Quinclorac Herbicide Compound
CN β USAI Analysis
πΎ Quinclorac Herbicide Compound
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is Quinclorac?
Quinclorac is a selective systemic herbicide belonging to the benzoic acid derivative class. It is widely used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses in turfgrass, rice, and certain non-crop areas. In international trade, it is classified based on its chemical purity and formulation status:
1. Technical Grade (Active Ingredient):
High-purity Quinclorac powder (typically β₯95% purity) used as the raw material for formulating commercial herbicides.
2. Formulated Herbicides:
Commercial products containing Quinclorac mixed with adjuvants, solvents, or other ingredients, sold in bottles, drums, or bags for end-user application.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is pure chemical powder (>95% active ingredient) β Classified under 3808.94.00 or 2916.39 depending on specificity and local interpretation.
- If the product is a ready-to-use formulation (liquid, granule, emulsion) β Classified under 3808.94.00 (Pesticides).
- Note: Customs authorities generally classify most commercial Quinclorac herbicides under 3808.94 for simplicity, but pure technical grade may be scrutinized under Chapter 29.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Purity/Formulation |
|---|---|---|---|
3808.94.00.00 |
Pesticides (Herbicides), Other | Commercial Quinclorac formulations (liquids, granules, dusts) | β Formulated |
2916.39.90.00 |
Benzoic Acid Derivatives (Other) | High-purity Quinclorac technical grade (>95%) | β Technical |
3808.91.00.00 |
Disinfectants, Rodenticides, Fungicides | Not applicable | β N/A |
π Critical Note:
- Most importers import commercial formulations β Use3808.94.00.00.
- If importing pure active ingredient for further processing, customs may request SDS (Safety Data Sheet) and COA (Certificate of Analysis) to determine if it falls under2916.39.
- Never misdeclare as "fertilizer" or "plant growth regulator" without proper documentation.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rates (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Target Market: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3808.94.00.00 ββ Formulated Herbicides (Including Quinclorac)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.7% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% (Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surtax (China-specific) | +10% (Effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 23.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 23.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3808.94.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- 5.7% is the standard MFN rate for pesticides.
- +7.5% is the Section 301 surtax for chemical products.
- +10% is the IEEPA surtax targeting Chinese origin goods.
- Total: 23.2% β This is a significant cost factor. Pre-calculation is essential.
π― 2. 2916.39.90.00 ββ Pure Quinclorac Technical Grade
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.7% |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surtax (China-specific) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 23.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 23.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | Same as above |
π Note:
- Even if pure, the surtaxes apply.
- Ensure COA proves >90% purity to avoid reclassification disputes.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Must comply with GHS standards, Section 14: Transport Info. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Proves purity and active ingredient content. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Quinclorac Herbicide" or "Formulated Pesticide". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight, packaging type (drums, bags). |
| β EPA Registration Number | βοΈ | Critical for US imports. Must be valid and active. |
| β Labeling Compliance | βοΈ | Labels must meet EPA and OSHA HazCom standards. |
| β Fumigation Certificate | βοΈ | If packaging is wooden (ISPM 15). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "EPA Number is King, SDS is Queen, Purity is Proof, No EPA = No Entry!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Formulated Quinclorac (Liquid/Granule) | 3808.94.00.00 + EPA Reg. No. |
Declaring as "Industrial Chemical" β Rejection |
| Pure Quinclorac Powder | 2916.39.90.00 + COA |
Declaring as "Fertilizer" β Penalty |
| Unregistered Product | DO NOT IMPORT | Attempting to clear without EPA β Seizure |
| Bulk vs. Retail | Bulk: 3808.94 / Retail: 3808.94 |
Splitting shipment to avoid scrutiny β Audit Risk |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Ensure EPA registration is in the importerβs name or authorized licensee. |
| Mixed Herbicide Products | Declare under the primary active ingredient or highest-risk component. Provide full ingredient list. |
| Small Sample Shipments | Even small shipments require EPA compliance. De minimis does not exempt pesticide regulations. |
| Return/Refuse Goods | If EPA registration is expired, arrange for re-export or destruction. Do not dump. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.94.00.00 |
23.2% | EPA Registration, TSCA | Strict pesticide enforcement |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.94.00.00 |
5% | Pesticide Registration Certificate | Domestic registration required |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.94.00 |
0% (if authorized) | EFSA Approval, CLP Labeling | Quinclorac approval status varies by member state |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3808.94.00 |
5% | APVMA Approval | Mandatory pre-market assessment |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3808.94.00 |
0% | MHLW Registration | Positive List System applies |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest tariff burden (23.2%) due to Section 301 + IEEPA.
- EU/Australia/Japan have non-tariff barriers (strict registration) which are harder to overcome than tariffs.
- China Origin faces significant cost pressure in the US market. Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam, India) if possible.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Importing Quinclorac without EPA Registration
π Consequence: Customs seizure, fines, and product destruction.
β Error 2: Misdeclaring as "Fertilizer" or "Soil Conditioner"
π Consequence: Misdeclaration penalty, audit, and blacklisting.
β Error 3: Incomplete SDS or GHS Labeling
π Consequence: DOT/OSHA violation, delayed clearance, or rejection.
β Error 4: Ignoring IEEPA Surcharge
π Consequence: Unexpected 23.2% cost, killing profit margins.
β Correct Practice:
"Quinclorac Herbicide, 480g/L SL, EPA Reg. No. XXXXX-XXX, Formulated Pesticide, HS 3808.94.00.00, GHS Compliant Labeling"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time & Cost Saving!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "EPA First, SDS Second, HS Code Third, Surcharge Fourth!"
πΉ "Pesticides are Not Toys, Misdeclaration is a Costly Choice!"
π Pro Tip:
If your Quinclorac is sourced from Vietnam, India, or Thailand, you may avoid IEEPA surtaxes (saving 10%), reducing total tariff to ~13.2% (USITC + Base).
Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling from CBP before shipment to confirm classification and surtax applicability.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact EPA-licensed broker + Provide SDS/COA + Verify EPA Reg. No.
π Let your Quinclorac shipment pass smoothly, stay compliant, and maximize margin!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Every Cent of 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.