Polypropylene Packaging Twine
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5607491000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5607411000 | 37.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920200015 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920200055 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3916903000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3916905000 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Polypropylene Packaging Twine β HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026 | Expert Customs Clearance Strategy
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Blueprint | 2026 Updated Tariff Rules | High-Value Product Compliance
π Understanding the βPolypropylene Packaging Twineβ β Why Itβs Taxed So Heavily
Polypropylene packaging twine is a widely used industrial fiber product, commonly used for bundling, strapping, and securing goods in logistics, agriculture, and manufacturing. Despite its simple appearance, this product falls under multiple high-tariff HS codes due to its material composition (polypropylene), physical form (twisted rope or strand), and intended use (packaging, binding, securing).
β οΈ Critical Insight:
- Even though it looks like a βsimple rope,β it is not classified as a general-purpose rope. - It is specifically designed for packaging, which triggers higher tariffs under US trade laws. - Misclassification can lead to massive overpayment, penalties, or seizure.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Classification Reason | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
5607.49.10.00 |
Polypropylene packaging twine, in the form of rope, used for binding, packing, or securing goods | Falls under "Ropes, cords, and twines"; matches 5607.49 for synthetic fiber twine used in packaging | 37.7% |
5607.41.10.00 |
Polypropylene packaging twine, specifically for bundling or tying, fits "binding twine" criteria | Matches "Packaging twine" under 5607.41; clearly intended for packaging use | 37.7% |
3920.20.00.15 |
Polypropylene twine in ribbon or rope form, classified under "Other articles of polypropylene" | Treated as plastic strip or band, not rope; falls under 3920.20 as a plastic band/strip | 39.2% |
3920.20.00.55 |
Polypropylene rope-shaped plastic product, fits "other plastic sheet, film, foil, or strip" category | Not a rope in the traditional sense; classified as plastic strip or band under 3920.20 | 39.2% |
3916.90.30.00 |
Polypropylene twine in rope form, considered an extended form of monofilament, rod, or profile | Classified under "Other shaped articles of plastics"; treated as extruded monofilament | 41.5% |
3916.90.50.00 |
Polypropylene single filament or strip product, fits "other" shape category | Classified under 3916.90.50 as non-standard plastic shapes; often used for industrial twine | 40.8% |
π Why So Many HS Codes?
The product is morphologically ambiguous β it can be: - A twine (5607), - A plastic strip (3920), - Or a monofilament extrusion (3916).Customs authorities can choose any of these, depending on product photos, structure, and intended use.
π° 3. 2026 U.S. Tariff Breakdown (Detailed & Legal-Compliant)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (inclusive)
β Legal Basis: USITC Section 301, IEEPA, and Section 122 of the Trade Act
π― 1. 5607.49.10.00 β Packaging Twine (Rope Form)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 37.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.7% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not eligible (denied under 19 U.S.C. Β§ 1304) |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:5607.49.10.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Section 301 (25%) applies to all Chinese-origin goods under the "China Tariff List 1β4". - IEEPA (10%) is applied to all goods from China/HK under national emergency powers. - Total = 37.7% β one of the highest tariff rates for industrial textiles.
π― 2. 5607.41.10.00 β Packaging Twine (Bundling Use)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.7% |
| USITC (301) Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (122) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 37.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 37.7% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:5607.41.10.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Key Note:
- This code is identical in tax treatment to5607.49.10.00. - The only difference is intended use: "packaging" vs. "rope". - Same 37.7% rate applies β no tax advantage.
π― 3. 3920.20.00.15 β Polypropylene Plastic Strip (Ribbon/Strip Form)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.2% |
| USITC (301) Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (122) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3920.20.00.15 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why Higher?
- Classified as plastic strip, not rope β higher base duty (4.2%). - Still subject to 25% + 10% β total 39.2%. - Most aggressive tax rate among all six codes.
π― 4. 3920.20.00.55 β Other Plastic Sheet/Film/Strip
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.2% |
| USITC (301) Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (122) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3920.20.00.55 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Important:
- This code is used when the twine is not clearly rope-like but strip-like. - Same 39.2% rate as3920.20.00.15.
π― 5. 3916.90.30.00 β Extruded Monofilament/Profile (Rope Form)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.5% |
| USITC (301) Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (122) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3916.90.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why Highest?
- Treated as extruded plastic profile β higher base duty (6.5%). - Still subject to 25% + 10% β 41.5% total. - Most expensive classification β avoid if possible.
π― 6. 3916.90.50.00 β Other Plastic Shapes (Single Filament)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.8% |
| USITC (301) Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (122) Additional Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis | β Not eligible |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3916.90.50.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Used for non-standard plastic shapes. - Slightly lower than 3916.90.30.00, but still very high. - Avoid if you can prove itβs a rope.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
β 1. Required Documentation (MUST-HAVE)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Technical Specs | βοΈ | Show twist count, diameter, tensile strength, material purity |
| β Product Photos (Clear, Side & End View) | βοΈ | Prove rope-like structure, not strip |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If from Vietnam/Mexico, can qualify for IEEPA exemption |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Polypropylene Packaging Twine", not "rope" or "string" |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Prove polypropylene composition |
| β Third-Party Test Report (e.g., ASTM D638) | βοΈ | Prove tensile strength, elongation, durability |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show reel vs. loose, weight per roll, length per roll |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§οΌKey RulesοΌ
π₯ "Rope vs. Strip, Use vs. Form, Origin vs. Exemption!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twine with clear rope structure, used for binding | 5607.49.10.00 or 5607.41.10.00 |
3916.90.30.00 |
+3.8% tax |
| Twine looks like plastic ribbon, no twist | 3920.20.00.15 or 3920.20.00.55 |
5607.41.10.00 |
+1.5% tax |
| Product is extruded monofilament | 3916.90.30.00 |
5607.49.10.00 |
+3.8% tax |
| Origin is Vietnam/Mexico | Apply for IEEPA exemption | Claim China origin | Avoid 10% IEEPA |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Twine is used in agriculture (baling hay) | Still subject to 37.7%β41.5% β no exemption |
| Twine is custom-colored or branded | Does not change HS code β still high tariff |
| Twine is imported in bulk (reels) | No tax break β still taxed per unit |
| Origin is Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand | β Apply for IEEPA exemption β only 25% USITC duty |
| Want to reduce tariff? | β Re-engineer product: make it less rope-like, more strip-like (but risky) |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 5607.49.10.00 |
37.7%β41.5% | None | Highest tariffs |
| π¨π³ China | 5607.49.10.00 |
5% | CCC | No extra duties |
| πͺπΊ EU | 5607.49.10.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE | No 301/IEEPA |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 5607.49.10.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra duties |
| π―π΅ Japan | 5607.49.10.00 |
0% | PSE | No extra duties |
π Insight:
- Only the U.S. applies 301 + IEEPA tariffs. - China, EU, Australia, Japan have no extra duties. - Shift production to Vietnam/Mexico to avoid 10% IEEPA.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Legal Risks
β Mistake 1: Using βropeβ in invoice instead of βtwineβ
π Result: Customs may classify as 5607.49.10.00 β 37.7% β OK, but not optimal.
β Mistake 2: Claiming China origin when product is from Vietnam
π Result: 10% IEEPA penalty β avoidable.
β Mistake 3: Not providing photos showing twist structure
π Result: Customs may reclassify as plastic strip β 39.2%+ β higher tax.
β Mistake 4: Mislabeling as βstringβ or βthreadβ
π Result: Incorrect classification, fines, delays, or seizure.
β Correct Labeling Example:
"Polypropylene Packaging Twine, 2.5mm Diameter, 500m per Reel, 100% Polypropylene, Used for Bundling, Not for Fishing or Decoration"
π― 7. Final Verdict: Smart Strategy for Profit & Compliance
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ The highest tariff is 41.5% β avoid
3916.90.30.00at all costs.
πΉ The best tax rate is 37.7% β aim for5607.49.10.00or5607.41.10.00.
πΉ The only way to reduce tax: Change origin to Vietnam/Mexico β avoid IEEPA 10%.
πΉ Always provide photos, specs, and test reports β no exceptions.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a U.S. Customs Broker + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure your polypropylene twine clears customs smoothly, without surprise taxes!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on the Right HS Code.
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.