PS Plastic Recycled Material (Blow Molding Grade)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3915200000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3915900090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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β»οΈ PS Plastic Recycled Material (Blow Molding Grade)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "PS Waste"?
Polystyrene (PS) is a common thermoplastic polymer. In the context of international trade and recycling, "Waste, parings and scrap" refers to material that is no longer fit for its original purpose and is intended for recovery (recycling).
Key Distinction for Blow Molding Grade:
* Industrial Offcuts & Waste: Scrap generated during the manufacturing of PS products (e.g., trimmings, defective blow-molded containers, parings). This is the core category for 3915.
* Post-Consumer Recyclates: If the material has been processed into pellets or flakes and is sold as a raw material for new products, it is still often classified under 3915 if it is considered "scrap" for industrial recovery, though some jurisdictions may look at the level of processing.
* Not Finished Goods: It is NOT a finished PS container or packaging.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the material is polystyrene (including EPS - Expanded Polystyrene, if shredded/scrap) β Go to 3915.20.
- If the material is a different plastic (even if the user thinks it's PS but it's actually HDPE/PP) β Go to 3915.90.
- Do not classify as finished plastic articles (Chapter 39.90).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
Based on the provided dataset, here are the two primary HS Codes for PS plastic waste/scrap:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
3915.20.00.00 |
Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics: Of polymers of styrene | Recycled PS pellets, PS offcuts, PS foam scrap (shredded) | β Polystyrene (PS/EPS) |
3915.90.00.90 |
Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics: Of other plastics Other | Recycled plastic scrap that is NOT Polystyrene (e.g., PP, PE, PVC) | β Not PS |
π Key Reminder:
- If your material is specifically Polystyrene (PS), it MUST be classified under3915.20.00.00.
-3915.90.00.90is a "catch-all" for other plastics. Using this code for PS is a classification error and may lead to penalties or audits.
- "Blow Molding Grade" refers to the application or particle size/quality, but the chemical composition (PS) determines the HS code.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on dataset context)
β Effective Date: Current tariff regime (Section 301 + IEEPA)
π― 1. 3915.20.00.00 ββ Waste, Parings and Scrap of Polymers of Styrene (PS)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Section 301 items are generally exempt from de minimis duty-free treatment under $800 if restricted) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3915.20.00.00 β USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 (Section 301 List 4A/301 Tariff) |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate: Plastic waste/scrap often enjoys low base duties to encourage recycling, hence 0%.
- Additional Tariff: 25% is the standard Section 301 tariff on many Chinese plastic articles and scraps.
- Total Impact: You pay 25% of the customs value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
- Note: There is no IEEPA 10% added in this specific dataset row (unlike some electronics), so the total remains 25%.
π― 2. 3915.90.00.90 ββ Waste, Parings and Scrap of Other Plastics
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 3915.90.00.90 β USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- If your "PS" material is misclassified as "Other Plastics," the tax rate is identical (25%).
- However, accuracy is critical for customs audits, recycling quotas, and environmental compliance.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Waste, Parings and Scrap of Polymers of Styrene (PS)" |
| Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weight (net/gross) and packaging type |
| Certificate of Composition | βοΈ | Crucial: Prove the material is Polystyrene. Lab tests or supplier declarations accepted |
| Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the material form (flakes, pellets, loose scrap) |
| Environmental Declaration | βοΈ | Confirm material is not hazardous waste (e.g., no heavy metals, food residue) |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Declare Material, Not Use! State PS, Not Pellets!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| PS Scrap | "Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics: Of polymers of styrene" | "Plastic Granules for Blow Molding" (Vague) |
| Mixed Plastics | Must be separated or declared as "Other Plastics" | Mixing PS with PET in one line item |
| Hazardous Contamination | Declare "Clean Scrap, No Contamination" | Hiding contamination β Customs Seizure |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Contamination Risk | If PS scrap contains labels, adhesives, or other plastics, customs may reject it as "mixed waste." Pre-clean the material. |
| Food-Grade PS | If itβs recycled PS from food containers, ensure it meets FDA/USDA standards for recycled content. Declare origin clearly. |
| EPS (Expanded PS) | Shredded EPS is still 3915.20.00.00. Ensure density is declared correctly to avoid freight/duty miscalculation. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3915.20.00.00 |
25.0% | None specific | High tariff due to Sec 301 |
| π¨π³ China | 3915.20.00.00 |
0% (Import into China) | CCC (if applicable) | China imports plastic waste for recycling |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3915.20.00 |
Varies (0-15%) | REACH Compliance | Strict rules on plastic waste imports |
| π»π³ Vietnam | 3915.20.00 |
0-5% (FTAs) | None | Growing recycling hub |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to the 25% additional tariff.
- Recycling Value: PS scrap is widely recycled, so ensure your documentation proves it is clean and usable to avoid being classified as "trash" (which has higher duties/restrictions).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Plastic Granules" instead of "Waste/Scrap"
π Consequence: Customs may classify as finished articles (higher tariff ~3-5% base + 25% add-on = 28-30%) or misclassification fines.
β Mistake 2: Mixing PS with Other Plastics in One Shipment
π Consequence: The entire shipment may be classified under the higher tax code or rejected as mixed waste.
β Mistake 3: Failing to Prove Material Composition
π Consequence: Customs performs laboratory testing. If found to be non-PS (e.g., PP), itβs classified as 3915.90.90 (same tax, but audit trail). If found to be hazardous, shipment is seized.
β Correct Approach:
"Recycled Polystyrene (PS) Scrap, Clean, Shredded/Granulated, For Blow Molding Recycling, HS Code 3915.20.00.00, No Hazardous Contaminants."
π― VII. Conclusion: Accurate Classification Saves Costs!
π― Remember:
πΉ "PS is 3915.20, Other is 3915.90. Both carry 25% in US!"
πΉ "Clean Material, Clear Description, No Surprises!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting clean, high-quality PS flakes/pellets, consider applying for an Advance Ruling from US Customs to confirm the 3915.20.00.00 classification before shipping. This prevents delays and ensures consistent duty assessment.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker: Verify your PS composition report.
π¦ Label Clearly: "Waste, Parings and Scrap, of Polymers of Styrene."
π Optimize Supply Chain: Factor in the 25% tariff in your cost model.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precision!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Counts!
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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.