Paper Antistatic Agent
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3505100092 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824994140 | 39.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824994900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102055 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Paper Antistatic Agents: HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Protocol
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Paper Antistatic Agent"?
Paper Antistatic Agents are chemical additives used in the paper manufacturing process to prevent the buildup of static electricity. Static discharge can cause paper jams, attract dust, and create safety hazards (sparks).
In international trade, these agents are classified based on their primary chemical composition and form:
- Starch-Based Agents: Derived from native, modified, or dextrinized starch. These are often considered "prepared starches" or "glues."
- Chemical/Synthetic-Based Agents: Complex mixtures, including fatty acid esters, quaternary ammonium compounds, or other organic chemical products. These fall under "Chemical Preparations."
- Pre-formed Anti-Static Films/Tapes: If the agent is already applied to a self-adhesive plastic film (not a liquid additive), it is classified as a plastic product.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Is it a liquid/powder additive mixed into paper pulp? β Chapters 35 or 38.
- Is it a self-adhesive film used on paper rolls? β Chapter 39.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Authoritativeε―Ήη §)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes, their logical classification reasons, and tax implications.
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Applicable Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
3505.10.00.92 |
Starch-Based Paper Antistatic Agent | Classifies under "Glues and Other Prepared Non-Electric Adhesives." Specifically, products based on starch, dextrin, or other modified starches. | Liquid/powder additives where starch is the primary binding or active agent. |
3824.99.41.40 |
Starch-Based Paper Antistatic Agent (Chemical Mix) | Classifies under "Chemical Products Not Elsewhere Specified." Defined as fatty acid ester mixtures or other chemical industrial products derived from plant sources. | Complex chemical mixtures where starch is a component, but the functional profile is that of a chemical preparation (e.g., fatty acid esters). |
3824.99.49.00 |
Chemical Antistatic Agent (Organic/Carbohydrate) | Classifies under "Other Chemical Products." Defined as organic substances/carbohydrates that do not fit strictly into "fatty acids" but are chemical industrial products. | Broad chemical antistatic agents (e.g., quaternary salts) that are organic but not strictly starch or fatty acids. |
3919.90.50.60 |
Anti-Static Self-Adhesive Tape/Film | Classifies under "Self-Adhesive Plastics." Defined as flat, self-adhesive products made of plastic film (polymer). | Pre-formed anti-static films applied to paper rolls, not liquid additives. |
3919.10.20.55 |
Anti-Static Self-Adhesive Tape (Plastic/Polymer) | Classifies under "Plastics in Rolls." Defined as flat, plastic/polymer-based self-adhesive products. | Alternative classification for plastic-based anti-static tapes. |
π Key Warning:
- Do not mix liquid additives with film products. A liquid antistatic agent applied by the manufacturer is NOT a self-adhesive tape. - Starch vs. Chemical: If the product is >50% starch by weight and functions as a binder/adhesive base, lean towards 3505. If it is a specialized chemical mix (even with plant origins) for electrostatic dissipation, lean towards 3824.
π° III. 2026 US Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Assumed based on 122 Clause and high add-on tariffs typical of US-China trade)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Current Status
π― 1. 3505.10.00.92 β Starch-Based Agents (Lowest Duty)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.7Β’/kg (Specific Rate) |
| Section 301 Duty | 7.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 122 Duty | 10% (Ad Valorem) |
| Total Effective Rate | ~18.2% (Calculated on CIF value) |
| Tax Structure | Mixed: Specific Duty (0.7Β’/kg) + Ad Valorem (17.5% total of Section 301 + 122) |
| Legal Basis | Base: HTS 3505.10; Add-ons: USITC Footnote 9903.xx |
π Explanation:
- This is the most cost-effective classification if the product is truly starch-based.
- The base duty is very low (specific rate), but the added tariffs (Section 301 + Section 122) bring the total to ~17.5% ad valorem plus the small specific fee.
- De Minimis: β NOT APPLICABLE. These goods are subject to high tariffs and must go through full entry procedures.
π― 2. 3824.99.41.40 β Starch/Plant-Based Chemical Agents
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.6% |
| Section 301 Duty | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Rate | 39.6% |
| Tax Structure | Purely Ad Valorem |
| Legal Basis | Base: HTS 3824.99; Add-ons: IEEPA/USITC Footnotes |
π Explanation:
- Higher base duty than starch-based products.
- Subject to the standard high-tier Section 301 tariff (25%) and Section 122 (10%).
- De Minimis: β DENIED.
π― 3. 3824.99.49.00 β Other Organic Chemical Agents
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Duty | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Structure | Purely Ad Valorem |
| Legal Basis | Base: HTS 3824.99; Add-ons: IEEPA/USITC Footnotes |
π Explanation:
- This is the highest duty category among the chemical options.
- Use this only if the product does not fit "fatty acid esters" (3824.99.41.40) or starch categories (3505).
π― 4. 3919.90.50.60 & 3919.10.20.55 β Anti-Static Self-Adhesive Films
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.8% |
| Section 301 Duty | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | 10.0% |
| Total Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Structure | Purely Ad Valorem |
| Legal Basis | Base: HTS 3919; Add-ons: IEEPA/USITC Footnotes |
π Explanation:
- CRITICAL: This classification is ONLY for pre-made anti-static films/tapes.
- If you are shipping liquid/powder antistatic agents, DO NOT USE THIS CODE. Misclassification can lead to severe penalties.
- These products are treated as "Plastic Self-Adhesive Products."
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | β YES | Must clearly state: "Antistatic Agent for Paper," Composition (e.g., "80% Modified Starch"), and Physical Form (Liquid/Powder/Film). |
| Bill of Lading / Commercial Invoice | β YES | Must match the HS Code description exactly. |
| Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | β YES | Required for chemical imports to prove non-hazardous classification. |
| Certificate of Origin | β YES | Confirm country of origin (China) to apply correct Section 301/122 duties. |
| Formula/Composition Disclosure | β YES | Customs may request the exact percentage of starch vs. chemical additives to determine 3505 vs. 3824. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy & Keywords
π₯ Golden Rule: "Form Determines Function, Composition Determines Code."
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid Starch Additive | 3505.10.00.92: "Starch-based antistatic agent for paper manufacturing" |
"Chemical Antistatic Agent" | Risk of reclassification to 3824 (Higher Duty). |
| Complex Chemical Mix | 3824.99.41.40: "Fatty acid ester mixture for paper antistatic treatment" |
"Starch Product" | Risk of penalty for misrepresentation. |
| Anti-Static Film Roll | 3919.90.50.60: "Self-adhesive anti-static plastic film for paper rolls" |
"Antistatic Chemical" | Risk of delay, inspection, and misclassification fines. |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Section 122 Duty (10%) | This duty applies to many Chinese goods under specific trade actions. Ensure your supplier provides accurate data to confirm if this specific HS Code is exempt or included. Based on provided data, it is INCLUDED. |
| De Minimis ($800) | β NOT AVAILABLE for any of the above HS Codes from China due to high Section 301/122 duties. Must file formal entry (Type 6 or Type 7). |
| FDA/USDA? | Generally, paper antistatic agents are NOT FDA regulated unless they come into direct contact with food-grade paper. However, if used in food packaging, provide a Food Contact Notification (FCN) or safety data. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Duty (China Origin) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3505.10.00.92 (Starch) / 3824.99.41.40 (Chemical) |
17.5% - 41.5% | Formal Entry, MSDS, Detailed Composition. |
| π¨π³ China | 3505.10.00.92 / 3824.99.41.40 |
0% - 6% | No Section 301/122. Easier clearance. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3505.10 / 3824.99 |
5% - 10% | REACH Compliance (Chemical Registration) is CRITICAL. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3505.10 / 3824.99 |
5% - 10% | UK REACH Compliance required. |
π Note: The EU and UK require REACH registration for chemical substances. If you are importing into Europe, ensure the supplier has REACH registration for the specific chemical components.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Learn from Mistakes)
β Error 1: Classifying liquid antistatic agents as "Plastic Films" (3919).
π Consequence: Customs detention, reclassification, and fines. Liquid is not a film.
β Error 2: Using 3824 for a pure starch product.
π Consequence: Overpaying duties (39.6% vs 17.5%). Provide MSDS and composition sheets to prove starch dominance.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 & 301 duties.
π Consequence: Underpayment of taxes. The total rate is NOT just the base duty.
β Error 4: Missing MSDS.
π Consequence: Cargo held at port for 2-4 weeks while customs requests safety data.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance for Maximum Savings
π― Key Takeaway:
Starch-based agents (
3505) are significantly cheaper (~17.5%) than chemical-based agents (3824, ~40%).
If your product is starch-dominant, insist on the3505classification with proper documentation.
β
Action Plan:
1. Analyze Composition: Is it >50% starch? β 3505.10.00.92.
2. Check Form: Is it a liquid/powder? β Avoid 3919.
3. Prepare Docs: MSDS, COO, Composition Sheet.
4. File Formal Entry: Do not rely on De Minimis.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker BEFORE shipping.
π Submit a Pre-Ruling Request to US CBP if the classification is ambiguous (Starch vs. Chemical).
π Save up to 25% in duties by choosing the correct HS Code!
β¨ Precision Classification is Profit Protection!
πΌ Donβt let misclassification eat your margins!
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.