Plastic Raw Materials (Polyethylene)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3901101000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901201000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ Polyethylene (PE) β The Backbone of Modern Plastics
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for PE Importers
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Polyethylene"?
Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely produced plastic in the world, used everywhere from grocery bags to high-pressure pipes. In international trade, it is strictly categorized based on Specific Gravity (Density) and Relative Viscosity, which dictate its physical properties and final applications.
According to the provided , there are two primary classifications for Polyethylene with a Relative Viscosity of 1.44 or more:
- Low-Density PE (LDPE/LLDPE range): Specific Gravity < 0.94.
- Characteristics: Flexible, transparent, low melting point. Used for films, bags, squeezable bottles.
- High-Density PE (HDPE range): Specific Gravity β₯ 0.94.
- Characteristics: Rigid, opaque, high chemical resistance. Used for bottles, crates, pipes, toys.
β οΈ Critical Distinction Point:
- If Specific Gravity < 0.94 AND Relative Viscosity β₯ 1.44 βε½η±» to 3901.10.10.00
- If Specific Gravity β₯ 0.94 AND Relative Viscosity β₯ 1.44 β ε½η±» to 3901.20.10.00
- Note: Relative viscosity is a measure of molecular weight. If the viscosity is < 1.44, these codes do NOT apply (they would fall under other subheadings not listed in ).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariffε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Criteria | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
3901.10.10.00 |
Polymers of ethylene: PE with Specific Gravity < 0.94, Relative Viscosity β₯ 1.44 | Low Density (<0.94) | Plastic films, grocery bags, shrink wrap, agricultural films |
3901.20.10.00 |
Polymers of ethylene: PE with Specific Gravity β₯ 0.94, Relative Viscosity β₯ 1.44 | High Density (β₯0.94) | Milk jugs, detergent bottles, pipes, geomembranes, industrial crates |
π Key Reminder:
- Both codes require Relative Viscosity β₯ 1.44. This is a crucial technical parameter often found in the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the manufacturer. - Do not confuse these with LLDPE or LDPE varieties with lower viscosity, which have different HS codes. - The description explicitly states "Primary Forms," meaning resins, pellets, or powders, not pre-formed articles.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Period
π― 1. 3901.10.10.00 β Polyethylene (Specific Gravity < 0.94, Viscosity β₯ 1.44)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Yes (Standard $800 threshold applies, subject to CBP discretion) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3901.10.10.00 β USITC:301_Exclusion_Applicable |
π Explanation:
- Unlike electronics or steel, many basic polymer resins have been excluded from or never subjected to the aggressive Section 301 tariffs. - Total Cost Impact: Zero additional tariff cost for customs duties. - Strategic Advantage: This makes China a highly competitive source for PE resins entering the US market, provided other regulations (environmental, safety) are met.
π― 2. 3901.20.10.00 β Polyethylene (Specific Gravity β₯ 0.94, Viscosity β₯ 1.44)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Yes (Standard $800 threshold applies, subject to CBP discretion) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3901.20.10.00 β USITC:301_Exclusion_Applicable |
π Note:
- Similar to LDPE/LLDPE, HDPE resins with high viscosity are currently duty-free from China. - This applies to both general-purpose HDPE and specific high-viscosity grades. - No Surcharge: Unlike some metal products, plastic raw materials in this category enjoy a 0% total tax rate.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ YES | CRITICAL: Must explicitly state Specific Gravity (density) and Relative Viscosity. Without this, Customs cannot distinguish between 3901.10 and 3901.20, or if it falls outside the 1.44 threshold. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly describe goods as "Polyethylene Resin, Primary Form," specifying the grade. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net weight and gross weight. |
| β Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | βοΈ | Standard shipping document. |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical safety compliance (DOT/OSHA). PE is generally non-hazardous, but SDS is standard. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To prove origin as China (though tariffs are 0%, origin is still recorded). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Viscosity is King, Density is Queen! Get both or get rejected!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Error to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| LDPE/LLDPE (<0.94 SG, Viscβ₯1.44) | 3901.10.10.00 |
Misclassifying as HDPE β Audit risk |
| HDPE (β₯0.94 SG, Viscβ₯1.44) | 3901.20.10.00 |
Misclassifying as LDPE β Audit risk |
| Viscosity < 1.44 | DO NOT USE THESE CODES | Using 3901.10/20 when viscosity is low β Incorrect Classification |
| Pre-formed Plastic Parts | NOT 3901 | These are articles (e.g., bottles), not primary forms. They go to Chapter 39 other sections. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Grades in One Shipment | Declare each grade separately with its own HS Code. Do not average them. |
| Private Label/White Label PE | Ensure the supplier's COA matches the product description. Brand name does not change HS code. |
| Recycled PE | β Warning: If the material is recycled post-consumer, it may fall under 3902.30 or other subheadings, NOT the virgin polymer codes in . Ensure the product is "Virgin" or "Primary Form" resin. |
| Additives Present | If PE is mixed with other polymers (e.g., PP/PE blend), the code may change. Pure PE is required for 3901 codes. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3901.10.10.00 / 3901.20.10.00 |
0.0% | No Section 301 tariff for these specific PE grades. |
| π¨π³ China | 3901.10 / 3901.20 | 0% (Import into China) | Standard import procedures. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3901.10 / 3901.20 | ~0% - 1.5% | REACH compliance required for chemical registration. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3901.10 / 3901.20 | ~0% - 1.5% | Post-Brexit tariffs may vary slightly; check UK Trade Tariff. |
π Conclusion:
- The US offers a significant tariff advantage (0%) for these specific high-viscosity PE grades from China. - However, technical accuracy is paramount. Misdeclaration of Specific Gravity or Viscosity can lead to severe penalties and back-taxes if reclassified.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Failing to provide Specific Gravity and Relative Viscosity on the COA.
π Consequence: Customs will detain the shipment for reclassification. Possible misclassification penalties.
β Error 2: Classifying Recycled PE Pellets as Virgin Resin (3901).
π Consequence: Recycled plastics often have different HS codes (e.g., 3902.30). This is considered fraud if intentional, or negligence if not.
β Error 3: Assuming all "Plastic Granules" are the same.
π Consequence: PP (Polypropylene) is 3902, not 3901. Confusing PE with PP leads to wrong HS codes.
β Error 4: Ignoring the "Relative Viscosity < 1.44" threshold.
π Consequence: If viscosity is low, 3901.10/20 are incorrect. Must find the correct subheading for lower viscosity grades.
β Correct Practice:
"Polyethylene Resin, Virgin, HDPE, Specific Gravity: 0.952, Relative Viscosity: 2.1, Primary Form, Grade: XXXX"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification, Zero Cost in Tariffs
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Viscosity β₯ 1.44, Density Rules All. <0.94 is .10, β₯0.94 is .20. Zero Tax if Done Right!"
πΉ "COA is your Best Friend. No Viscosity Data, No Clearance!"
π Pro Tip:
Even though tariffs are 0%, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasingly scrutinizing chemical declarations.
- Ensure your Supplier's Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) are consistent.
- Keep records of the Specific Gravity and Relative Viscosity test results for at least 5 years.
- If you are importing recycled content, consult a customs broker immediately, as different rules may apply.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify Technical Specs with Supplier: Confirm Specific Gravity and Relative Viscosity.
π Prepare COA: Ensure it matches the HS Code criteria exactly.
π Clearance Strategy: Leverage the 0% tariff but maintain strict documentation compliance to avoid delays.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Data!
πΌ Your Cost Savings: $0 Duty, But High Value in Compliance!
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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.