Plant Growth Regulator (Flower and Fruit Retention)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 38089400 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 38089300 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
πΏ Plant Growth Regulators (For Flower & Fruit Retention)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Authority | Agricultural Chemical Compliance Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification β Do You Really Know "Growth Regulators"?
Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs) are chemicals used to influence the physiological processes of plants, such as germination, growth, flowering, and fruit development. In international trade, specifically for flower and fruit retention (preventing premature drop of blossoms or young fruits), these products are strictly classified under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
They are NOT simple fertilizers (Chapter 31) or pesticides (Chapter 38/30 depending on action). They are specialized agrochemicals.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is a fungicide/insecticide meant to kill pests, it falls under different subheadings.
- If the product is strictly for physiological regulation (retention of flowers/fruits), it falls under 3808.93 or 3808.94.
- Confusion Alert: Many traders mistakenly classify these under general pesticides or fertilizers, leading to customs delays or reclassification.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, the correct HS Codes for Plant Growth Regulators (Flower/Fruit Retention) are:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.93.00 |
Plant growth regulators, specifically those used for promoting or regulating flowering and fruit retention, falling under the category of regulators for plant growth and development, not elsewhere specified. | Standard agricultural PGRs for fruit set (e.g., Gibberellins, Naphthaleneacetic acid) | Primary Classification for Retention |
3808.94.00 |
Plant growth regulators, including those for flower and fruit retention, classified under other plant growth regulators not elsewhere specified, typically used in agriculture for regulating plant development and yield. | Broader category for other agricultural growth regulators not captured in 3808.93 | Secondary/Broader Classification |
π Key Reminder:
- Both codes apply to agricultural use.
- If the product is for ornamental plants (flowers), it still falls under these codes if the function is physiological regulation.
- Do NOT classify as "Fertilizers" (31.xx) β this is a common and costly error. Fertilizers provide nutrients; PGRs provide hormonal signals.
π° Part 3: 2026 Tariff Rate Details & Tax Information
β Important Note on Tax Data:
According to the provided data source, tax information could not be retrieved automatically.
-tax_detail: "Failed to retrieve tax information"
-total_tax: "Error"
π― 1. General Tariff Context (For Guidance Only)
While specific 2026 rates are unavailable in the source, HS Code 3808 generally carries the following tax structure globally:
| Project | Content |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Rate | Typically 5% β 10% (varies by country) |
| US (China Origin) | May be subject to Section 301 Additional Duties (Check current schedule) |
| EU | Standard import duty + VAT (19%-27%) |
| China Import | Generally 0% for HS 3808.93/3808.94 under most FTAs |
π Explanation:
- Since tax data is marked as "Error", traders MUST consult a local customs broker or use official government tariff databases (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, China Customs) for real-time rates.
- Do NOT assume zero tax due to the error message.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β MSDS (Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Critical for chemical classification. Must confirm active ingredients. |
| β Product Label | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Plant Growth Regulator" and NOT "Fertilizer" or "Pesticide" unless accurate. |
| β Technical Data Sheet | βοΈ | Shows mode of action (physiological vs. toxic). |
| β Import License | βοΈ | Many countries require agrochemical import permits. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | For FTA benefits (if applicable). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe goods as "Plant Growth Regulator for Fruit Retention." |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Strategy)
π₯ βClear Function, Correct Code, No Fertilizer Confusion!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Gibberellic Acid Solution | "Plant Growth Regulator, 3808.93.00, for Fruit Retention" | "Fertilizer Supplement" |
| NAA (Naphthaleneacetic Acid) | "Plant Growth Regulator, 3808.94.00, Prevents Fruit Drop" | "Agrochemical Pesticide" |
| Powder Form PGR | "Solid Plant Growth Regulator, 3808.93.00" | "Powdered Plant Food" |
π Warning:
- Misdeclaring PGRs as Fertilizers can lead to rejection because fertilizers have different environmental and safety standards.
- Misdeclaring as Pesticides may trigger unnecessary biological safety tests.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Ornamental Flowers | Still HS 3808 if for growth regulation. Do not classify as "cut flowers" (Chapter 6). |
| Liquid vs. Powder | Both fall under 3808.93/94. Ensure packaging complies with IMDG/ADR for chemicals. |
| Home Garden Use | If sold in small quantities for non-agricultural use, some countries may classify differently (check local rules). |
| Mixed Products | If combined with fertilizers, declare separately or as a composite good (complex). |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Duty | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.93.00 / 3808.94.00 |
0% (MFN) + Possible 301 % | EPA Registration | Strict EPA approval needed. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.93 / 3808.94 |
6.5% | EFSA Approval | Banned substances vary. |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.93.00 / 3808.94.00 |
0% | Ministry of Agriculture | High inspection rate. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.93 / 3808.94 |
5% | APVMA Registration | Strict biosecurity. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3808.93 / 3808.94 |
6% | MHLW/MAFF | Residue limits apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA & EU have the strictest regulatory approvals (EPA/EFSA).
- China has low duties but high inspection frequencies.
- Always verify active ingredient lists against banned substance lists.
π Part 6: Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring as "Fertilizer" to avoid agrochemical checks
π Consequence: Customs rejects shipment for misclassification. Fines + Demurrage!
β Error 2: Ignoring MSDS requirements
π Consequence: Shipment held at port for safety review. Delays of 2-4 weeks.
β Error 3: Using vague terms like "Plant Food" or "Growth Booster"
π Consequence: Customs queries the nature of the product. Risk of reclassification to 3808.94 with higher scrutiny.
β Error 4: Not obtaining EPA/EFSA approval before shipping
π Consequence: Seizure and destruction of goods.
β Correct Approach:
"Plant Growth Regulator (Gibberellic Acid 1%), Liquid, 1L Bottles, For Fruit Retention, EPA Reg. No. XXXXXX"
π― Part 7: Conclusion β Precision is Profit
π― Remember:
πΉ "PGR is not Fertilizer β Code 3808 is key."
πΉ "Tax Error? Check Local Tariff β Donβt Guess!"
πΉ "MSDS & Labeling β Non-Negotiable for Clearance."
π Pro Tip:
Since tax data shows "Error", always request a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) from customs before shipping high-value PGRs. This protects you from post-import tax assessments.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify Active Ingredients against banned lists.
π¦ Prepare MSDS & Technical Sheets.
π Confirm HS Code with Local Broker (3808.93 vs. 3808.94).
β¨ Accurate Classification Saves Time and Money!
πΌ Compliance First β Then Trade.
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.