PVDC Granules
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3904500000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3904610010 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐งช PVDC Granules (Polyvinylidene Chloride)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Full Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "PVDC Granules"?
Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) is a synthetic thermoplastic polymer known for its exceptional barrier properties against oxygen, moisture, and aromas. In international trade, it is primarily categorized under "Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins."
For import clearance, accuracy depends on distinguishing PVDC from other halogenated polymers (like PTFE) and understanding its physical form.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is PVDC (Polyvinylidene Chloride), regardless of whether it is granular, powder, or in primary forms, it falls under 3904.50.00.00.
- If the product is PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene/ Teflon), it falls under 3904.61.00.10.
- Crucial Note: PVDC is often used as a thin film layer in multi-layer packaging (e.g., shrink wrap, cling film). However, the raw material (granules/powder) is declared under Chapter 39 (Plastics), NOT Chapter 39.20 (Plates/Sheets/Films).
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Halogen Type |
|---|---|---|---|
3904.50.00.00 |
Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms: Vinylidene chloride polymers | PVDC Granules, PVC resins, Copolymers of vinylidene chloride and other monomers. Used for making high-barrier films, coatings, and wire insulation. | โ Chlorine-based |
3904.61.00.10 |
Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms: Fluoropolymers: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Granular | PTFE (Teflon) granules. Used for non-stick coatings, chemical-resistant linings, and electrical insulation. | โ Fluorine-based |
๐ Key Reminder:
- PVDC and PTFE look similar (white/cream granules) but have different chemical structures and tariff codes.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring PVDC as PTFE (or vice versa) can lead to customs delays, seizures, or penalties due to differing regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA compliance for food contact).
- Form Matters: The HS code3904.50.00.00applies to "primary forms," which includes granules, powders, and flakes. It does not apply to finished films or containers.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 3904.50.00.00 โโ PVDC Granules (Vinylidene Chloride Polymers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | 0% (No Section 301 surtax applied to this specific HTSUS subheading for China origin in the provided data) |
| IEEPA Surtax | 0% (No IEEPA surtax applied to this specific HTSUS subheading for China origin in the provided data) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Applicable (This is an industrial raw material, typically imported in bulk containers, not eligible for Section 321 de minimis entry for consumer goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3904.50.00.00 |
๐ Explanation:
- Low/Zero Duty Environment: PVDC granules are classified under a subheading with a 0% total tariff rate for China-origin goods under the current 2026 framework.
- No Additional Surtaxes: Unlike electronics or certain plastics, PVDC does not currently bear the heavy 25% Section 301 or 10% IEEPA surtaxes listed in the reference data.
- Cost Advantage: This makes PVDC an attractive raw material for US-based packaging manufacturers compared to other halogenated polymers that may face higher duties.
๐ฏ 2. 3904.61.00.10 โโ PTFE Granules (For Comparison)
Note: Included for clarity to distinguish from PVDC.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Comparison | Like PVDC, PTFE granules also enjoy a 0% total tariff rate in this dataset. |
๐ Note:
- Both PVDC and PTFE granules have 0% total tariffs in this specific dataset.
- However, their regulatory compliance (FDA, EPA) differs significantly due to chemical composition.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (ๅฎๆ้ฟๅๆๅ)
โ 1. Document Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state "Polyvinylidene Chloride (PVDC)" and molecular weight, grade, and intended use (e.g., film extrusion). |
| โ Formula Composition | โ๏ธ | Proof that it is not a mixture containing other regulated halogenated compounds that might shift classification. |
| โ Certificate of Origin (CO) | โ๏ธ | To prove China origin and confirm eligibility for 0% tariff under current rules. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must describe goods as "PVDC Granules, Primary Form" and match HS Code 3904.50.00.00. |
| โ HS Code Advance Ruling | โ๏ธ | Highly recommended for chemical polymers to avoid misclassification with PVC or PTFE. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
๐ฅ "PVDC is Chlorine, PTFE is Fluorine; Granules are Primary Form; Check the Formula First!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure PVDC Granules | 3904.50.00.00 - "Vinylidene chloride polymers" |
Declaring as "PVC" (3904.10) โ Wrong code, potential penalty. |
| PVDC Copolymers | 3904.50.00.00 |
Declaring as "Other Plastics" (3904.90) โ Incorrect, higher scrutiny. |
| Finished PVDC Film | 3920.51.00.00 (or similar) |
Declaring raw granules as finished film โ Customs will reject or reclassify. |
| PTFE Granules | 3904.61.00.10 |
Declaring as PVDC โ Misclassification, regulatory non-compliance. |
โ 3. Special Handling Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| FDA Compliance | PVDC is widely used in food packaging. Ensure the supplier provides FDA 21 CFR 177.1680 compliance statement if intended for food contact. |
| Hazmat Classification | PVDC granules are generally non-hazardous for transport, but verify with SDS (Safety Data Sheet) to avoid unnecessary Hazmat surcharges. |
| Antidumping/Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD) | While the tariff is 0%, check for any ongoing AD/CVD orders on specific Chinese plastic imports. In this dataset, none are indicated, but always verify with CBP. |
| Mixed Shipments | If PVDC is mixed with other plastics in one container, declare each line item separately with correct HS codes to avoid "dumping" errors. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 3904.50.00.00 |
0.0% | FDA, TSCA | Zero tariff advantage for China origin |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 3904.50.00.00 |
Varies | CCC (if applicable) | Import duties may apply depending on trade agreements |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 3904.50.00 |
~2.5% - 4.5% | REACH, RoHS | Higher than US, strict chemical registration (REACH) |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 3904.50.00 |
~5% | GMR | Standard MFN rate applies |
๐ Conclusion:
- The USA offers the most favorable tariff (0%) for PVDC granules from China in this dataset.
- Regulatory Focus: The main challenge is not tariff but compliance (FDA for food contact, REACH in EU for chemical safety).
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
โ Error 1: Declaring PVDC as "PVC Resin" (3904.10.00.00)
๐ Consequence: PVC has different environmental regulations and may face different tariff treatments. HS Code mismatch.
โ Error 2: Ignoring "Primary Form" Requirement
๐ Consequence: Declaring finished PVDC shrink wrap as granules. Customs will reject or reclassify to Chapter 39.20/39.21.
โ Error 3: Missing FDA Documentation for Food-Grade PVDC
๐ Consequence: Goods held at port, delayed release, potential destruction if not compliant. High operational risk.
โ Error 4: Confusing PVDC with PTFE
๐ Consequence: Both are halogenated polymers but chemically distinct. PTFE requires different processing and certification. Misclassification leads to audit flags.
โ Correct Approach:
"PVDC Granules, High Barrier Grade, for Film Extrusion, FDA 21 CFR 177.1680 Compliant, HS Code 3904.50.00.00"
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Time and Money!
๐ฏ Remember the Mnemonic:
๐น "PVDC is Chlorine, 0% Duty in US. Granules are Primary Form, Don't Confuse with Film!"
๐น "Check the Formula, Verify FDA, Avoid PVC Mix-up, Clear Customs Smoothly!"
๐ Pro Tip:
- If your PVDC is co-polymerized with acrylics or vinyl acetate, it still falls under 3904.50.00.00 as long as vinylidene chloride is the chief polymer.
- For large volumes, consider applying for an CBP Advance Ruling to secure binding classification and avoid future disputes.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact your customs broker + Provide FDA Compliance Letter + Verify HS Code 3904.50.00.00
๐ Let your PVDC granules, pass customs smoothly, enjoy 0% tariff, and boost your supply chain efficiency!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Your every penny saved is worth precise calculation!
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.