PET Metallized Cast Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3920620050 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7607201000 | 13.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102055 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7607201000 | 13.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π¦ PET Metallized Cast Film: HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis
π HS Code Reference & Customs Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Full Breakdown | Professional Clearance Tactics
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "PET Metallized Film"?
PET Metallized Cast Film is a high-performance plastic film made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), coated with a thin layer of metal (usually aluminum) via vacuum metallization. It is widely used in packaging, labeling, electronics insulation, and decorative applications.
In international trade, the classification depends on its form, application, and structure:
1. Pure Metallized Film (Plastic Sheet/Film):
If the product is a free-standing film or sheet, primarily for packaging or industrial use, it falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
2. Metallized Tape Base (Adhesive Tape):
If the PET film is coated with adhesive on one side (forming a tape), or supplied as a roll specifically for cutting into adhesive tapes, it may fall under Chapter 39 (Self-adhesive plastic tape) or Chapter 39 (Plastic articles) depending on the specific construction.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is a bare metallized film (no adhesive) β Classified under 3920 (Non-cellular plastics plates, sheets, film, etc.) or 7607 (if treated as aluminum foil/metalized film).
- If it is a metallized adhesive tape base β Classified under 3919 (Self-adhesive plastic plates, sheets, film, tape, etc.).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Adhesive Layer? |
|---|---|---|---|
3920.62.00.50 |
PET Metallized Film, Material: PET, Form: Metallized Film, Meets Definition of Metalized PET Film | Packaging, food packaging, industrial insulation | β No |
7607.20.10.00 |
PET Metallized Film or Anti-static Film, Material: PET, Form: Film, Meets Characteristics of Aluminum Foil/Metalized Film | Specialized metallic appearance films, EMI shielding | β No (Treated as Metalized Film) |
3919.10.20.55 |
PET Metallized Tape Base, Material: PET, Form: Tape, Classified as Plastic Strip | Adhesive tape manufacturing, labeling, sealing | β Yes (Base for Tape) |
3919.90.50.60 |
PET Metallized Tape Base, Material: PET, Form: Self-adhesive Strip, Classified as Other Self-adhesive Plastic Strip | General self-adhesive tape applications | β Yes (Self-adhesive) |
π Key Reminder:
-3920.62.00.50is for pure PET metallized film (no adhesive). This is the most common classification for standard packaging films.
-7607.20.10.00is used if the film is considered metalized aluminum foil equivalent, often for EMI/RFI shielding or special decorative purposes.
-3919.10.20.55and3919.90.50.60apply only if the PET film is already converted into an adhesive tape or is explicitly sold as a tape base with adhesive properties. Misclassifying a bare film as tape can lead to significant duty differences.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Explanation (Including Surtaxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3920.62.00.50 ββ PET Metallized Film (Pure Film, No Adhesive)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122) | +10.0% (For China/Hong Kong products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3920.62.00.50 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 4.2%": Standard MFN rate for non-cellular plastic sheets/films.
- "Section 301 Surtax 25%": Additional tariff imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 for Chinese imports.
- "IEEPA 10%": Additional tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total 39.2%: This is a high tariff rate. Importers must pre-calculate costs accurately.
π― 2. 7607.20.10.00 ββ PET Metallized/Anti-static Film (Metalized Film Equivalent)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +0.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122) | +10.0% (For China/Hong Kong products) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 13.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:7607.20.10.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- This classification results in a significantly lower total tariff (13.7%) compared to3920.62.00.50.
- However, this classification is only appropriate if the film is considered "metalized foil" or has specific EMI shielding properties that align with Chapter 76 (Aluminum and Articles Thereof).
- Risk: Misclassifying standard packaging film as aluminum foil may lead to customs audits, penalties, or back-dated duties.
π― 3. 3919.10.20.55 & 3919.90.50.60 ββ PET Metallized Tape Base (Adhesive Tape)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.8% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3919.10.20.55 / 3919.90.50.60 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- These HS codes apply only if the product is an adhesive tape or a tape base.
- The tariff rate (40.8%) is the highest among the options.
- Crucial: Do not classify bare PET film as tape unless it is explicitly a self-adhesive product.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (100% PET), Metallization Process (Vacuum Coating), Thickness, Width, Application (Packaging/Insulation). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the film roll, label, and metallized side. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "PET Metallized Film" or "PET Metallized Adhesive Tape" β DO NOT use vague terms like "Plastic Film". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail the gross/net weight, dimensions, and number of rolls. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To confirm origin (China) and apply correct tariff schedules. |
| β Customs Ruling (if available) | βοΈ | If an Advance Ruling exists, include it to minimize disputes. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Form Determines Code, Adhesive Determines Chapter, Accuracy Saves Money!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure PET Metallized Film (No Adhesive) | HS: 3920.62.00.50 Description: "PET Metallized Film for Packaging" |
Misdeclare as Tape β 40.8% Rate |
| PET Metallized Film with EMI Shielding Properties | HS: 7607.20.10.00 Description: "Aluminum Metallized PET Film for EMI Shielding" |
Misdeclare as Standard Plastic β 39.2% Rate |
| PET Metallized Adhesive Tape | HS: 3919.10.20.55 or 3919.90.50.60 Description: "PET Metallized Adhesive Tape" |
Misdeclare as Bare Film β 39.2% Rate (Undervalued) |
| Mixed Shipment (Film + Tape) | Declare Separately | Mix in one line item β High Risk of Audit |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Customized Film | Provide customer order + technical drawings. Specify if itβs for private label packaging to avoid "generic" classification issues. |
| Film with Anti-static Properties | If explicitly marketed as "Anti-static," consider 7607.20.10.00 for potential lower tariff (13.7%), but provide test reports proving EMI/shielding functionality. |
| Sample Shipments | Even samples are subject to full tariff (39.2% or 13.7%). No de minimis exemption for China-origin goods. |
| Transshipment via Third Country | Avoid. Customs will trace origin to China. No tariff benefits unless substantial transformation occurs (which is rare for film). |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3920.62.00.50 |
39.2% (Film) 13.7% (EMI Film) |
FDA (if food contact), RoHS (if electronics) | Highest tariff risk. Use 7607 only if justified. |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.62.00.00 |
4.2% - 5.8% | CCC (if electronic components) | Low tariff, standard classification. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.62.00.00 |
6.5% | CE, REACH | No additional surtaxes. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3920.62.00.00 |
6.5% | UKCA, REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply, but tariff similar to EU. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3920.62.00.00 |
5.0% | ACMA (if electronic) | Free Trade Agreement benefits may apply with some countries. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due to Section 301 and IEEPA surtaxes.
- Tariff Arbitrage: If your film has EMI shielding properties, consider classifying under7607.20.10.00(13.7%) to save ~25.5% in tariffs. However, ensure you have technical documentation to support this classification.
- China-origin goods face no de minimis exemption in the US, so even small shipments incur full duties.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "PET Film" under 3920 when it is actually an adhesive tape
π Consequence: Under-declaration of value/tariff β Penalties + Back Dated Duties (40.8% vs 39.2%)
β Mistake 2: Declaring bare film as "Aluminum Foil" (7607) to save taxes
π Consequence: Customs audit β Seizure + Fines if unable to prove EMI shielding/metallic character.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring IEEPA 10% surtax
π Consequence: Surprise bill at customs β Cash flow disruption. Total tariff is not just Section 301 (25%).
β Mistake 4: Using vague descriptions like "Plastic Roll"
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine HS Code β Delay in Release + Storage Fees
β Correct Approach:
"PET Metallized Cast Film, 12ΞΌm, Vacuum Aluminum Coated, for Food Packaging, Roll 1000m, Model XYZ, FDA Compliant"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Time-Saving, Cost-Effective!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "No Adhesive? Check 3920 (39.2%). EMI Shielding? Check 7607 (13.7%). Adhesive? Check 3919 (40.8%). Accuracy Saves 25%!"
πΉ "HS Code Determines Destiny, Tariff Differs by 25 Points, One Step Wrong, Thousands Lost!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your film has EMI/RFI shielding properties, consult with your customs broker about classifying under 7607.20.10.00 to reduce the total tariff from 39.2% to 13.7%. Provide test reports from third-party labs (e.g., ATMP, SGS) proving shielding effectiveness.
- Pre-Apply for Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) to lock in the classification and avoid post-clearance audits.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your PET Metallized Film Clear Smoothly, Cross Borders Efficiently, and Maximize Profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar of Your Cost Deserves to Be Precisely Calculated!
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.