Paraffin Stabilizer
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3824890000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824995000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824994900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ Paraffin Stabilizer (Chlorinated Paraffins for PVC)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Paraffin Stabilizer"?
In the chemical industry, "Paraffin Stabilizer" typically refers to Chlorinated Paraffins (CPs), which are widely used as heat stabilizers and plasticizers in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) production. Based on carbon chain length, they are divided into Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs) and Long-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (LCCPs). SCCPs are heavily restricted globally due to environmental concerns, while LCCPs remain the standard industrial stabilizer.
In international trade, these products are classified under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products), specifically heading 3824, which covers prepared binders for foundry mold/core, chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries, not elsewhere specified or included.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins (SCCPs): Often classified under 3824.89.00.00. Due to environmental regulations, these may face stricter scrutiny or bans in certain jurisdictions.
- Other Chlorinated Paraffins/Preparations: Classified under 3824.99.50.00 or 3824.99.49.00, depending on their specific chemical composition (e.g., halogenated hydrocarbon mixtures vs. emulsifiers).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Chemical Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
3824.89.00.00 |
Chlorinated Paraffin used as PVC stabilizer; material is Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffin (SCCP). | PVC heat stabilizers, flame retardants. | Halogenated hydrocarbon mixture (SCCP). |
3824.99.50.00 |
Chlorinated Paraffin used as PVC stabilizer; belongs to halogenated hydrocarbon mixtures other than those halogenated only with halogen atoms. | Chemical industry preparations, PVC processing. | Complex halogenated hydrocarbon mixture. |
3824.99.49.00 |
Paraffin Emulsifier; belongs to chemical industry preparations, core component being hydrocarbon substances. | Emulsification processes, PVC formulation aids. | Hydrocarbon-based chemical preparation. |
π Key Reminder:
- All three codes fall under Chapter 38, indicating they are "Miscellaneous Chemical Products" rather than pure elementary chemicals (which might fall under Chapter 29).
- The distinction between3824.89and3824.99often depends on whether the product is a specific listed substance (SCCP) or a general preparation/mixture.
- Customs Declaration Tip: Ensure the technical data sheet explicitly states the carbon chain length (Short vs. Long) and chlorine content, as this directly impacts classification and environmental compliance.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
β Total Tax Rate: 41.5% (Uniform across all three HS Codes listed)
π― 1. 3824.89.00.00 β Chlorinated Paraffin (SCCP)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (From USITC Footnote related to Chinese goods) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific policy surtax) |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (High-risk chemical category) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 6.5% β Surtax: 25.0% β Policy: 10.0% β Total: 41.5% |
π Explanation:
- Basic 6.5%: Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for miscellaneous chemical products.
- Section 301 (25%): Imposed on a wide range of Chinese chemical imports as part of trade tensions.
- Section 122 (10%): An additional national security/trade surtax applied to specific goods from China.
- Total 41.5%: This is a very high cost factor for PVC manufacturers importing stabilizers from China. Margins must be carefully calculated.
π― 2. 3824.99.50.00 β Other Chlorinated Paraffin Mixtures
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Same as above |
π Note:
- Despite being a "mixture" or "preparation," the origin (China) and product type (chemical stabilizer) trigger the same high surtaxes.
- Classification as3824.99.50.00may be used for non-SCCP chlorinated paraffins or complex mixtures where the specific SCCP code does not apply.
π― 3. 3824.99.49.00 β Paraffin Emulsifier
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Same as above |
π Note:
- Even though described as an "emulsifier" or "hydrocarbon preparation," if it functions as a PVC stabilizer or contains chlorinated paraffins, it remains subject to the same Chinese-origin surtaxes.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Shortcuts)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Must specify Carbon Chain Length (Short/Long), Chlorine Content %, and CAS Number. |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for hazardous chemical classification and transport safety. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for verifying "China Origin" to apply correct surtaxes. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Chlorinated Paraffin for PVC Stabilizer" or "Paraffin Emulsifier." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight, volume, and package type. |
| β Environmental Compliance Statement | βοΈ | If importing SCCPs, ensure compliance with US EPA restrictions. |
β 2. Declaration Tactics (Key Mantras)
π₯ βBe Precise, Declare the Chemical, Avoid Ambiguity!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Short-Chain CP | 3824.89.00.00 - "Chlorinated Paraffin, Short-Chain, PVC Stabilizer" |
Vague: "Chemical Additive" β Risk of re-classification & penalty. |
| Long-Chain CP/Mixture | 3824.99.50.00 - "Halogenated Hydrocarbon Mixture for PVC" |
Vague: "Paraffin" β May be confused with edible/industrial paraffin wax (Chapter 27/34). |
| Emulsifier | 3824.99.49.00 - "Paraffin Emulsifier, Chemical Preparation" |
Vague: "Oil" or "Wax" β Incorrect chapter, potential duty evasion suspicion. |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| SCCP Restrictions | Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins are banned or severely restricted in many countries. Verify US EPA TSCA status before shipping. Non-compliance leads to seizure and destruction. |
| Chemical Identity | Ensure the HS code matches the primary function. If itβs primarily an emulsifier but used as a stabilizer, declare the primary function to avoid misdeclaration. |
| Bulk vs. Packaged | Bulk shipments require additional safety certificates for transport. Small packages may face different scrutiny for hazardous materials. |
| Origin Marking | Clearly mark "Made in China" on packages to avoid duty evasion accusations. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3824.89.00.00 / 3824.99.50.00 |
41.5% | TSCA, SDS | High surtaxes (301 + 122). SCCPs face strict EPA limits. |
| π¨π³ China | 3824.89.00.00 |
~6.5% | REACH (if importing) | Lower tariffs, but environmental controls on SCCPs are tightening. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3824.99.50.00 |
~6.5% | REACH | SCCPs are SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern). Heavy restrictions. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3824.99.50.00 |
~5% | NICNAS | Lower base rates, but chemical safety assessments required. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for these products due to Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) surtaxes on top of the base rate.
- Environmental Regulations (TSCA in US, REACH in EU) are as critical as tariffs. SCCPs are high-risk.
- LCCPs (Long-Chain) are safer from a regulatory standpoint but still incur high tariffs if from China.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Paraffin Wax" (HS 2701/2712)
π Consequence: Wrong chapter. Chlorinated paraffins are halogenated, not raw petroleum waxes. Leads to seizure, fines, and reclassification penalties.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring SCCP Restrictions
π Consequence: Importing SCCPs into the US/EU without proper TSCA/REACH compliance results in product destruction and legal liability.
β Mistake 3: Vague Description "Chemical Stabilizer"
π Consequence: Customs may request extensive technical data, causing delays. If the product is deemed a "hazardous chemical," additional permits are needed.
β Mistake 4: Not Accounting for Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Budgeting only for the 301 tariff (25%) leads to unexpected 41.5% total cost, eroding profits.
β Correct Practice:
"Chlorinated Paraffin (Long-Chain), CAS No. XXXXX, Chlorine Content XX%, Used as PVC Heat Stabilizer, Chemical Preparation, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Chlorinated is not Wax. SCCPs are Dangerous. Origin Dictates Tax."
πΉ "3824 is the Home. 41.5% is the Price for China. Be Ready!"
π Pro Tip:
If your PVC stabilizer is sourced from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Thailand, you may avoid the 301 and 122 surtaxes, reducing the total tariff to just the 6.5% base rate.
π Recommendation: Diversify supply chain or apply for preferential origin status if possible.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker: Verify the exact HS code based on your TDS.
π Prepare TSDS: Ensure Technical Data Sheet and SDS are up-to-date and available in English.
π° Calculate Total Landed Cost: Include 41.5% tariff + insurance + freight.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on Correct Tariff Planning!
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.