Pet Plastic Agricultural Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3921905050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921190010 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920620090 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920992000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901105020 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΎ PET Plastic Agricultural Film (Polyester Agricultural Film)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for US Imports
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "PET Agricultural Film"?
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) agricultural film is a high-strength, durable plastic sheet used in farming for mulching, covering, and crop protection. Unlike standard PE films, PET offers superior tensile strength, UV resistance, and tear resistance.
In international trade, PET films are classified based on their specific material composition (PET vs. PE blend), physical form (film/sheet), and chemical processing status (uncoated vs. composite). Misclassification is the most common cause of customs delays and overpayment for this product.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the film is 100% PET (Polyester) and uncoated/non-cellular β It generally falls under Heading 3920.
- If the film is PET-based but includes specific additives or is classified as a specific "other plastic" β It may fall under Heading 3921.
- If the product is raw material/resin (not yet formed into film) β It falls under Heading 3901/3902 (though your input specifies "Film").
- Crucial Note: The distinction between 3920 and 3921 often hinges on whether the product is considered a "plate, sheet, or film" of a specific plastic (3920) or a "board, plate, sheet, film, foil, and strip" of other plastics or composite structures (3921).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Cross-Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 specific HS Codes for PET Plastic Agricultural Film:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Type | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
3921.90.50.50 |
PET Plastic Agricultural Film | PET (Polyester) | Classified as "Other" plastic sheets/films. Note: Often used for composite or specialized PET films not fitting 3920 strictly. |
3921.19.00.10 |
PET Plastic Agricultural Film | PET (Polyester) | Classified as "Other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip" of plastics. Focuses on the "film" form factor. |
3920.62.00.90 |
PET Plastic Agricultural Film | PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) | Specific PET Film. "Non-cellular," "Non-metalized." The most direct classification for pure PET film. |
3920.99.20.00 |
PET Plastic Agricultural Film | PET (Polyester) | "Other plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip." Flexible film, non-cellular, non-reinforced. |
3901.10.50.20 |
Polyethylene Agricultural Film Material | Polyethylene (PE) | β οΈ WARNING: This code is for PE Raw Material/Resin, NOT PET Film. Include for comparison/error prevention only. |
π Critical Clarification:
- Codes3920.62.00.90and3920.99.20.00are the most technically accurate for pure PET film.
- Codes3921.90.50.50and3921.19.00.10are often used for composite PET films or films with specific treatments that push them into "Other" categories.
- Code3901.10.50.20is for PE Resin. If your product is PET film, DO NOT use this code. It will lead to classification error and potential penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Section 301 & Section 232/122)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Rates apply to imports from China with additional tariffs.
π― 1. 3920.62.00.90 & 3920.99.20.00 ββ Pure PET Film (Non-cellular)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (List 3 / List 4A) |
| Section 122 / Other Add-on | +10.0% (Specific agricultural/trade measure) |
| Total Effective Tariff | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Section 301 tariffs apply regardless of value) |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS:3920.62.00.90 β USITC:301_List3 β Section_122_Addon |
π Explanation:
- Base 4.2%: Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty for non-cellular PET sheets/films.
- +25%: Section 301 tariff on Chinese imports of plastic sheets and films.
- +10%: Additional duty under Section 122 or specific agricultural trade measures.
- Total 39.2%: This is a high-cost item for US importers. Budget accordingly.
π― 2. 3921.90.50.50 ββ Other Plastic Films (PET-based)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.8% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 / Other Add-on | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 39.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS:3921.90.50.50 β USITC:301_List3 β Section_122_Addon |
π Note:
- Slightly higher base rate (4.8%) than pure PET film (4.2%).
- Total tax is 39.8%, making it $0.60 more expensive per $100 than code 3920.
- Use this only if the film is deemed "Other" due to composite structure or specific additives.
π― 3. 3921.19.00.10 ββ Other Plates, Sheets, Film (PET)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 / Other Add-on | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS:3921.19.00.10 β USITC:301_List3 β Section_122_Addon |
π Warning:
- This is the highest tariff among the PET film codes.
- Base rate is 6.5%, likely because it's classified under a broader "Other plastics" subheading.
- Avoid this code unless your product does not fit 3920 or 3921.90.
π« 4. 3901.10.50.20 ββ INCORRECT FOR FILM (PE Resin)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 / Other Add-on | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 41.5% |
| Note | This is for Polyethylene (PE) raw material, NOT PET Film. |
| Risk | Classification Error. If you import PET film under this code, CBP will reclassify and penalize. |
π Why it's in the list: For error prevention. If your film is actually Polyethylene (PE), use this code. If it is PET (Polyester), do NOT use it.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "PET (Polyester) Agricultural Film," not just "Plastic Film." |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must include: Material composition (100% PET or blend), thickness (microns/mils), width, tensile strength. |
| β HS Code Declaration Letter | βοΈ | From manufacturer: Confirming the material is PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and not PE or PP. |
| β Photos of Product & Label | βοΈ | Show rolls, labels, and any markings indicating "PET" or "Polyester." |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure description matches invoice. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "PET is 3920, Pure and Strong; If Composite, Check 3921; PE Resin is 3901, Don't Mix Them!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tariff Rate | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure PET Film (Uncoated, Non-cellular) | 3920.62.00.90 |
39.2% | β Low (Most accurate) |
| PET Film with Specific Additives (Composite) | 3921.90.50.50 |
39.8% | β οΈ Medium (Requires proof) |
| PET Film Classified as "Other" | 3921.19.00.10 |
41.5% | β High (Overpaying) |
| PE Resin/Granules (Raw Material) | 3901.10.50.20 |
41.5% | β Critical (Wrong Product) |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Importing from China | Budget for 39.2%β41.5% total duty. No de minimis exemption applies. |
| Ambiguous Material | If unsure if it's PET or PE, do not self-classify. Request a Binding Ruling from CBP. |
| Composite Film | If the film has layers (e.g., PET + Aluminum + PE), it may be classified under 3921. Provide layer breakdown. |
| Agricultural Use | No special agricultural duty exemption applies for PET film from China. Tariffs are based on material, not end-use. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3920.62.00.90 |
39.2% | High tariffs due to Section 301 & 122. |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.62.00.90 |
6.5% | Base import duty only. No Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.62.00.90 |
6.5% | No additional punitive tariffs. CE/RoHS may apply. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3920.62.00.90 |
6.5% | Post-Brexit tariff. No Section 301. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3920.62.00.90 |
5.0% | Low tariff. RCM certification may be needed. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most expensive market for PET agricultural film from China due to punitive tariffs.
- If you are importing into the US, verify your HS Code meticulously. A shift from3920to3921can increase cost by $0.60 per $100.
- Consider sourcing from non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, India) to avoid Section 301 tariffs if possible.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling it "Plastic Film" generically
π Consequence: CBP may reclassify to the highest duty rate (3921.19.00.10 at 41.5%).
π Fix: Specify "PET (Polyester) Agricultural Film" on all documents.
β Mistake 2: Using 3901.10.50.20 for PET Film
π Consequence: Critical Classification Error. CBP will demand re-filing, pay back duties, and potentially fine you.
π Fix: 3901 is for PE (Polyethylene) resins, not PET film.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Underpaying duties by 10%.
π Fix: Always add the 10% add-on to Section 301 tariffs for Chinese plastic films.
β Correct Practice:
"PET Agricultural Mulch Film, 1.5 mil thickness, 100% Polyethylene Terephthalate, Uncoated, Roll Form, for Agricultural Use."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember Mnemonic:
πΉ "PET is 3920, Base 4.2%, Plus 35% Taxes = 39.2%."
πΉ "PE Resin is 3901, Don't Mix PET with PE!"
πΉ "Always Add 10% Section 122 for Chinese Plastics!"
π Pro Tip:
If your PET film is coated, laminated, or reinforced, it may fall under 3921. Consult a customs broker with product samples before shipping.
For 100% uncoated PET film, 3920.62.00.90 is the safest and most cost-effective code.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with product specs.
π Request a Binding Ruling from CBP if unsure.
π° Budget for 39.2% duty + freight + insurance.
β¨ Precision in Classification, Profit in Clearance!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff matters!
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.