Plant Growth Regulator Combination Pack
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3402901000 | 38.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824991100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824405000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808935010 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808935020 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π± Plant Growth Regulator Combination Pack (Chemical/Preparations for Plant Regulation)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Plant Growth Regulator Combination Pack"?
A "Plant Growth Regulator Combination Pack" is typically a chemical preparation or mixture used in agriculture to control plant growth processes (such as germination, flowering, fruiting, or maturation). It is not a single pure active ingredient but a formulated mixture, often containing the active regulator plus "adjuvants" (surfactants, spreaders, stabilizers) to enhance efficacy.
In international trade, these products fall under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products). The specific classification depends heavily on the primary function and composition of the adjuvants.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is primarily a cleaning/surfactant agent used to aid the regulator β 3402.90.10.00
- If the product is primarily a chemical preparation/premixed additive for industry/agriculture β 3824.99.11.00 or 3824.40.50.00
- If the product is specifically a herbicide/pesticide mixture (where the regulator acts similarly to a weed control or crop protection agent) β 3808.93.50.10 or 3808.93.50.20
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Basis for Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
3402.90.10.00 |
Surface-active agents and preparations (Surfactant-based adjuvants) | Adjuvants containing surfactants/cleaning agents that help the regulator penetrate leaves | Matches "Surface-active agents" characteristic |
3824.99.11.00 |
Prepared binders for foundry molds; Chemical products and preparations (Non-specified) | General chemical preparations where the exact chemical nature is complex/mixed | Matches "Chemical industry preparations" definition |
3824.40.50.00 |
Prepared additives for mineral oils (or general prepared additives) | Chemical additives designed to modify the properties of a base product or aid application | Matches "Prepared additives" definition |
3808.93.50.10 |
Insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, and similar products (Mixtures) | Mixtures where the regulator is treated as a crop protection agent | Matches "Mixture for plant regulation/protection" |
3808.93.50.20 |
Herbicides (specifically Glyphosate salts/esters + adjuvants) | Specifically glyphosate-based growth regulators or herbicide mixtures | Matches "Glyphosate and salts/esters with adjuvants" |
π Critical Reminder:
- "Adjuvants" (ε©ε) alone do not dictate HS Code 3808 if they are purely surfactant-based; they may fall under 3402.
- If the product is a complex chemical mixture not specifically listed elsewhere, 3824 is the residual category.
- If the regulator is considered a pesticide/herbicide equivalent (common for growth regulators that kill weeds or alter crop structure), 3808 applies.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Additions)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Current Trade War Context)
π― 1. 3402.90.10.00 ββ Surface-Active Agents & Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.8% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% (Specific China-related provision) |
| Total Rate | 38.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Due to 301/122 duties) |
| Legal Basis | Base: 3402 β 301: +25% β 122: +10% |
π Explanation:
- This code applies if the "combination pack" is primarily a surfactant/cleaning agent used to deliver the regulator.
- The 3.8% base is low, but the 35% total surtax makes it expensive.
π― 2. 3824.99.11.00 ββ Chemical Products and Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | Base: 3824 β 301: +25% β 122: +10% |
π Explanation:
- This is often the most cost-effective option if the product is classified as a generic "chemical preparation" and not a specific pesticide or surfactant.
- 0% Base Rate helps offset the high surtaxes.
π― 3. 3824.40.50.00 ββ Prepared Additives
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | Base: 3824.40 β 301: +25% β 122: +10% |
π Explanation:
- Applies if the product is explicitly defined as a "prepared additive" for chemical processes.
- Higher base rate (5%) leads to the highest total tax (40%) in this group.
π― 4. 3808.93.50.10 ββ Herbicides/Pesticides (Mixtures)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | Base: 3808.93 β 301: +25% β 122: +10% |
π Explanation:
- If customs views the growth regulator as a crop protection chemical (similar to herbicides), this code applies.
- Same tax burden as 3824.40.50.00.
π― 5. 3808.93.50.20 ββ Glyphosate-Based Mixtures
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| > Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | Base: 3808.93 β 301: +25% β 122: +10% |
π Explanation:
- Specifically for Glyphosate salts/esters + adjuvants.
- If your "Plant Growth Regulator" contains Glyphosate, this is the mandatory code.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Document Checklist (Absolutely Required)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must list ingredients, percentages, and CAS numbers for active agents. |
| β MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Critical for determining if itβs hazardous (flammable/toxic). |
| β Composition Statement | βοΈ | Detail the ratio of "Active Regulator" vs. "Adjuvants/Surfactants". |
| β EPA Registration (if US-bound) | βοΈ | Growth regulators are regulated by the EPA. Missing EPA ID β Rejection. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Plant Growth Regulator Adjuvant Mixture" β avoid vague terms like "Chemical". |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To verify CN origin and apply/avoid surtaxes if exemptions exist. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βAdjuvant Surfactant = 3402, Chemical Prep = 3824, Pesticide Mix = 3808!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Product is mostly Surfactant + tiny active | 3402.90.10.00 (38.8%) |
Declare as 3808 β Risk of penalty |
| Product is Complex Chemical Mix | 3824.99.11.00 (35.0%) |
Declare as 3402 β Higher tax |
| Product is Glyphosate + Adjuvant | 3808.93.50.20 (40.0%) |
Declare as 3824 β EPA Violation |
| Product is General Crop Aid | 3824.40.50.00 (40.0%) |
Undeclared β Seizure |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| EPA Registration Missing | Do Not Ship. US Customs will seize goods without an EPA Establishment Number or EPA Registration Number for plant growth regulators. |
| "Adjuvant" vs. "Active" | If the active ingredient is <5% and primarily a surfactant, argue for 3402. If active >5%, argue for 3808 or 3824. |
| Glyphosate Content | If any Glyphosate is present, you MUST use 3808.93.50.20. No choice. |
| New Chemical Formulation | Apply for a Pre-Ruling (CBP Ruling) from US Customs and Border Protection to secure the HS Code before shipment. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3824.99.11.00 |
35.0% (Lowest Base) | EPA Registration Mandatory | 35% is best if EPA allows chemical prep classification |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.93.50.20 |
40.0% | EPA Registration Mandatory | If Glyphosate-based, unavoidable 40% |
| π¨π³ China | 3824.99.99.90 |
0% ~ 5% | None (Domestic) | No surtaxes |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.94.00 |
6.5% | ECHA/EC 1107/2009 | High regulatory barrier |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.94.00 |
5.0% | APVMA Registration | Strict biosecurity |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most competitive market for surtaxes but has highest regulatory hurdles (EPA).
- 3824.99.11.00 offers the lowest tariff (35%) if the product can be classified as a general chemical preparation rather than a pesticide or surfactant.
- EPA Compliance is the #1 risk factor for US entry.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Plant Growth Regulator" as "Fertilizer" (HS 3102)
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 3808/3824 + EPA Violation β Seizure & Fine.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the "Adjuvant" Composition
π Consequence: If declared as pure chemical but contains surfactants, customs may apply 3402 or 3808 with penalties for misdeclaration.
β Mistake 3: No EPA Number on the Package
π Consequence: Immediate Hold at US Port. Cannot enter commerce.
β Mistake 4: Using "Chemical Mixture" Vaguely in Invoice
π Consequence: Customs demands detailed composition β Delay + Storage Fees.
β Correct Approach:
"Plant Growth Regulator Adjuvant Mixture, Contains Surfactants & Active Ingredients [List CAS], EPA Reg. No. [Number], For Agricultural Use Only."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Costs!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Surfactant = 3402, Chemical Prep = 3824, Pesticide = 3808!"
πΉ "35% vs 40% matters, EPA is King!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your product is a general adjuvant without specific pesticide claims, aim for 3824.99.11.00 (35%).
- If it contains Glyphosate, you are stuck with 3808.93.50.20 (40%).
- Always verify EPA status before shipping to the US.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your EPA Compliance Officer + Customs Broker
π Secure Pre-Ruling & EPA Numbers to ensure Smooth Clearance & Profit Protection!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent in Tariff Counts!
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.