Polymer Casting Adhesive
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3901909000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901905501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3903901000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3903905000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π§ͺ Polymer Casting Adhesive (Polymer-Based Resins & Bonding Agents)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024/2025 Tariff Structure | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know What "Polymer Casting Adhesive" Is?
"Polymer Casting Adhesive" is a broad industrial term that typically refers to synthetic resins, epoxy systems, acrylics, or vinyl polymers used for casting molds, bonding substrates, or structural adhesive applications. In international trade, the classification hinges on two critical factors: 1. Primary Polymer Material: Is it based on Ethylene (PE) or Styrene (PS)? 2. Form & Function: Is it in its primary shape (raw resin/granules) or is it a finished adhesive preparation?
β οΈ Key Classification Distinction:
- If the product is a raw polymer resin (e.g., polyethylene or polystyrene in primary forms like powders, granules, or liquids) intended for further manufacturing β It falls under Chapter 39.
- If the product is a prepared adhesive (mixed with fillers, solvents, or hardeners) for direct bonding/casting use β It may fall under Chapter 35 (Albuminoidal substances & modified starches, including adhesives), specifically subheading 3506.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Latest Tariff Schedule)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes and their logical mapping:
| HS Code | Summary Description | Basis for Classification | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
3901.90.90.00 |
Ethylene Polymers, Primary Form | Based on polymer material and adhesive use; matches "Ethylene Polymer Primary Form". | Raw ethylene-based resin (e.g., PE). |
3901.90.55.01 |
Ethylene Copolymers, Primary Form | Based on polymer material; falls under "Ethylene Copolymer Primary Form" category. | Raw ethylene-copolymer resin (e.g., EVA, LLDPE). |
3903.90.10.00 |
Styrene Polymers, Primary Form | Based on styrene polymer material and primary form application for adhesives. | Raw polystyrene (PS) or styrene copolymer. |
3903.90.50.00 |
Styrene Polymers, Inferred Adhesive Use | Based on styrene polymer material and inferred adhesive application. | Another variant of raw styrene-based resin. |
3506.91.50.00 |
Prepared Adhesives, Other | Based on polymer material and adhesive use; judged under "Other" category. | Finished, mixed adhesive product (e.g., epoxy cast resin kit). |
π Critical Insight:
- Raw Materials vs. Finished Goods: If you are importing bulk resin to mix into adhesives later, use 39xx codes. If you are importing a ready-to-use "casting adhesive" (mixed resin + hardener), use 3506.91.50.00.
- Chemical Basis: The distinction between3901(Ethylene) and3903(Styrene) is chemically significant. Misclassification can lead to seizures.
π° III. 2024/2025 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Note: These rates apply to imports from China subject to Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.
π― 1. Raw Polymer Resins (3901.90.90.00, 3901.90.55.01, 3903.90.10.00, 3903.90.50.00)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Additional Duty on Chinese Goods) |
| 122 Clause Surtax | +10.0% (Specific Trade Measure) |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Pathway | Base HTS β Section 301 Footnote β 122 Clause Adjustment |
π Explanation:
- These raw polymers are heavily taxed due to their dual classification: basic chemical imports (6.5%) + trade war surcharges (25% + 10%).
- Total of 41.5% makes raw polymer imports from China expensive. Ensure your supplier provides an accurate Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) proving it is indeed a primary form polymer.
π― 2. Prepared Adhesives (3506.91.50.00)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.1% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Additional Duty on Chinese Goods) |
| 122 Clause Surtax | +10.0% (Specific Trade Measure) |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.1% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 37.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Pathway | HTS 3506.91 β Section 301 Footnote β 122 Clause Adjustment |
π Explanation:
- Prepared adhesives have a lower base rate (2.1%) but still incur the same surcharges (25% + 10%).
- Total of 37.1% is slightly lower than raw polymers (41.5%), but this code requires strict proof that the product is a prepared adhesive and not a raw polymer. Misclassifying a raw resin as an adhesive to save ~4% is a high-risk audit trigger.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Ethylene Polymer" or "Styrene Polymer" or "Prepared Adhesive". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Must match invoice exactly. |
| β MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | CRITICAL: Proves chemical composition, hazard class, and physical state (liquid/solid). |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for tariff calculation; must indicate China origin. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Distinguishes between "Primary Form" (granules/powder) vs. "Prepared Adhesive" (mixed bottle). |
| β FDA/FCC Certifications | (If Applicable) | If the adhesive is for food contact or electronic potting. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ βForm Determines Code, Chemistry Determines Duty!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Risk if Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk Resin Granules | 3901.90.90.00 (Ethylene) or 3903.90.xxxx (Styrene) |
Declaring as "Adhesive" (3506) β Under-declaration of tax (41.5% vs 37.1%). Penalty! |
| Mixed Epoxy/Casting Resin | 3506.91.50.00 |
Declaring as "Raw Polymer" (39xx) β Over-declaration of tax (37.1% vs 41.5%). Overpayment! |
| Unclear Chemical Name | REFUSED | If invoice says "Glue" but MSDS says "Polyethylene", Customs will audit. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Ensure the supplierβs HS code matches your intended use. Do not change the chemical description. |
| Adhesive for Medical Use | If intended for medical casting, ensure FDA compliance documentation is attached to avoid hold-ups. |
| Hybrid Products | If the product contains both ethylene and styrene, it may be classified by the dominant polymer. Provide a detailed formulation breakdown. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2024/2025)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Surtaxes (China) | Total Effective | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3901.90.90.00 / 3506.91.50.00 |
6.5% / 2.1% | +35% (25% + 10%) | 41.5% / 37.1% | High barrier. IEEPA applies. |
| π¨π³ China | 3901.90.90.00 / 3506.91.50.00 |
6.5% / 5.0% | 0% | 6.5% / 5.0% | No surtaxes. Import-friendly. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3901.90.90 / 3506.91.99 |
6.5% / 6.5% | 0% | 6.5% | No Section 301. CE/REACH required. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3901.90.90 / 3506.91.99 |
6.5% / 6.5% | 0% | 6.5% | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive for polymer adhesives from China due to the 35% total surcharge.
- EU and UK offer significantly lower total duties (6.5%) but have stricter chemical regulations (REACH).
- China is the cheapest, but this is for domestic consumption or re-export.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling "Epoxy Resin" a "Polymer" without specifying if it's primary form or prepared.
π Consequence: Customs may classify it under the higher-tariff raw polymer code if itβs unclear.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the "122 Clause" surtax.
π Consequence: Underpayment of 10%. Customs will assess back-tariffs + interest + penalties.
β Mistake 3: Using "Adhesive" as the only description without chemical specifics.
π Consequence: Shipment held for inspection. MSDS required to determine HS Code.
β Mistake 4: Assuming "De Minimis" ($800) exemption applies.
π Consequence: Denied. Chemicals and polymers are explicitly excluded from de minimis relief for Chinese goods.
β Correct Approach:
"Ethylene Copolymer Resin, Primary Form, for Adhesive Manufacturing, Model XYZ, MSDS Attached"
OR
"Prepared Adhesive, Epoxy-Based, for Casting Applications, Model ABC, MSDS Attached"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Raw Resin = 39xx (41.5%) / Prepared Glue = 3506 (37.1%)"
πΉ "Form is King, Chemistry is Queen, Surtax is Always Present!"
πΉ "4% difference is small, but Penalties are BIG!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is sourced from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may apply for IEEPA Exemptions or lower tariffs.
Recommend applying for a Binding Ruling with US Customs (CBP) to confirm the HS Code before shipment.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker.
π Prepare MSDS and Chemical Composition Statement.
π Ensure your supplier declares the correct HS Code on the commercial invoice.
Clear customs smoothly, reduce costs, and boost profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every dollar of tariff savings is pure profit!
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.