Polyethylene Polymer Plastic Stretch Films
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3921904090 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921905050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3902100000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3902300000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920200055 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Polyethylene Polymer Plastic Stretch Films
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professionalιε
³ Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Classifying "Stretch Films" Correctly?
Polyethylene (PE) stretch films are high-performance plastic packaging materials widely used in logistics, warehousing, and industrial palletizing. In international trade, the classification hinges on two critical factors:
1. Material Composition: Is it Polyethylene (PE) or a Polyethylene Polymer?
2. Physical Form: Is it in primary forms (granules/beads) or finished forms (films/sheets)?
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is granules/particles intended for manufacturing β Classified under Chapter 39 (Primary Forms).
- If the product is films/sheets (including stretch wrap) β Classified under Chapter 39 (Finished Films).
- Note: Even if labeled as "Polymer," if it is processed into a film, it is NOT a primary form.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate | Logic Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3921.90.40.90 |
Other plastic plates, sheets, film, foil & strip | General plastic films not specifically listed elsewhere; "Catch-all" for other plastics | 39.2% | Matches "Plastic" material & "Film" form; uses "Other" category fallback. |
3921.90.50.50 |
Other plastic plates, sheets, film, foil & strip | Plastic films/sheets specifically for general use | 39.8% | Material is "Plastic", Form is "Film"; perfectly matches the definition of plastic films/sheets/foils. |
3920.20.00.55 |
Other plates, sheets, film, foil & strip, of polyethylene | Polyethylene (PE) films specifically | 39.2% | Material is Polypropylene/Polyethylene (interpreted as Olefin Polymer in this context), Form is Film. Matches "Polyethylene polymer" and "Other" category. |
3902.10.00.00 |
Primary forms of polyethylene | PE Granules/Particles | 41.5% | The term "Polyethylene Polymer" fits material; "Granules" fit primary form. Essentially a primary polymer. |
3902.30.00.00 |
Primary forms of other olefins polymers | PP/PE Copolymer Granules | 41.5% | Material fits (Olefin Polymer), Form fits (Primary/Raw material). Belongs to the category of Propylene Copolymers. |
π Crucial Reminder:
- If your product is Stretch Film (rolled, thin, flexible), it MUST be classified under 3920 or 3921 (Film/Sheet).
- If your product is PE Granules (pellets for extrusion), it MUST be classified under 3902 (Primary Form).
- Do NOT classify finished stretch film as "Granules" (3902) to avoid misdeclaration penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3921.90.40.90 & 3921.90.50.50 ββ Plastic Films (General/Catch-all)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% / 4.8% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25% (From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (Targeting China/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff | 39.2% / 39.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% / 39.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3921.90.40.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "Section 301 Surtax 25%" comes from the "Additional Duties" under US Trade Law Section 301.
- "IEEPA 10%" is theε―Ήε (China-facing) additional duty under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total ~39-40% is extremely high for plastic films. Must be anticipated in pricing!
π― 2. 3920.20.00.55 ββ Polyethylene (PE) Films
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3920.20.00.55 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Although PE is a specific polymer, the surtaxes remain identical to other plastic films.
- "Stretch Film" is typically classified here or under 3921 depending on specific thickness/additives.
π― 3. 3902.10.00.00 & 3902.30.00.00 ββ PE/PP Granules (Primary Forms)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3902.10.00.00 |
π Note:
- If you are importing raw PE granules to produce films domestically, the base rate is slightly higher (6.5% vs 4.2%), but surtaxes are the same.
- Total tariff is 41.5%.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battlefield Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Missing Any One Will Cause Delay)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (PE/PP), Thickness (mm/mil), Width, Roll Length, Stretch Ratio |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the roll, label, and packaging. Show it is a film, not granules. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Polyethylene Stretch Film" OR "PE Granules". Do NOT mix terms. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | If non-China origin, applicable for preferential rates. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Indicate net/gross weight per roll. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Form Determines Code: Film goes to 3920/3921, Granules go to 3902!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Stretch Film Rolls | 3920.20.00.55 or 3921.90.50.50 |
Misdeclare as "Granules" β 41.5% + Risk of Fraud Penalty |
| PE Granules | 3902.10.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "Film" β 39.2% (Lower tax but incorrect form) |
| Mixed Packaging | Separate lines for Film and Granules | Combine into one line β Customs will audit entire shipment |
| Vending Machine Wraps | 3921.90.40.90 |
Generic "Plastic Wrap" β Ambiguity leads to delay |
β 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Colored vs. Clear Film | Both fall under 3920/3921. No tariff difference, but specify in specs. |
| Biodegradable Stretch Film | If >50% biodegradable content, still often classified as PE/PP unless specific HS exists. Check latest updates. |
| OEM Custom Widths | Provide customer order + technical drawing. Avoid "Non-standard" classification if possible. |
| Sample Imports | Still subject to full tariffs. Do not expect de minimis exemption for commercial samples. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3920.20.00.55 / 3921.90.50.50 |
39.2% - 41.5% | None specific | Highest surtaxes in world. |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.20.00.55 |
5% - 10% | RoHS (if electronic) | No additional surtaxes for domestic use. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.20.00.00 |
6.5% | CE (if applicable) | No Section 301 equivalent, but VAT applies. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3920.20.00.00 |
6.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3920.20.00.00 |
5% | RCM | Free Trade Agreement with China may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market imposing heavy 35-41.5% tariffs on Chinese plastic films.
- Exporting PE Stretch Film to the US from China is extremely cost-ineffective unless passed to the consumer.
- Consider supply chain relocation (Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand) to leverage IEEPA exemptions if possible.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from Blood and Tears)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Stretch Film" as "Plastic Sheets" under 3921 generic code without specifying PE.
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify, audit, and impose penalties for misdescription.
β Mistake 2: Mixing "Granules" and "Finished Film" in one HS Code.
π Consequence: Customs will detain shipment for inspection β High storage fees and delays.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring "122 Clause" and "Section 301".
π Consequence: Unexpected tax bill of ~35%. If not budgeted, profit margin disappears.
β Mistake 4: Using "Polymer" as a generic term without specifying "Primary Form" or "Film".
π Consequence: Ambiguity β Customs chooses the highest applicable duty (41.5%) or demands proof.
β Correct Practice:
"Cast Polyethylene Stretch Film, Clear, 23 Micron, 18 Inch Width, 1500 ft Roll, Made in China, For Palletizing"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost Reduction!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Form First: Film = 3920/3921, Granules = 3902!"
πΉ "US Tariff is ~40%: Budget for it, or Relocate!"
πΉ "Don't Mix Forms: Granules + Film = Chaos!"
π Pro Tip:
If your PE Stretch Film is originated from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may apply for IEEPA Exemption, reducing tariffs to 0%~5%.
Recommend Applying for Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) before shipment to avoid clearance risks.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your Plastic Films Clear Customs Smoothly, Export Efficiently, and Double Profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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.