Packaging Grade Polymer Granules
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3902100000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3902300000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4002190014 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4002190016 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901105010 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901205000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦ Packaging Grade Polymer Granules (Plastics in Primary Forms)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Packaging Grade Polymer Granules"?
"Packaging Grade Polymer Granules" refers to raw plastic materials in their primary forms (pellets, beads, or powders) used primarily for manufacturing packaging products (bottles, films, containers, bags). In international trade, these fall under Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof).
The classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Chemical Composition: Is it Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), or another polymer? 2. Physical Properties: For Polyethylene, the Specific Gravity (Density) is the decisive factor for HS Code differentiation.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) with specific gravity < 0.94 vs. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with specific gravity β₯ 0.94. - Polypropylene (PP) is a separate category from Polyethylene. - Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR) is not a packaging polymer; it is a synthetic rubber for tires/adhesives. Ensure you are not misdeclaring rubber as plastic.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Specific Gravity / Type |
|---|---|---|---|
3901.10.50.10 |
Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) | Stretch films, flexible packaging bags, shrink wrap | Specific Gravity < 0.94 |
3901.20.50.00 |
Polyethylene (Other) | Rigid bottles, pipes, high-density containers | Specific Gravity β₯ 0.94 |
3902.10.00.00 |
Polypropylene (PP) | Rigid packaging, caps, labels, woven bags | N/A (Distinct from PE) |
3902.30.00.00 |
Propylene Copolymers | Specialty packaging blends with enhanced flexibility | N/A (Distinct from Homopolymer) |
π Important Note:
- The HS Codes4002.19.00.14and4002.19.00.16(SBR Rubber) are NOT applicable to standard packaging plastics. Only include if the product is explicitly Synthetic Rubber. - For Polyethylene, Specific Gravity must be verified by technical data sheets. Misclassification here leads to significant tax errors.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Explanation (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates include Section 301 Surcharges
π― 1. 3901.10.50.10 β Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Trade Remedy Duties) |
| Total Tax Rate | 31.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 31.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | USITC HTSUS 3901.10.50.10 + Footnote 301 |
π Explanation:
- LLDPE is a critical material for flexible packaging. Due to US-China trade tensions, it attracts the standard 25% Section 301 surcharge on top of the 6.5% base duty. - Total Cost Impact: 31.5% of the declared CIF value is paid in tariffs alone.
π― 2. 3901.20.50.00 β Polyethylene (Specific Gravity β₯ 0.94)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | N/A (But tax is zero) |
| Legal Basis | USITC HTSUS 3901.20.50.00 |
π Strategic Advantage:
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) with specific gravity β₯ 0.94 enjoys ZERO tariffs. - Clearance Tip: If your "packaging grade" plastic is HDPE, ensure the technical sheet explicitly states Specific Gravity β₯ 0.94 to claim this 0% rate.
π― 3. 3902.10.00.00 β Polypropylene (PP)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 31.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 31.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | USITC HTSUS 3902.10.00.00 + Footnote 301 |
π Explanation:
- PP is widely used for rigid packaging (caps, tubs). Like LLDPE, it is subject to the full 31.5% effective duty rate.
π― 4. 3902.30.00.00 β Propylene Copolymers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | N/A (But tax is zero) |
| Legal Basis | USITC HTSUS 3902.30.00.00 |
π Strategic Advantage:
- Propylene Copolymers are tax-free. If your packaging material is a copolymer (e.g., MOPP, block copolymers), verify the chemical structure to qualify for this 0% rate.
π― 5. 4002.19.00.14 & 4002.19.00.16 β Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (for 14) / 0.0% (for 16) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% (for 14) / 0.0% (for 16) |
| Note | ONLY for Synthetic Rubber, not standard packaging plastics. |
π Warning:
- Do not misclassify SBR as Polyethylene or Polypropylene. -4002.19.00.14(SBS in granules) has a 25% total tax. -4002.19.00.16(S-SBR in bales) has 0% total tax. - If you are importing actual rubber for packaging seals/gaskets, use these codes. For plastic packaging granules, ignore these.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Crucial: Must show Specific Gravity (for PE) and Polymer Type (PP/PE/Copolymer). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show granules/pellets, packaging bags, and labels. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Polymer Granules, Packaging Grade," not just "Plastic." |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Match weight and quantity with TDS. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | If applicable for non-China origins, but note US duties apply to CN origin. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βDensity Decides PE, PP Needs 31.5, Copolymer is Free, Rubber is Different!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| LLDPE (Stretch Film Raw Material) | 3901.10.50.10 |
Misdeclare as HDPE β Overpay or Underpay |
| HDPE (Bottle Raw Material) | 3901.20.50.00 |
Declare as LLDPE β Incorrect Tax (6.5% vs 0%) |
| PP (Caps/Tubs Raw Material) | 3902.10.00.00 |
Declare as PE β 31.5% Tax Risk |
| Copolymer PP | 3902.30.00.00 |
Declare as Homopolymer PP β 0% vs 31.5% Saving |
| SBR Rubber (Seals) | 4002.19.00.14 |
Declare as Plastic β Misclassification Penalty |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Granules | If the shipment contains both LLDPE and HDPE, declare separately or use the code for the dominant weight. |
| Recycled Pellets | Still classified under Chapter 39 if processed. Ensure "Recycled" is stated if it affects value, but HS code remains similar. |
| Additives Included | If granules are pre-mixed with additives (colorants, UV stabilizers), they still fall under the base polymer code. Do not split declare additives. |
| SBR vs. Plastic | If you are importing "Thermoplastic Elastomers (TPE)" that are Styrene-Butadiene based, ensure they are classified correctly. 4002.19.00.14 applies to SBS block copolymers in granules. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3901.10.50.10 / 3902.10.00.00 |
31.5% (for LLDPE/PP) | FDA (if food contact) | HDPE/Copolymer PP is 0% |
| π¨π³ China | 3901.10.50.10 |
~6.5% | N/A | Low import duties |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3901.10 / 3902.10 |
~6.5% | REACH | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3901.10 / 3902.10 |
~5% | N/A | Free Trade Agreement (CHAFTA) may apply if AU origin |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3901.10 / 3902.10 |
~6.0% | JIS | Generally lower duties than US |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest cost market for LLDPE and PP granules (31.5%). - Optimization Strategy:
- If using HDPE, ensure Specific Gravity β₯ 0.94 to get 0% duty.
- If using PP Copolymers, ensure chemical classification matches3902.30for 0% duty.
- Avoid over-decluring "Packaging Grade" without specifying the polymer type and density.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring LLDPE (3901.10.50.10) as HDPE (3901.20.50.00)
π Consequence: Tax Evasion. HDPE is 0%, LLDPE is 31.5%. If caught, fines + back taxes.
β Error 2: Declaring Polypropylene (3902.10.00.00) as Polyethylene
π Consequence: Misclassification. Different HS codes have different regulatory requirements and potential duty discrepancies.
β Error 3: Ignoring Specific Gravity for Polyethylene
π Consequence: Wrong duty rate. 0.94 is the critical threshold. A SG of 0.939 vs 0.941 changes the tax from 31.5% to 0%.
β Error 4: Confusing SBR Rubber with Plastic Granules
π Consequence: Wrong Chapter (40 vs 39). Rubber has different inspection and quarantine rules.
β Correct Practice:
"Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Granules, Specific Gravity 0.92, Packaging Grade, Non-Food Contact, Model XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Costs!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "LLDPE & PP: 31.5% Tax"
πΉ "HDPE (SGβ₯0.94) & Copolymer PP: 0% Tax"
πΉ "Check Specific Gravity: It Saves Thousands!"
π Tips:
- Always request the Specific Gravity from your supplier for Polyethylene.
- Verify if your Polypropylene is Homopolymer (Taxable) or Copolymer (Tax-Free).
- For Rubber-based packaging components, use Chapter 40 codes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the Technical Data Sheet.
π Optimize your supply chain by choosing 0% duty polymer grades where possible.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Penny of Cost Should Be Precisely Calculated!
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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.