Polyether Polymer
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3907210000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824992900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3907290000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824994900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ Polyether Polymer & Derivatives: Customs Classification & Tariff Deep Dive (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Polyethers"?
Polyethers are a class of polymers where the main chain consists of ether linkages (βRβOβRβ). In international trade, they are primarily used as raw materials for polyurethane production, adhesives, surfactants, and specialty chemicals.
Depending on their chemical structure, state of mixture, and intended application, they fall into different HS Code categories. The distinction is critical because pure chemical forms often attract different tariffs than pre-mixed adhesives orεΆε (preparations).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a pure chemical raw material (e.g., raw polyether polyol) β Likely Chapter 39 or Chapter 38.
- If it is a pre-mixed adhesive or chemical preparation β Likely Chapter 38.
- Misclassification Risk: Declaring a mixture as a pure chemical to avoid higher "add-on" tariffs can lead to severe penalties.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the four specific HS Codes for Polyether-related products:
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Category Type | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3907.21.00.00 |
Polyether Raw Chemical Mixture | Pure Polymer/Resin | 41.5% |
3506.91.50.00 |
Polyether Polymer-based Adhesive | Adhesive Product | 37.1% |
3824.99.29.00 |
Polyether Chemical Preparation Mixture | Chemical Preparation | 41.5% |
3824.99.49.00 |
Polyether Hydrocarbon Derivative Adhesive | Adhesive Preparation | 41.5% |
3907.29.00.00 |
Other Polyether Chemical Raw Materials | Other Polymer | 41.5% |
π Important Note:
- Chapter 39 (3907) covers polymers in primary forms (resins, powders, liquids).
- Chapter 35 (3506) covers prepared adhesives that are not elsewhere specified.
- Chapter 38 (3824) covers miscellaneous chemical products and preparations, including those mixed with other substances for specific industrial uses.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3907.21.00.00 β Polyether Raw Chemical Mixture
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% (Specific to China-origin goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3907.21.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This code applies to raw polyether resins or unmodified polymer mixtures.
- The 6.5% base is standard for polyethers.
- The 35% additional tariff (25% + 10%) makes this a high-cost import.
π― 2. 3506.91.50.00 β Polyether Polymer-Based Adhesive
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.1% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.1% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 37.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3506.91.50.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This code is for adhesives where polyether polymers are the main binding agent.
- Lower Base Tariff (2.1%) compared to raw chemicals, but still subject to full surtaxes.
- Key Requirement: Must prove the product is primarily used as an adhesive (e.g., technical data sheet must state "bonding" or "adhesion").
π― 3. 3824.99.29.00 β Polyether Chemical Preparation Mixture
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3824.99.29.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This covers chemical preparations that do not fall under Chapter 39 (pure polymers) or Chapter 35 (adhesives).
- Examples: Polyether-based surfactants, additives, or industrial solutions.
- High Risk of Misclassification: Often confused with raw polymers. Must provide ingredient list and usage description.
π― 4. 3824.99.49.00 β Polyether Hydrocarbon Derivative Adhesive
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3824.99.49.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Specific for adhesives made from polyether hydrocarbon derivatives.
- Different from3506.91.50.00because it is classified under miscellaneous chemical preparations due to its specific derivative nature.
π― 5. 3907.29.00.00 β Other Polyether Chemical Raw Materials
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3907.29.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- A "catch-all" for other polyether polymers not specified in3907.21.00.00.
- Use this if your product is a unique polyether polymer form not covered elsewhere in Chapter 39.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Must clearly state chemical composition, viscosity, and primary use (e.g., "for polyurethane foam production" vs. "industrial adhesive"). |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for determining origin-based surtaxes. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must match the HS Code description precisely (e.g., do not just write "Chemical"). |
| β MSDS (Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Required for chemical clearance. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show packaging, labels, and physical form (liquid, powder, etc.). |
| β Import License (if applicable) | βοΈ | Check if the specific polyether requires EPA or other agency approval. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Adhesive vs. Raw Material: Define Use, Define HS!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Polyether Polyol (for PU foam) | 3907.21.00.00 or 3907.29.00.00 |
Declaring as "Adhesive" β 37.1% (if incorrect) or 41.5% |
| Polyether-based Glue (pre-mixed) | 3506.91.50.00 |
Declaring as "Raw Chemical" β 41.5% |
| Polyether Surfactant/Additive | 3824.99.29.00 |
Declaring as "Polymer" β 41.5% |
| Hydrocarbon Derivative Adhesive | 3824.99.49.00 |
Declaring as generic "Glue" β Risk of audit |
π Critical Advice:
- If your product is already mixed with solvents, fillers, or curing agents, it is not a raw polymer (Chapter 39). It is likely a preparation (Chapter 38) or adhesive (Chapter 35).
- Do not declare a pre-mixed adhesive as a raw chemical to "save" on base tariff; the surtax (35%) applies to all. The only saving is the base tariff difference (6.5% vs 2.1%).
β 3. Special Cases & Mitigation
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Polyether Blends | Provide supplier formulation to prove if it is a "raw material" or "preparation". |
| Small Sample Shipments | β No De Minimis Exemption ($800) β Even small quantities are taxed at 41.5%! |
| Polyether in Composite Products | If polyether is just a component (e.g., in a finished mattress), the finished good may have a different HS code. Consult a customs broker. |
| Origin Fraud | Ensure CO is valid. Transshipment via Vietnam/Malaysia does not automatically exempt you from US 301/122 tariffs unless substantial transformation occurs. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Additional Tariffs | Total Estimated | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3907.21.00.00 / 3506.91.50.00 |
2.1%β6.5% | +35% (301 + 122) | 37.1%β41.5% | High Barrier |
| π¨π³ China | 3907.21.00.00 |
6.5% | None | 6.5% | Low entry cost |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3907.21.00.00 |
6.5% | None | 6.5% | No surtaxes |
| π¬π§ UK | 3907.21.00.00 |
6.5% | None | 6.5% | Post-Brexit independent |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3907.21.00.00 |
5.3% | None | 5.3% | Stable tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the only major market imposing heavy additional tariffs on Chinese polyether products.
- Cost Impact: A $10,000 shipment to the US incurs $3,710β$4,150 in duties, compared to $650 in the EU or China.
- Strategy: Consider pricing adjustments, supply chain diversification, or using duty-privileged origins (if applicable under USMCA or other FTAs).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Polyether Adhesive" as "Polymer Resin" (3907) to avoid Chapter 35 classification.
π Result: Customs audit β Re-classification β Back taxes + Penalties (often 20% of duty value).
β Mistake 2: Assuming "Chemical Preparation" can use De Minimis ($800 exemption).
π Result: Denied. All polyether HS codes in this list are excluded from de minimis.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause Tariff" (10%).
π Result: Underpayment β CBP Penalty for failure to declare accurate tariff liability.
β Mistake 4: Using vague descriptions like "Glue" or "Chemical" on the invoice.
π Result: Customs Delay β Storage fees + Demurrage charges.
β Correct Practice:
"Polyether Polyol, CAS No. XXX-XX-X, Viscosity XXX cP, Used for Rigid Foam Production, Model XYZ, Chinese Origin"
OR
"Polyether-Based Structural Adhesive, Pre-mixed, Solvent-Free, Model ABC, Chinese Origin"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Cost Control, Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Raw Polymer = 3907 (41.5%)"
πΉ "Adhesive = 3506 (37.1%)"
πΉ "Preparation = 3824 (41.5%)"
πΉ "No De Minimis! No Exemptions! Full Tax Applies!"
πΉ "HS Code determines your duty fate. One digit off, thousands lost!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider applying for a Tariff Classification Ruling (TCR) from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before shipment. This provides legal certainty and protects against retroactive audits.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker
π Prepare full TDS and CO
π Clear your polyether shipments smoothly, control costs, and expand your market!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Your cost, precisely calculated.
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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.