PET Plastic Colored Protective Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3921190090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920620090 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921905050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905040 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π‘οΈ PET Plastic Colored Protective Film: HS Code Classification & US Import Duty Strategy (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "PET Plastic Colored Protective Film"?
PET Plastic Protective Film is a critical industrial accessory used to protect surfaces of metals, electronics, appliances, and furniture from scratches, dust, and chemical corrosion during manufacturing, transportation, and storage.
In international trade, the classification of PET films hinges on two key factors: 1. State of Processing: Is it merely a "film" (flat, flexible sheet) or is it "self-adhesive" (sticky side)? 2. Material Composition: Is it defined as a generic plastic film or a specific polyester (PET) product?
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a basic plastic film without adhesive backing β It falls under Heading 3921 (Other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics).
- If the product is self-adhesive (has glue on one side) β It falls under Heading 3919 (Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, etc.).
- Coloration: The presence of color does not change the HS code but may affect the specific sub-heading description in customs declarations.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 possible HS codes for PET Plastic Colored Protective Film and why they apply:
| HS Code | Product Description & Logic | Why It Fits This Code |
|---|---|---|
| 3921.19.00.90 | PET Plastic Anti-Scratch Protective Film, Material: Polyester, Form: Film, Classified as "Other Plastic Films". | β’ Logic: Classifies the product primarily as a plastic film rather than an adhesive tape. β’ Key Feature: Emphasizes the material (Polyester/PET) and form (Film). β’ Note: Often used when the adhesive property is considered secondary or when the product is treated more like a protective sheet. |
| 3920.62.00.90 | PET Plastic Anti-Scratch Protective Film, Material: Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Form: Protective Film, Non-Metalized. | β’ Logic: Uses the specific chemical name Polyethylene Terephthalate. β’ Key Feature: Explicitly states Non-Metalized. If the film has no aluminum coating or metallic finish, this code is highly accurate. β’ Distinction: More chemically specific than 3921.19.00.90. |
| 3921.90.50.50 | PET Plastic Anti-Scratch Protective Film, Material: Polyester, Form: Film, No Material or Category Conflict. | β’ Logic: A broader "Other" category under plastic films. β’ Key Feature: Used when the specific sub-category doesn't fit perfectly into 3921.19 or when there is no conflict with other material definitions. β’ Usage: General fallback for PET films that don't meet specific "metalized" or "rigid" criteria. |
| 3919.90.50.40 | PET Plastic Anti-Scratch Protective Film, Material: Polyester/Plastic, Form: Self-Adhesive Film, Meets Definition of Flat Shape Articles. | β’ Logic: Classifies as Self-Adhesive. β’ Key Feature: If the film has an adhesive backing (pressure-sensitive adhesive), 3919 is often the correct heading over 3921. β’ Risk: Higher risk of classification audit if adhesive strength/type isn't declared properly. |
| 3919.90.50.60 | PET Plastic Anti-Scratch Protective Film, Material: PET Plastic, Form: Film, No Material Conflict. | β’ Logic: Another Self-Adhesive option under Heading 3919. β’ Key Feature: Similar to 3919.90.50.40 but with a slightly different sub-code descriptor. β’ Usage: Used when the product is clearly self-adhesive but doesn't fit specific narrow categories like "masking tape". |
π Critical Clarification:
- 3920/3921 Codes treat the item as a plastic film.
- 3919 Codes treat the item as a self-adhesive product.
- Customs Reality: If your film is sticky, 3919 is technically more accurate. However, many shippers use 3921 if the adhesive is weak or considered a "liner" rather than the primary function. Choose based on the physical product's primary characteristic.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
All HS Codes listed below are subject to Section 301 Tariffs and IEEPA Tariffs for Chinese origin goods.
π― 1. 3921.19.00.90 β Other Plastic Films (Polyester/PET)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Added by USITC) |
| 122 Clause Surtax | +10.0% (IEEPA-based surcharge for Chinese goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3921.19.00.90 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Explanation:
- The 6.5% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate.
- The 25% is the famous Section 301 tariff on Chinese plastics.
- The 10% is an additional IEEPA surcharge, bringing the total burden to 41.5%.
π― 2. 3920.62.00.90 β PET Protective Film (Non-Metalized)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.2% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3920.62.00.90 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- This code has a lower base rate (4.2%) compared to 3921.19.00.90, making it 2.3% cheaper in total taxes.
- Suitable if the film is non-metalized and explicitly described as PET/Polyethylene Terephthalate.
π― 3. 3921.90.50.50 β Other Plastic Films (No Conflict)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.8% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3921.90.50.50 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- Slightly higher than 3920.62.00.90 but lower than 3921.19.00.90.
- Use when no specific sub-category fits perfectly.
π― 4. 3919.90.50.40 β Self-Adhesive Polyester Film
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.8% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3919.90.50.40 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- Self-adhesive films often fall under 3919.
- Base rate is 5.8%, leading to a total of 40.8%.
- Risk: Customs may challenge if "adhesive" is not clearly declared.
π― 5. 3919.90.50.60 β Self-Adhesive PET Film (No Conflict)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.8% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3919.90.50.60 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- Same base rate as 3919.90.50.40.
- Total tax is 40.8%.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "PET Protective Film", Material: Polyester/PET, Usage: Surface Protection. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight, dimensions, and number of rolls. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include: Thickness (mil/mm), Width, Length, Adhesive Type (if any), Color, Is it Metalized?. |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical composition verification. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To confirm Chinese origin (triggering 301/IEEPA tariffs). |
| β Photos | βοΈ | Show the film on a roll, with adhesive side visible (if applicable), and label details. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical for Accuracy)
π₯ "Be Precise: Material + Form + Adhesion = Correct Code!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Sticky Film | "PET Plastic Film, Polyester, Non-Adhesive" | "Protective Tape" | Misclassification β Delay/Fine |
| Sticky Film | "Self-Adhesive PET Film, Polyester, Pressure-Sensitive" | "Plastic Sheet" | High risk of audit under 3919 vs 3921 |
| Metalized Film | "PET Film, Aluminum Coated" | "Non-Metalized PET Film" | Wrong code (3920.62 is non-metalized) |
| Colored Film | "Colored PET Protective Film" | "Transparent Film" | Minor discrepancy, but be consistent |
π Key Advice:
- If the film is sticky, use 3919.
- If the film is not sticky, use 3920 or 3921.
- 3920.62.00.90 offers the lowest total tax (39.2%) if your film is non-metalized PET.
β 3. Special Cases & Waivers
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| De Minimis (Section 321) | β NOT APPLICABLE. All these HS codes are deny_de_minimis. Orders under $800 will NOT be exempt from duties. |
| Free Trade Agreements (FTA) | π« No Benefits. China has no FTA with the US for these plastics. |
| Antidumping/Countervailing Duties | β Check for ADD/CVD. Some PET films from China may be subject to additional ADD/CVD. Verify with CBP before shipping. |
| Pre-Ruling | β Recommended. Apply for an Advance Ruling from US CBP to lock in the HS code and avoid post-entry audits. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Total Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3920.62.00.90 or 3921.19.00.90 |
39.2% β 41.5% | High due to Section 301 + IEEPA. No de minimis. |
| π¨π³ China (Import) | 3920.62.00.00 |
6.5% | Lower duty. No surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.62.00 |
6.5% | No Section 301 equivalent. Standard MFN rate. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3920.62.00 |
6.5% | Post-Brexit, similar to EU rates for most plastics. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3920.62.00 |
6.0% | Low duty. CEPA agreement may apply if from ASEAN. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive due to political tariffs.
- Non-metalized PET (3920.62.00.90) is the most cost-effective classification in the US at 39.2%.
- Self-adhesive films (3919) are slightly more expensive at 40.8% but may be legally more accurate if sticky.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring "Protective Film" as "Packaging Material" (4202)
π Consequence: Wrong classification β Penalty + Back Taxes.
β Error 2: Ignoring the "Adhesive" characteristic
π Consequence: If sticky, using 3921 instead of 3919 β Customs audit β Delay.
β Error 3: Assuming De Minimis ($800) applies
π Consequence: Shipments under $800 seized or taxed retroactively because deny_de_minimis applies.
β Error 4: Not disclosing "Color" or "Metalization"
π Consequence: If metalized, 3920.62 is wrong β Rejection.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"PET Plastic Protective Film, Polyester, Non-Metalized, Self-Adhesive, 50 Micron, Clear, Roll Packaging, HS Code: 3919.90.50.40"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Costs, Ensure Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Sticky? Use 3919. Non-Sticky? Use 3920/3921."
πΉ "Non-Metalized is Cheaper (39.2%). Metalized is Riskier."
πΉ "No De Minimis! Every Dollar Counts in Duties."
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping non-metalized, non-adhesive PET film, aim for
3920.62.00.90to achieve the lowest total tax of 39.2%.
If you must declare self-adhesive film, expect 40.8% under 3919.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker to verify ADD/CVD status for your specific PET film.
π Apply for an Advance Ruling if your volume is high.
π Protect your profit margins with precise HS code classification!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percent of duty saved is pure profit!
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.