Polyethylene Cold Shrink Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3921190010 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921190090 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Polyethylene Cold Shrink Film (Cellular Microporous Sheets)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know What "Cold Shrink" Really Is?
Polyethylene Cold Shrink Film is a specialized packaging and insulation material, widely used in cable insulation, pipe protection, and consumer packaging. Its defining characteristic is the "cellular" (foamed) structure and "microporous" nature, often achieved through expansion and cross-linking processes.
In international trade, this product falls under Chapter 39: Plastics and Articles Thereof, specifically Heading 3921. The classification hinges on two critical technical attributes: 1. Material Composition: Is it Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP)? 2. Structural Type: Is it Cellular (foamed/microporous)?
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - If the product is a solid, non-cellular PE film (standard shrink wrap without foaming) β It does NOT fit the specific cellular descriptions in the provided data. - If the product is Cellular/Microporous (foamed structure) β It falls under Heading 3921.19. - Specific PE/PP microporous sheets β 3921.19.00.10 - Other cellular plastics (or non-specified microporous) β 3921.19.00.90
π Note: The provided data strictly covers Cellular plastics. If your "Shrink Film" is dense/non-cellular, it may belong to 3920.10 or 3921.90, but based on the constraint, we assume the product is Cellular/Microporous as implied by the "Cold Shrink" context often associated with expanded PE tubing/films.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
3921.19.00.10 |
Other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics: Cellular: Of other plastics: Microporous sheets of polyethylene or polypropylene film | PE/PP cold shrink tubing, microporous insulation films, foamed packaging sheets | β PE or PP |
3921.19.00.90 |
Other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics: Cellular: Of other plastics: Other | Cellular films made of other plastics (e.g., PVC, PS, mixed blends not specified as PE/PP microporous) | β Non-PE/PP Microporous |
π Critical Clarification: - 3921.19.00.10 is the preferred code for Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP) cold shrink films that have a microporous/cellular structure. - 3921.19.00.90 is a residual category for cellular films made from other types of plastics or those that do not meet the specific "microporous sheet of PE/PP" definition. - Do not confuse with non-cellular shrink films (which are usually under 3920 or 3921.90 non-cellular).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3921.19.00.10 ββ Microporous Sheets of Polyethylene or Polypropylene Film
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301 / IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (if under $800, no duty applies anyway; if over, duty is still 0%) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3921.19.00.10 |
π Explanation: - Base Tariff: 0% (ad valorem). - Surtax: The provided data explicitly states "ε εΎε ³η¨: 0.0%" (Surtax: 0.0%). This means NO 301 tariffs or IEEPA surcharges apply to this specific HS code for Chinese origin goods in this dataset. - Result: This is a 0% tariff item. Extremely favorable for importers.
π― 2. 3921.19.00.90 ββ Other Cellular Plastic Sheets
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301 / IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3921.19.00.90 |
π Explanation: - Same as above. Both cellular plastic categories in the provided data carry 0% total tax. - Caution: Ensure the material is indeed Plastic. If misdeclared as rubber or textile, duties change.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP), Cellular/Microporous structure. |
| β Technical Data Sheet | βοΈ | Include foam density, expansion ratio, and confirmation of "cold shrink" properties. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly declare: "Cellular Polyethylene Film" or "Microporous PP Sheet". Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Wrap". |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Value must match CIF. Item description must include HS Code 3921.19.00.10 (if PE/PP). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show weight, dimensions, and quantity. |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If claiming preferential treatment in other markets, but for US, origin is declared on entry. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Cellular is Key, PE/PP is King, Microporous Specify!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE Cold Shrink Tube (Foamed) | 3921.19.00.10 - "Cellular Polyethylene Film" |
"Plastic Sheet" | Customs may downgrade or audit for misclassification. |
| PVC Cold Shrink Tube | 3921.19.00.90 |
3921.19.00.10 |
Misclassification Penalty: 10/19% duty may apply if PVC is not PE/PP. |
| Non-Cellular Shrink Wrap | 3920.10 (Not in Data) |
3921.19.00.10 |
Wrong HS Code: 0% vs 3.4% (example). Risk of audit. |
π Critical Note: - Do NOT describe it as "Shrink Film" alone. This is ambiguous. - DO describe it as "Cellular Polyethylene Cold Shrink Film" or "Microporous PP Sheet". - The term "Cellular" is essential to justify HS 3921.19. Without it, it might fall under 3921.90 (Other plastics), which may have different tax implications (though in this data, both 3921.19 subcategories are 0%).
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If the film has a coating (e.g., adhesive layer), it may still be classified under 3921 if the plastic is the essential character. Provide a technical explanation. |
| Re-rolls vs. Sheets | Both are covered under "plates, sheets, film, foil and strip". Ensure the description matches the form. |
| Origin Verification | Since tax is 0%, customs may still inspect for transshipment or anti-dumping issues if the product is from a third country disguised as CN origin. Ensure genuine origin labeling. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3921.19.00.10 |
0% | None (General) | Best Market: 0% duty for PE/PP cellular films. |
| π¨π³ China | 3921.19.00.10 |
0% - 5%* | CCC (if specific use) | Export to China may have different rates. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3921.19.00.10 |
6.5% | REACH + RoHS | EU tariffs are generally higher; no US-style surtaxes but standard CET. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3921.19.00.10 |
6.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit alignment with EU tariffs. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3921.19.00.10 |
5% | ACCC | No free trade agreement with China for plastics. |
π Conclusion: - USA is the most tariff-friendly market for this product, with 0% total tax. - EU and UK impose standard Common External Tariffs (~6.5%), so margin calculation must include these. - No Anti-Dumping Duties are listed in the provided data for this HS code, but always verify current AD/CVD cases for plastics.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Shrink Film" without specifying "Cellular" π Consequence: Customs may classify under 3921.90 (Other plastics, non-cellular), which might have different tax rates or regulatory requirements.
β Error 2: Misidentifying Material as "Polymer" instead of "Polyethylene"
π Consequence: If it's actually PVC, it should be 3921.19.00.90. While tax is still 0% in this data, misdeclaration of material can lead to fraud allegations or re-inspection delays.
β Error 3: Ignoring "Microporous" Specification
π Consequence: If the film is not microporous/cellular, it may not fit 3921.19. It could be 3920.10 (Solid PE sheet), which has a base duty of 3.4% in the US (not in this data, but a common reality).
β Error 4: Omitting "Cold Shrink" Property in Description π Consequence: While tax is 0%, detailed description helps clearance speed. Vague descriptions trigger manual review.
β Correct Practice:
"Polyethylene Cold Shrink Film, Cellular Structure, Microporous, Width: 10cm, Thickness: 0.5mm, Used for Cable Insulation, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Time and Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Cellular & Microporous = 3921.19"
πΉ "PE/PP = .10, Others = .90"
πΉ "0% Tax in USA β Declare Accurately!"
π Pro Tip: If your product is NOT cellular (i.e., standard thin PE shrink wrap), it does NOT fall under this data. It likely belongs to 3920.10 or 3920.62, which may have different tax rates (e.g., 3.4% base duty in the US). Always verify the cellular structure via physical testing or manufacturer specs.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Confirm Material: Is it PE or PP? Is it Cellular/Microporous? π Use HS Code
3921.19.00.10for PE/PP cellular films. β Enjoy 0% Duty in the US market!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Dollar of Cost Is Worth Precisely Calculated!
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.