Polystyrene Plastic Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3921190010 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901105020 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920100000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920991000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921905050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π§ Polystyrene Plastic Film (Polymerized Ethylene/PE Film Misclassification Alert)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Clarifying the "Polystyrene" vs. "Polyethylene" Conflict
The input product is explicitly named "Polystyrene Plastic Film". However, the provided <DATA> context exclusively references Polyethylene (PE) based classifications (HS Codes 3901, 3920, 3921).
β οΈ CRITICAL ALERT:
- Polystyrene (PS) and Polyethylene (PE) are chemically distinct polymers.
- The<DATA>provided does NOT contain valid HS Codes for Polystyrene. It contains HS Codes for Polyethylene.
- If you strictly import "Polystyrene Film," the codes in<DATA>(3901/3920/3921) are INCORRECT and will lead to customs penalties.
- However, if the product is actually Polyethylene Film (commonly mislabeled as "Plastic Film" generally), the following analysis applies to the provided data.
We proceed by analyzing the provided <DATA> assuming the material is Polyethylene (as per the data's internal logic), but strongly advise verifying the chemical composition.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided <DATA>)
The <DATA> provides 5 potential HS Codes for Polyethylene Film. Here is the breakdown:
| HS Code | Product Description (Inferred from DATA) | Matching Logic from DATA | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3921.19.00.10 |
Other plates, sheets, film...: Of plastics: Other: Other: Other | β
Material: Polyethylene β Form: Film matches "plates, sheets, film" |
41.5% |
3901.10.50.20 |
Primary forms of ethylene polymers | β
Material: Polyethylene β Form: Film considered "primary form/semi-finished" |
41.5% |
3920.10.00.00 |
Plates, sheets, film... non-cellular, non-reinforced: Of ethylene polymers | β
Material: "Polyethylene" = "Ethylene polymer" β Form: "Film" = "Plate, sheet, film" |
39.2% |
3920.99.10.00 |
Other plates, sheets, film...: Of other plastics | β
Material: Polyethylene = Plastic β Form: Film matches category |
41.0% |
3921.90.50.50 |
Other plates, sheets, film...: Of plastics: Other | β
Material: Polyethylene = Plastic β Form: Film matches category |
39.8% |
π Key Observation:
- HS 3920.10.00.00 appears to be the most accurate specific classification for "Polyethylene Film" (Ethylene Polymers, Non-cellular), offering the lowest base rate (4.2%) among the options, resulting in a 39.2% total rate.
- HS 3901.10.50.20 and 3921.19.00.10 carry higher base rates (6.5%), leading to 41.5% total tax.
- HS 3920.99.10.00 and 3921.90.50.50 are generic "Other Plastics" codes, which are less specific and carry base rates of 6.0% and 4.8% respectively.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 2025 (Based on data pattern)
π― 1. 3920.10.00.00 β Recommended: Polyethylene Film (Best Rate)
(Material: Ethylene Polymers; Form: Non-cellular film)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% (Most favorable among options) |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% (Additional duty on Chinese goods) |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% (Specific provision mentioned in data) |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High tariff rates typically exclude this) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3920.10.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most specific code for Polyethylene film under heading 3920.
- Total 39.2% is the lowest total tax rate in the provided dataset.
- Savings: Compared to 3921.19.00.10 (41.5%), you save 2.3% on the CIF value.
π― 2. 3901.10.50.20 β Primary Forms of Ethylene Polymers
(Misclassification Risk: Film is usually heading 3920, not 3901)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
π Warning:
- Heading 3901 is for Primary Forms (e.g., pellets, powders, liquid polymers).
- Films are typically classified under Heading 3920 (plates, sheets, film).
- Risk: Customs may reject this classification for film, leading to delays and reclassification to 3920 with penalties.
π― 3. 3921.19.00.10 β Other Plastic Films (Generic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
π Note:
- Heading 3921 is for "Other plates, sheets, film..." which includes reinforced, laminated, or combined materials.
- If your film is simple polyethylene film, 3920 is more accurate and cheaper.
π― 4. 3920.99.10.00 β Other Plastics (Generic Subcategory)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
π― 5. 3921.90.50.50 β Other Plastic Plates/Sheets/Film
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.8% |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.8% |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Material Verification (Most Critical Step)
| Scenario | Action |
|---|---|
| Product is Polystyrene (PS) | β STOP. None of the above codes are correct. β Use HS 3920.51.00.00 (Polystyrene film) or similar PS-specific codes. β οΈ The provided data is invalid for PS. |
| Product is Polyethylene (PE) | β Proceed with HS 3920.10.00.00 for lowest tax (39.2%). |
| Product is Mixed/Unknown | β Provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and Certificate of Composition to customs. |
β 2. Declaration Tips
π₯ "Specify the Polymer Type! 'Plastic Film' is Too Vague!"
| Case | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene Film | "Polyethylene Film, Non-cellular, 0.5mm thick, HDPE" |
"Plastic Film" |
| Polystyrene Film | "Polystyrene Film, Rigid, Clear" |
"Plastic Film" |
| Laminated Film | "Multilayer Laminated Film, PE/ALU/PE" |
"Plastic Film" |
β 3. Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify polymer type (PE/PS/PP). |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Match weight and description. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | For China origin, subject to 301/122 tariffs. |
| β Test Report | βοΈ | Confirm polymer composition (IR Spectroscopy recommended). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show film roll, packaging, and any labeling. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code (For PE Film) | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3920.10.00.00 |
39.2% | Includes 25% (301) + 10% (122) + 4.2% (Base). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.10.00.00 |
6.5% | No Section 301/122 equivalent. Lower base rate possible. |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.10.00.00 |
6.5% | Import duty only. No additional punitive tariffs. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3920.10.00.00 |
5.0% | Free Trade Agreement benefits may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest barriers due to punitive tariffs.
- Accurate classification is vital to avoid overpayment or penalties.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Using "Plastic Film" as the product name without specifying polymer type.
π Consequence: Customs may classify under the highest generic code (e.g., 3921.90) or demand expensive testing.
β Mistake 2: Classifying Polyethylene Film under 3901 (Primary Forms).
π Consequence: Rejection by customs. Film is a manufactured good (Heading 3920/3921), not a raw material (3901).
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "122 Tariff" (IEEPA).
π Consequence: Unexpected 10% additional duty, increasing total cost from 39.2% to 49.2% if misclassified.
β Correct Action:
"High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Film, 50 microns, 1220mm width, Roll"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "PE Film? Use 3920.10.00.00. Tax: 39.2%. Lowest Rate!"
πΉ "PS Film? DO NOT USE 3920.10.00.00. Itβs Illegal!"
πΉ "Don't Guess the Polymer. Test It."
π Pro Tip:
If your product is indeed Polystyrene, please request a new HS Code analysis for PS films (typically HS 3920.51). The current data is not applicable to Polystyrene.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify Material Composition (PE vs. PS)
π Submit MSDS to Customs Broker
π Use HS 3920.10.00.00 for PE Film to Save 2.3% Tax
β¨ Professional Classification Starts with Accuracy!
πΌ Your Bottom Line Depends on the First Letter of the 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.