PS Plastic Anti static Board
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3921110000 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921190090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920300000 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9405994090 | 91.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π‘οΈ PS Plastic Anti-static Board (Polystyrene Anti-Static Boards)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "PS Anti-Static Boards"?
Polystyrene (PS) Anti-static Boards are specialized plastic sheets treated with anti-static agents or mixed with conductive materials to dissipate static electricity. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on their specific application and physical form (foamed vs. non-foamed, rigid board vs. part of a larger assembly).
Key Distinctions: * Raw Material Board: Non-foamed PS sheets used as substrates for lighting, electronics, or packaging. * Lighting Component: Boards specifically designed as diffusers or structural parts for PS plastic light boxes.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the board is a standalone plastic sheet/board (non-foamed, un-reinforced) β HS 3920.30.00.00
- If the board is a general PS board not specifically listed elsewhere β HS 3921.11.00.00 or 3921.19.00.90
- If the board is a component of a light box (functional part) β HS 3926.90.99.89 or 9405.99.40.90
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Anti-Static Feature? |
|---|---|---|---|
3921.11.00.00 |
Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of polymers of styrene | General PS boards, including anti-static treated sheets | β Yes (Material: PS) |
3921.19.00.90 |
Other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip of plastics | Other PS plastic boards not elsewhere specified | β Yes (Material: PS) |
3920.30.00.00 |
Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene | Non-foamed, un-reinforced PS boards | β Yes (Non-foamed) |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics | PS plastic light box panels (as parts of lighting fixtures) | β Yes (Component) |
9405.99.40.90 |
Parts of lighting fittings | Specific light box panels classified as lamp parts | β Yes (Lamp Part) |
π Key Reminder:
- Anti-static property does not automatically change the HS code; the base material (PS) and form (board/part) determine the code. - If used as a finished part of a light fixture, it may be classified under Chapter 94 (Lighting), which carries significantly different tax implications.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3921.11.00.00 ββ Polymer of Styrene Plates/Sheets (General PS Board)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High tariff rate) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 5.3% β 301: 25% β 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This code covers general PS boards, including anti-static treated ones, that do not fall under other specific plastic headings. - Total burden is 40.3%, heavily influenced by US trade policies.
π― 2. 3921.19.00.90 ββ Other Plastic Plates/Sheets (Other PS Board)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 6.5% β 301: 25% β 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Slightly higher base tariff than 3921.11.00.00. - Used when the specific polymer subtype of PS is not explicitly listed in 3921.11.
π― 3. 3920.30.00.00 ββ Polymer of Styrene Plates (Non-Foamed)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.8% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 5.8% β 301: 25% β 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Best for non-foamed, rigid PS boards. - If your anti-static board is a solid, non-foamed sheet, this is often the most accurate classification. - Total rate 40.8%.
π― 4. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Other Plastic Articles (Light Box Panel)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| 122 Clause Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 5.3% β 301: 7.5% β 122: 10% |
π Advantage:
- Significantly lower tariff (22.8%) compared to general plastic boards. - Condition: The board must be explicitly identified as a part of a light box (e.g., diffuser panel) in the commercial invoice and packing list. - Crucial: Must prove functional integration with lighting fixtures.
π― 5. 9405.99.40.90 ββ Parts of Lighting Fittings (Light Box Part)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Surcharge | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% (if applicable) |
| Total Tax Rate | 91.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 91.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 6.0% β 301: 25% β 122: 10% β Metal Surcharge: 50% |
π Warning:
- Extremely high tax rate (91.0%). - Avoid this classification unless the item is strictly a metal part or if the anti-static board is considered a direct accessory to a lighting fixture AND the surcharges apply. - High risk of audit and additional duties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state material (PS), treatment (Anti-static), and form (Board/Panel). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "PS Anti-Static Board" or "Light Box Panel (PS)". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity, weight, and dimensions. |
| β Proof of Use (if claiming 3926.90.99.89) | βοΈ | Contract or design drawing showing it is part of a light box. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | If claiming any potential exemptions (rare for US from CN). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Material First, Function Second! Light Box Part Saves Cost, General Board Pays More!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk/Error |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone PS Anti-Static Board | 3920.30.00.00 or 3921.11.00.00 |
Misdeclaring as "Light Box Part" without proof β Audit & Penalty |
| Part of a Light Box (Diffuser) | 3926.90.99.89 |
Declaring as general board β Overpaying ~17.5% |
| Metal Component of Light Box | 9405.99.40.90 |
Declaring plastic part as metal β 91% Tax + Fraud Risk |
| Mixed Shipment (Board + Lamp) | Separate Codes | Mixing codes incorrectly β Delay & Re-inspection |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Anti-Static Property Not Proven | If you cannot prove "anti-static" treatment, declare as "General PS Board" to avoid false declaration claims. |
| Light Box Panel Claim | Provide design drawings showing the board fits into a light box frame. Without this, CBP may reject the lower tariff. |
| Foamed vs. Non-Foamed | If the board is foamed (expanded PS), it may fall under different subheadings (e.g., 3921.12). Ensure accuracy. |
| OEM Custom Panels | Provide customer PO indicating "Light Box Component" to support 3926.90.99.89 classification. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 (if Light Box Part) |
22.8% | None | Best rate if proven part. |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.30.00.00 |
~5% | CCC (if applicable) | No surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.30.00.00 |
5.3% | REACH/RoHS | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3920.30.00.00 |
5.3% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3920.30.00.00 |
5.0% | SAA | Low duty. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with high punitive tariffs. - Strategy for US: If the PS board is used in lighting, aggressively pursue 3926.90.99.89 (22.8%) vs. general plastic (40%+). - Documentation is key: Proving "part of a lighting fixture" is the single most effective way to reduce costs in the US.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Light Box Panel" as "General PS Board" (3921.11.00.00)
π Consequence: Pay 40.3% instead of 22.8%. Overpaid by 17.5%!
β Error 2: Declaring "General PS Board" as "Light Box Part" without proof
π Consequence: CBP reclassifies to higher rate, imposes penalties, or delays shipment.
β Error 3: Ignoring the "Anti-Static" claim if not substantiated
π Consequence: If anti-static agents are not documented, itβs just a standard PS board. No technical benefit, but potential compliance risk if mislabeled.
β Error 4: Using 9405.99.40.90 for plastic panels
π Consequence: 91% Tax Rate! Only use for metal/lighting accessories. Never for plastic boards.
β Correct Practice:
"PS Anti-Static Diffuser Panel, Model ABC, For Use in Industrial Light Box XYZ, Material: Polystyrene"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Save Money, Speed Up Customs!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Light Box Part? Claim 3926! (22.8%)
πΉ General Board? Check 3920/3921! (40%+)
πΉ No Proof? Pay More! (Penalty & Delay)"
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting PS Anti-Static Boards for Light Boxes to the US:
1. Clearly mark items as "Parts of Lighting Fittings" on the invoice.
2. Provide a simple product specification or drawing showing the panel's role in the light box.
3. Avoid generic terms like "Plastic Sheet" without context.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker with product images and usage context.
π Optimize your HS Code to save 17.5%+ in tariffs!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point 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.