Plastic Food Grade Tube
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3917290050 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3917320010 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3917310000 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3917320020 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3917330000 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Plastic Food Grade Tube (Plastic Hard/Soft Pipes)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Plastic Food Grade Tube"?
Plastic food-grade tubes are critical components in the beverage, dairy, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries. In international trade, they are strictly categorized based on their material composition, structural rigidity (hard vs. soft), and intended transmission medium.
Rigid Plastic Pipes: Structurally stiff, suitable for fixed installation, fluid transport under pressure.
Flexible Plastic Hoses: Bendable, used for temporary connections, pump lines, or chemical/food medium transmission.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If the product is a rigid tube (cannot be easily bent by hand) β Classified under 3917.29.
- If the product is a flexible hose (bendable, often reinforced or smooth) for general or specific media β Classified under 3917.31 / 3917.32 / 3917.33.
- "Food Grade" is not a standalone HS category; it dictates the material (e.g., PE, PVC) and the application, leading to different HS codes depending on rigidity.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material/Form |
|---|---|---|---|
3917.29.00.50 |
Rigid Plastic Pipes and Conduits, Other | Fixed piping systems, water supply, rigid food-grade lines | β Rigid Tube (Plastic) |
3917.31.00.00 |
Plastic Hoses, With Internal Reinforcement or Other Composite Material | High-pressure food/beverage lines, industrial transfer | β Soft Hose (Plastic + Reinforcement) |
3917.32.00.10 |
Plastic Hoses, For Chemical Mediums | Specific chemical/food grade transmission, flexible | β Soft Hose (Plastic, Chem/Med) |
3917.32.00.20 |
Polyethylene (PE) Hoses | Food-grade water/liquid transport, flexible PE tubing | β Soft Hose (PE Material) |
3917.33.00.00 |
Polyethylene (PE) Hoses, Other | General PE flexible hoses, no specific reinforcement/composite | β Soft Hose (PE Material) |
π Critical Reminder:
- Rigidity is Key: A "Food Grade Tube" that is stiff and holds its shape is 3917.29. If it bends and is used for pumping/flexible connection, it is 3917.3x.
- Material Matters: If it is explicitly Polyethylene (PE) and flexible, it often falls under 3917.32 or 3917.33.
- "Chemical Medium" vs. "General": Even if used for food, if the HS description specifies "Chemical Medium" (3917.31/32), it may apply, but PE-specific codes (3917.32.20 / 3917.33) are more precise for PE food-grade hoses.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Ongoing (Includes Section 301 & Section 122)
π― 1. 3917.29.00.50 ββ Plastic Rigid Tubes, Other
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.1% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.41.03 / 301 Section) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific 122 Item Duty) |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Applicable (Deny De Minimis for Section 301/122 goods) |
| Legal Path | USITC:3917.29.00.50 β Section 301: +25% β Section 122: +10% |
π Explanation:
- 3.1% is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for rigid plastic pipes.
- +25% is the Trump/Biden-era Section 301 tariff on Chinese plastics.
- +10% is the additional Section 122 duty targeting specific plastic products.
- Total 38.1% is high. Clearance requires precise documentation proving rigidity and material.
π― 2. 3917.31.00.00 / 3917.32.00.10 ββ Plastic Hoses (Chemical/Med)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.1% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Applicable |
| Legal Path | USITC:3917.31.00.00 / 3917.32.00.10 β Section 301: +25% β Section 122: +10% |
π Note:
- Flexible hoses used for chemical/food media are subject to the same 38.1% rate.
- Ensure the description matches "Chemical Medium" if using 3917.31/32.00.10.
π― 3. 3917.32.00.20 / 3917.33.00.00 ββ Polyethylene (PE) Hoses
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.1% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Applicable |
| Legal Path | USITC:3917.32.00.20 / 3917.33.00.00 β Section 301: +25% β Section 122: +10% |
π Note:
- Even if the material is PE (often preferred for food grade), the total tax remains 38.1%.
- Do not assume PE automatically gets a lower rate; Section 301/122 applies broadly.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state Material (e.g., PE, PVC), Rigidity (Hard/Soft), FDA Compliance for food grade |
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Shows pressure ratings, temperature limits, inner/outer diameter |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing flexibility (if hose) or rigidity (if tube). Show cross-section if possible. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Plastic Food Grade Tube/Hose" and HS Code. Avoid vague terms like "Pipe". |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | Crucial for Section 301/122 liability. Must prove China origin. |
| β FDA Statement | βοΈ | If claiming "Food Grade", a letter stating compliance with 21 CFR 177.1520 (PE) or similar is wise for buyer assurance. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Hard is 29, Soft is 3x, PE is 32/33, Don't Mix Up!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Rigid PVC Food Pipe | 3917.29.00.50 |
Declared as "Hose" β Potential misclassification audit |
| Flexible PE Food Tube | 3917.32.00.20 or 3917.33.00.00 |
Declared as "Rigid Pipe" β 3917.29 is rigid, 3917.3x is soft. Misclassification leads to delays. |
| Reinforced Food Hose | 3917.31.00.00 |
Declared as "Plain PE Hose" β May miss reinforcement detail, but tax is same. Accuracy prevents inspection flags. |
| Non-China Origin | Apply HTSUS Code + Exclusion Letter | Claiming China origin for Vietnam-made goods β Fraud/Penalties. |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| "Food Grade" Claim | Ensure the material is FDA-compliant. If customs inspects and it's not food-grade, you may face rejection or re-export. |
| Mixed Shipment (Rigid + Soft) | Declare Separately. Do not lump rigid tubes and soft hoses into one HS code. Use multiple lines in the ACE system. |
| Packaging | Ensure hoses are coiled properly and tubes are bundled. Avoid damage that obscures material identification. |
| Section 122 | Verify if the specific PE or Chemical hose falls under the exact 122 list. All 5 codes in DATA above include the 10% 122 tariff. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3917.29.00.50 (Rigid) / 3917.32.00.20 (PE Soft) |
38.1% (Total) | FDA Compliance (21 CFR) | High tariff. Section 301 + 122 apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 3917.29.00.50 / 3917.32.00.20 |
3.1% - 6.5% | GB Standards (Food Contact) | Low tariff. Domestic production often cheaper. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3917.21 / 3917.32 |
0% - 3.5% (Most Favored) | EU Framework Regulation 1935/2004 | No Section 301/122. Lower cost entry. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3917.21 / 3917.32 |
0% - 3.8% | Food Safety Law | Low tariff. Strict purity standards. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to 38.1% total duty.
- EU and Japan offer significant tariff advantages (0-3.5%) for plastic tubes.
- Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) if shipping to the US to avoid Section 301/122 duties (though 122 may still apply depending on rules of origin).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a Rigid Tube as a Hose (3917.3x) to avoid specific rigid codes
π Consequence: Customs may reject for misdescription. If discovered, leads to penalties + back taxes.
π Fix: If it doesn't bend, it's rigid (3917.29).
β Error 2: Ignoring Section 122 in the tariff calculation
π Consequence: Underpayment of 10%.
π Fix: Always check if the HS code is subject to Section 122. All 5 codes in DATA above include it.
β Error 3: Using vague terms like "Plastic Pipe" without specifying Hard/Soft or Material
π Consequence: Customs broker may use default higher tax code or request manual entry, causing delays.
π Fix: Be specific: "Polyethylene Food Grade Flexible Hose".
β Error 4: Claiming "Food Grade" without FDA/21 CFR compliance evidence
π Consequence: Product may be deemed "adulterated" or misbranded.
π Fix: Provide FDA compliance letter or material test report.
β Correct Practice:
"Flexible Polyethylene (PE) Food Grade Hose, 1/2 inch ID, FDA Compliant, Coiled, For Beverage Transfer"
HS Code:3917.32.00.20
Total Tax: 38.1%
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Smoother Clearance!
π― Remember Mantras:
πΉ "Hard is 29, Soft is 3x, PE is 32/33."
πΉ "38.1% is the US Reality for China-Made Plastics."
πΉ "Food Grade needs FDA proof, Rigid vs. Soft needs physical proof."
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping PE Hoses to the US, ensure the Section 122 exemption (if any) or exclusion is verified. Currently, the data shows all 5 codes carry the 10% Section 122.
Consider pre-classification rulings from CBP if you are unsure whether your tube is "Rigid" or "Soft".
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify Material (PE/PVC) + Rigidity (Hard/Soft)
π Prepare FDA/21 CFR Documentation
π Calculate Total Landed Cost: CIF + 38.1%
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every penny of duty is calculated with precision!
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.