Plastic Seal
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926904510 | 38.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926904590 | 13.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016931010 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016935010 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016935050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π‘οΈ Plastic Seals (Sealing Strips / Gaskets)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: What exactly is a "Plastic Seal"?
In international trade, "Plastic Seals" or "Sealing Strips" are critical components used to prevent the leakage of fluids, gases, or dust, and to provide weatherproofing for automotive, construction, machinery, and packaging applications.
Internationally, these products are generally categorized into two main material-based groups: 1. Plastic Seals (Rubber-like Plastics/PVC/PE): Classified under Chapter 39 (Articles of Plastics). 2. Rubber Seals: Classified under Chapter 40 (Articles of Rubber).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the material is polymer-based, PVC, PE, PP, or TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) β It belongs to Chapter 39.
- If the material is natural or synthetic rubber (vulcanized) β It belongs to Chapter 40.
- Note: Many "plastic" seals on the market are actually thermoplastic rubbers (TPE). Classification depends on the specific technical data sheet provided to customs.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS codes relevant to "Plastic Seals" or generic "Sealing Strips," distinguishing between plastic and rubber classifications:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Inference | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.45.10 |
Other articles of plastics: Sealing strips/items | Plastic | Fits under "Sealing items" in Chapter 39. High tariff burden. |
3926.90.45.90 |
Other articles of plastics: Other sealing strips/gaskets (Not O-rings) | Plastic | "Non-O-ring" plastic sealing parts. Lower additional tariff. |
4016.93.10.10 |
Other vulcanized rubber articles: Gaskets, washers, seals | Rubber | Infered as rubber due to form. High tariff burden. |
4016.93.50.10 |
Other vulcanized rubber articles: Gaskets, washers, seals | Rubber | Infered as rubber. High tariff burden. |
4016.93.50.50 |
Other vulcanized rubber articles: Gaskets, washers, seals | Rubber | Matches "Gaskets, washers and other seals" of vulcanized rubber. |
π Critical Note:
- Chapter 39 (3926...) applies if the seal is primarily plastic.
- Chapter 40 (4016...) applies if the seal is primarily rubber (vulcanized).
- Misclassification between Plastic and Rubber can lead to severe customs penalties or delays. Always verify the Material Composition (e.g., PVC vs. EPDM Rubber).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current applicable rates based on provided data.
π― 1. 3926.90.45.10 β Plastic Sealing Items (Plastic Chapter)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge (Add-on Tariff) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base (3.5%) + Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- This code carries the highest total tax rate (38.5%) among the plastic options. - The combination of Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) creates a heavy burden. - Suitable for plastic seals where "Sealing items" is the primary description.
π― 2. 3926.90.45.90 β Plastic Sealing Strips (Other, Non-O-ring)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge (Add-on Tariff) | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 13.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base (3.5%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Strategic Advantage:
- Lowest Total Tax Rate (13.5%) for plastic seals. - No Section 301 Surcharge (0%) is the key advantage here. - Must explicitly declare as "Non-O-ring" or "Other sealing strips" to fit this subheading. Avoid broad terms like "sealing items" which might trigger the higher45.10code.
π― 3. 4016.93.10.10 β Rubber Seals (Rubber Chapter)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge (Add-on Tariff) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base (2.5%) + Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- If your product is mistakenly classified as Rubber (Chapter 40) instead of Plastic, you lose the Section 301 exemption benefit. - Base rate is lower (2.5%), but the 25% surcharge makes it expensive.
π― 4. 4016.93.50.10 & 4016.93.50.50 β Rubber Gaskets/Seals (Rubber Chapter)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge (Add-on Tariff) | 25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base (2.5%) + Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Note:
- Both4016.93.50.10and4016.93.50.50have the same total rate (37.5%). - They apply to vulcanized rubber gaskets and seals. - If the product is TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), it is often considered Plastic (Chapter 39) for customs purposes, which could allow you to use the cheaper3926.90.45.90(13.5%) instead of the expensive Rubber codes. Verify Material Data Sheet!
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Mandatory Documents)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must explicitly state Material Composition (e.g., "PVC", "TPE", "EPDM Rubber"). |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | To prove material type (Plastic vs. Rubber). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the seal, cross-section, and any markings. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the item as "Plastic Sealing Strip" or "Rubber Gasket" matching the HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include dimensions, weight, and quantity. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material is King, Description is Queen! Don't confuse Plastic with Rubber!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPE/PVC Seal | "Plastic Sealing Strip, TPE Material" | "Rubber Gasket" | Risk of being classified under Chapter 40 (37.5%) instead of Chapter 39 (13.5%). |
| General Seal | "Sealing Strip, Non-O-ring, Plastic" | "Sealing Item" | May fall under 3926.90.45.10 (38.5%) instead of 3926.90.45.90 (13.5%). |
| Rubber Seal | "Vulcanized Rubber Gasket" | "Plastic Seal" | Risk of misclassification penalty. |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) | Provide a lab test report proving it is a thermoplastic, not vulcanized rubber, to qualify for Chapter 39 (lower tax). |
| Mixed Materials | If the seal has a plastic core and rubber coating, consult customs for the "essential character" rule. Usually, it follows the main material. |
| OEM Custom Seals | Provide customer drawings to prove the specific use and material. |
π V. Global Customs Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Plastic) | Total Tax Rate (China Origin) | Certification Required | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.45.90 |
13.5% | None specific | Avoid 3926.90.45.10 (38.5%) if possible. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.45.10 |
38.5% | None specific | High tax, use only if necessary. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.90 |
5-6% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower base rate, no Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90 |
4-5% | CE (if applicable) | No major surcharges for general plastic goods. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90 |
4-5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA: The difference between 13.5% and 38.5% is huge. Precise classification is critical. - Plastic (Chapter 39) is generally more favorable than Rubber (Chapter 40) for US imports from China due to the 0% Section 301 on3926.90.45.90.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a TPE Seal as "Rubber"
π Consequence: Tax jumps from 13.5% to 37.5%. Loss of $24,000 per $100k shipment!
β
Fix: Provide TPE material data sheet.
β Error 2: Using generic term "Sealing Item" for all plastics
π Consequence: Customs may default to 3926.90.45.10 (38.5%) instead of the lower 3926.90.45.90 (13.5%).
β
Fix: Use specific term "Sealing Strip, Non-O-ring, Plastic".
β Error 3: Confusing "Plastic Seal" with "Rubber Seal"
π Consequence: If it's plastic, Chapter 40 codes are wrong. If it's rubber, Chapter 39 codes are wrong. Both lead to audits.
β
Fix: Know your material!
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Maximize Profit!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic Seal, Non-O-ring, Chapter 39, 13.5% Tax!"
πΉ "Rubber Seal, Chapter 40, 37.5% Tax β Avoid if Possible!"
πΉ "TPE? Prove it's Plastic! Save 24% on every dollar!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer), it is technically a plastic for customs purposes. Always request a material composition report from your supplier to support the Chapter 39 classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with the Material Data Sheet.
π Apply for an Advance Ruling if the classification is ambiguous.
πΌ Save money, clear goods faster, and keep your profits high!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point saved is pure profit!
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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.