, and penalties upon review.
β Mistake 3: Assuming "Modified" means a different HS Code.
π Result: Overcomplicating classification. Most modifications stay in the same 4-digit heading.
β Correct Approach:
"Specify: Ethylene Copolymer Raw Material, Primary Shape, Modified with [Additive]"
"Specify: Modified Polystyrene Resin, Primary Shape, Impact Modified"
π― VII. Conclusion: Cost Optimization & Compliance
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Tariff Rate: 41.5% is fixed for these codes in the provided dataset.
πΉ Action: Verify Origin. If you can source from a non-surge country, do it.
πΉ Documentation: Ensure "Primary Shape" is explicitly stated in the commercial invoice.
π£ Immediate Action Plan:
1. Confirm Product Form: Is it definitely pellets/powder?
2. Verify Origin: Does the CO match the tariff exemption criteria?
3. Check Section 122 List: Is your specific product line on the 10% surcharge list?
4. Consult Broker: For high-value shipments, request a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Advance Ruling.
β¨ Precise Classification Saves 41.5% in Taxes!
πΌ Don't Let "Modified" Complicate Your Tariff Strategy!
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.