Mold Core Wet Coating
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3403195000 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3208100000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π’οΈ Mold Core Wet Coating & Industrial Lubricants
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification β What is "Mold Core Wet Coating"?
Mold Core Wet Coating generally refers to liquid preparations used in foundry processes (sand casting) to coat sand molds or cores to prevent metal penetration and improve surface finish. In the context of international trade and tariff classification, these products are chemically complex. They often fall into two main categories based on their primary function and chemical composition:
- Chemical/Coating Type (Chapter 32): If the product is primarily a resin-based coating (e.g., polyester, synthetic polymer-based) used to form a barrier, it is classified as Paint/Varnish.
- Lubricant/Treatment Type (Chapter 34): If the product is primarily a petroleum-oil-based preparation used for releasing, lubricating, or treating the mold material (sand/core) to prevent sticking or corrosion, it is classified as a Lubricating/Treatment Preparation.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is based on synthetic polymers (like polyesters) and acts as a coating/paint (forming a film) β HS Code 3208.90.00.00
- If the product is based on petroleum oils (>50% by weight) and acts as a lubricant/treatment/release agent β HS Code 3403.19.50.00
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Primary Component | Tax Rate (China Origin to US) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3208.10.00.00 |
Paints/Varnishes based on Polyesters, dispersed in non-aqueous medium | High-temperature mold coatings, industrial enamel-type coatings | Polyester-based synthetic polymers | 28.7% |
3208.90.00.00 |
Paints/Varnishes based on synthetic polymers (Other than polyesters) | General synthetic polymer mold coatings | Other Synthetic Polymers | 28.7% |
3403.19.10.00 |
Lubricating/Treatment preparations containing <50% petroleum oil | Specialized low-oil release agents, chemical-based release sprays | Chemical bases, low oil content | 28.7% |
3403.19.50.00 |
Lubricating/Treatment preparations containing β₯50% petroleum oil | Oil-based mold release agents, lubricating treatments for sand cores | Petroleum oils (>50%) | 0.0% |
π Critical Note:
- The description in<DATA>for3208.10.00.00and3208.90.00.00both list a total tax of 28.7%.
- The description for3403.19.50.00(Petroleum oil-based, >50%) lists a total tax of 0.0%.
- The description for3403.19.10.00(Petroleum oil-based, <50% or other) lists a total tax of 28.7% (based on the first entry's tax detail structure if mapped similarly, but strictly speaking, the second entry3403.19.50.00is the 0% option for oil-heavy products).
- Crucial: If your "Wet Coating" is essentially an oil-based mold release/lubricant with >50% petroleum oil, it MAY qualify for 0% duty under3403.19.50.00. If it is a polymer-based paint/coating, it is 28.7%.
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025+ (Current Data)
π― 1. 3208.10.00.00 / 3208.90.00.00 β Polymer-Based Mold Coatings (Paints/Varnishes)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Typically, chemical preparations over certain values or with specific surcharges are not de minimis eligible) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS Chapter 32 + Section 301 Footnotes |
π Explanation:
- If your mold core wet coating is resin-based, polyester-based, or synthetic polymer-based (common for high-tempFoundry coatings), it falls under Chapter 32.
- These products are subject to Section 301 tariffs (25% surcharge + 3.7% base = 28.7%).
- High Cost Alert: This is a high-duty category.
π― 2. 3403.19.50.00 β Petroleum Oil-Based Mold Treatments/Lubricants
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Exempt or not applicable for this specific subheading in current data) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Potentially Eligible (If value < $800, though verify current rules) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS Chapter 34 |
π Explanation:
- If your product is an oil-based mold release agent or lubricating treatment for mold cores, and it contains 50% or more by weight of petroleum oils, it can be classified under 3403.19.50.00.
- Significant Savings: This category has a 0% total tax rate.
- Key Requirement: The product must be demonstrably lubricating/treatment in function and >50% petroleum oil in composition.
π οΈ Part 4: Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Mold Core Wet Coating", chemical composition, function (release vs. coating). |
| β Ingredient Analysis / MSDS | βοΈ | Critical: To prove if it is >50% Petroleum Oil (for 0% rate) or Polymer/Resin Based (for 28.7% rate). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show container, label, and product state (liquid, spray, etc.). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Use precise description: "Mold Release Lubricant, Petroleum-Based" OR "Polyester-Based Mold Coating". |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If non-China origin, may avoid Section 301. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Keywords)
π₯ "Oil-Based = 0%, Resin-Based = 28.7%"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Description for Customs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Oil >50% used as mold release/lubricant | 3403.19.50.00 |
0.0% | "Mold core release agent, lubricating preparation, petroleum oil-based" |
| Petroleum Oil <50% or chemical-based release | 3403.19.10.00 |
28.7% | "Mold release preparation, non-petroleum based" |
| Polyester/Synthetic Polymer Based (Paint-like) | 3208.10.00.00 / 3208.90.00.00 |
28.7% | "Mold coating, polyester-based paint/varnish" |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do NOT misclassify a polymer-based coating as a lubricant to save tax. Customs may require lab tests.
- If the product is primarily for release/lubrication and has high oil content, fight for 3403.19.50.00 (0%).
- If the product is a high-temp ceramic or resin coating, accept 3208.xx (28.7%).
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Blend | Provide formula ratio. If oil >50%, highlight "Petroleum Oil Content: X%". |
| Mix of Release Agent & Coating | If itβs a hybrid, classify based on primary function. If release/lubrication is primary and oil-heavy, try 3403.19.50.00. |
| High-Value Shipments | Consider Advance Ruling from CBP to confirm 0% duty eligibility for 3403.19.50.00. |
| Non-China Origin | If sourced from Vietnam/India, check if Section 301 (25%) is waived. Base tariff may still apply. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3403.19.50.00 |
0.0% | No special | Best option if oil-based |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3208.90.00.00 |
28.7% | No special | If polymer-based |
| π¨π³ China | 3403.19.50.00 |
~5-10% | No special | Export tax may apply |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3403.19.00 |
~6.5% | REACH | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3403.19.00 |
~0-6% | No special | Varies by oil content |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most sensitive market due to Section 301 tariffs.
- Maximize savings by ensuring the product is classified as a lubricant/treatment (Chapter 34) with >50% petroleum oil if chemically accurate.
- Avoid misclassification as it leads to penalties and delays.
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Calling an oil-based release agent a "Chemical Coating"
π Consequence: Classified under Chapter 32 β 28.7% duty instead of 0%.
β Mistake 2: Claiming 50%+ oil content without lab proof
π Consequence: Customs rejects 0% rate, applies highest general rate + penalties.
β Mistake 3: Using vague terms like "Mold Spray" without composition
π Consequence: CBP assigns wrong code, audit risk.
β Correct Practice:
"Mold Core Wet Coating, Release Agent, Petroleum Oil-Based (>50%), for Sand Castings, Non-Toxic, Model XYZ"
π― Part 7: Final Advice β Save Money, Clear Smoothly!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Oil >50% = 0% Duty (Chapter 34)"
πΉ "Resin/Polymer = 28.7% Duty (Chapter 32)"
πΉ "Document Composition! Don't Guess!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is oil-based, provide a Certificate of Composition from the manufacturer or a third-party lab proving petroleum oil content β₯50%. This is your ticket to 0% duty.
If it is resin/polymer-based, plan for 28.7% duty and consider supply chain optimization (e.g., sourcing from non-China origins if possible).
π£ Action Plan:
π Contact a Customs Broker + Provide MSDS/Composition + Apply for Pre-Ruling if high-value.
π Classify Correctly, Save 28.7%, Stay Compliant!
β¨ Precision in Classification = Profit in Logistics
πΌ Every Percent Saved is a Percent Earned
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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.