PET Plastic Vacuum Aluminum Coated Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7607201000 | 13.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920620050 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7607205000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7607201000 | 13.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
ποΈ PET Plastic Vacuum Aluminum Coated Film (PETιιθθ)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "PET Vacuum Aluminum Coated Film"?
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) Vacuum Aluminum Coated Film is a high-performance composite material. It is created by applying a micro-thin layer of aluminum onto a PET base film via high-vacuum sputtering or evaporation. It combines the excellent mechanical strength and thermal stability of PET plastic with the superior barrier properties (light, oxygen, moisture) and reflective appearance of aluminum.
In international trade, the classification hinges on two critical factors:
1. Structure: Is it a simple plastic film with a metallic layer (3920) or a composite where the aluminum acts as the primary backing or foil-like structure (7607)?
2. Application: Is it a general packaging material, an anti-static electronic film, or a specialized industrial component?
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the film is primarily defined as a plastic product with a metallic coating β Chapter 39 (3920/3926)
- If the film is defined as aluminum foil or a composite where aluminum is the essential character β Chapter 76 (7607)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, the classification splits into four distinct HS Codes, each with significantly different tax implications due to US trade policies (Section 301 and 122 provisions).
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
7607.20.10.00 |
Aluminum Foil, >0.2mm, backed with plastic (Anti-static PET) | Electronic shielding, anti-static packaging | Plastic-backed aluminum foil |
3920.62.00.50 |
Other Plates, Sheets, Film (Plastic) | General packaging, decoration | Metalized Plastic Film |
7607.20.50.00 |
Aluminum Foil, >0.2mm, other | Composite materials, heavy-duty barrier | Aluminum-backed composite |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other Articles of Plastics | Miscellaneous plastic items | General Plastic Article |
π Crucial Warning:
-7607.20.10.00is reserved for films where the aluminum layer is thick enough or structured to be considered "foil" with a plastic backing. This often applies to anti-static or specialized conductive films. -3920.62.00.50is the standard classification for standard vacuum-aluminized PET film used in packaging, where the plastic is the dominant material. -7607.20.50.00applies if the product is viewed as a composite aluminum foil with a plastic layer.
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: Current US Trade Policy (Section 301 + Section 122)
π― 1. 7607.20.10.00 ββ Aluminum Foil, Backed with Plastic (Anti-static)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% (Exempt or not applicable for this specific subheading under current data) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (Specific to aluminum/foil products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 13.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Section 321 exemption generally does not apply to aluminum foil/composites) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122: 7607.20.10.00 β Base Tariff: 3.7% |
π Explanation:
- This is the most tax-efficient classification for vacuum aluminum coated films if they can be legally defined as "aluminum foil with plastic backing" (especially anti-static types). - The 0% Section 301 surtax is a significant advantage compared to other plastic categories. - The 10% Section 122 tariff applies specifically to certain aluminum products imported under specific trade authorities.
π― 2. 3920.62.00.50 ββ Other Plates, Sheets, Film (Plastic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Standard US-China trade war tariff) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 3920.62.00.50 β Section 122: 10% β Base: 4.2% |
π Explanation:
- This is the standard classification for general vacuum aluminized PET film. - The 25% Section 301 surtax makes this category extremely expensive. - Even with a low base rate (4.2%), the total cost is nearly 40%, severely impacting profitability. - Risk: High scrutiny from Customs on whether the film could be classified as7607to avoid these high tariffs.
π― 3. 7607.20.50.00 ββ Aluminum Foil, >0.2mm, Other
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122: 7607.20.50.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Base: 0.0% |
π Explanation:
- This classification offers a moderate tariff burden (17.5%). - The 0% base tariff is attractive, but the 7.5% Section 301 surtax still applies. - Suitable for films where the aluminum layer is thicker or the composite structure is more robust.
π― 4. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Other Articles of Plastic
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122: 3926.90.99.89 β Section 301: 7.5% β Base: 5.3% |
π Explanation:
- This is a catch-all category for plastic articles not elsewhere specified. - It is generally not recommended for standard vacuum aluminized film unless the product has unique features that donβt fit3920. - The 7.5% Section 301 surtax is lower than the standard 25%, but the total rate is still higher than the7607options.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Field Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must detail: PET thickness, Aluminum thickness (microns), Coating method (vacuum), Anti-static properties (if applicable). |
| β Technical Data Sheet | βοΈ | To prove whether the product is primarily "Plastic" (Chapter 39) or "Aluminum Foil" (Chapter 76). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show cross-section to illustrate the aluminum layer. Highlight any conductive/anti-static labels. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "PET Vacuum Aluminum Coated Film" and specify the intended use (e.g., "for electronic shielding" to support 7607.20.10.00). |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Highly Recommended. Given the massive tariff difference (13.7% vs 39.2%), an Advance Ruling from CBP is the safest route. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Aluminum Thickness Defines Chapter; Anti-Static Supports Foil; Avoid 3920 to Save 25%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Packaging Film | 3920.62.00.50 (If no anti-static/conductive features) |
7607.20.10.00 |
Misclassification risk β Penalties + Back Taxes |
| Anti-static/Electronic Shielding | 7607.20.10.00 |
3920.62.00.50 |
Missed Savings: Pay 39.2% instead of 13.7% |
| Thick Composite Foil | 7607.20.50.00 |
3920.62.00.50 |
Higher Tariff (17.5% vs 39.2%) but better than plastic classification |
| General Plastic Sheet | 3926.90.99.89 |
7607... |
Higher Tariff (22.8%) and lack of specific product recognition |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Film | Provide customer order + technical drawings showing aluminum layer thickness. If <0.018mm, itβs usually plastic (3920). If structured as foil, argue for 7607. |
| Anti-static Property | Crucial for 7607.20.10.00. Emphasize "conductive," "anti-static," or "electronic shielding" in the description to support the "foil" classification. |
| Multi-Layer Film | If PET/Aluminum/PE, analyze the "essential character." If aluminum provides the barrier, argue for 7607. |
| Sample Shipment | For de minimis (<$800), ensure the product is not on the "Section 321 Exclusion List." Aluminum composites are often excluded. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 7607.20.10.00 |
13.7% | N/A | Best Option if anti-static. Avoid 3920 (39.2%). |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3920.62.00.50 |
39.2% | N/A | Highest Cost. Only if product cannot be classified as foil. |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.62.00.00 |
~5-10% | RoHS, REACH | Lower tariffs, but focus on export markets. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.62.00 |
4-6% | REACH, RoHS | No Section 301/122 surcharges. Lower risk. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3920.62.00 |
3-5% | PSE (if electronic) | Stable tariffs, no trade war surcharges. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most challenging due to Section 301 and 122 tariffs. - Strategic Move: If your film has anti-static or conductive properties, strictly declare under7607.20.10.00to save 25.5% in taxes. - Risk: If Customs determines the film is standard packaging plastic, they may reclassify it to3920.62.00.50, leading to massive back-taxes and penalties.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring anti-static film as 3920.62.00.50
π Result: Paying 39.2% instead of 13.7%.
π Loss: 25.5% of product value in unnecessary tariffs.
β Error 2: Declaring standard packaging film as 7607.20.10.00
π Result: Customs rejects the claim, reclassifies to 3920, and imposes penalties + interest.
π Risk: Cargo held, storage fees, and legal fines.
β Error 3: Ignoring "Section 122" in calculations
π Result: Underestimating costs by 10% across all classifications.
β Error 4: Vague product description ("Aluminum Film")
π Result: Customs asks for detailed specs, causing clearance delays.
β Correct Approach:
"PET Vacuum Aluminum Coated Anti-Static Film, for Electronic Component Shielding, Aluminum Thickness: X Microns, Conductive Properties: Yes, Model: XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Cost Savings, Efficient Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Anti-Static? Go Foil (
7607)! General? Stick to Plastic (3920)!"
πΉ "25% Tariff Savings is just one HS Code away!"
πΉ "Declare Clearly, Avoid Penalties, Maximize Profit!"
π Pro Tip:
If your film is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions or lower Section 301 rates.
Recommendation: Apply for a CBP Advance Ruling before large shipments. It provides legal certainty and protects against unexpected tax hikes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide product specs + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure your PET Vacuum Aluminum Coated Film clears smoothly, avoids penalties, and maximizes profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of tax 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.