Raw Material (cm³)

🧱 Raw Material (cm³) – Comprehensive HS Code & Tariff Guide (2026 Edition)

🌐 HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Updated Tariff Rules | Expert-Level Compliance Framework
📌 One: Product Definition & Classification – What Exactly Is “Raw Material (cm³)” in Trade?

In international trade, "Raw Material (cm³)" is not a standalone product — it refers to waste, parings, and scrap materials generated during the processing of plastics or ferrous metals. These materials are typically non-reusable in their original form, but can be recycled or remelted for industrial reprocessing.

⚠️ Key Distinction:
- Plastic waste (e.g., PET, other plastics) → Classified under 3915.90.00
- Ferrous metal scrap (e.g., iron, steel turnings, shavings) → Classified under 7204.41.00 / 7204.49.00
- Not raw virgin material — this is post-industrial or post-consumer waste.

📦 Two: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Table)

🔍 Critical Insight:
- PET waste must be clearly identified as PET — otherwise, it falls under 3915.90.00.90.
- Ferrous scrap with no specific shape or form (e.g., mixed chunks) → Use 7204.49.00.80.
- Metal turnings/shavings → Must be declared under 7204.41.00.80, even if mixed with dust.

💰 Three: 2026 Updated Tariff Breakdown (With附加 Taxes & Legal Basis)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and ongoing)

🎯 1. 3915.90.00.10 — PET Plastic Waste

📌 Explanation:
- USITC 25% = Section 301 Tariff on Chinese-origin plastic waste.
- IEEPA 10% = Emergency economic powers tariff on goods from China/Hong Kong.
- Total = 45% — one of the highest tariffs in the recycling sector.

🎯 2. 3915.90.00.90 — Other Plastic Waste (Non-PET)

📌 Note:
- Applies to all non-PET plastic scrap — including PVC, PP, PS, ABS, HDPE, etc.
- Even if the material is clean and sorted, the 45% rate applies if origin is China.

🎯 3. 7204.41.00.80 — Ferrous Metal Turnings & Shavings

📌 Critical Point:
- Turnings, shavings, chips — even if small in size — are subject to 45% duty.
- No distinction between clean vs. dirty — all qualify under this code.

🎯 4. 7204.49.00.80 — Other Ferrous Waste & Scrap (General)

📌 Important:
- Applies to bulk, mixed, or unsorted ferrous scrap (e.g., shredded steel, cast iron chunks).
- Even if recycled, if origin is China, the 45% tariff applies.

🛠️ Four: Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)

✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have Checklist)

✅ 2.申报技巧 (Declaration Strategy – Key Rules)

🔥 "Material First, Form Second, Origin Last – or Risk 45%!"

📌 Pro Tip:
- Always specify “waste, parings, and scrap” in the product description.
- Never use terms like “raw material” or “recycled feedstock” — they trigger higher scrutiny.

✅ 3. Special Cases & Solutions

🌍 Five: Global Customs Comparison (2026)

📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the only market imposing 45% on recycled waste.
- China-origin waste is hit hardest — consider re-routing via Vietnam/Mexico.

📌 Six: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real Cases)

❌ Mistake 1: Declaring PET scrap as “other plastics” → 45% duty applies anyway
👉 Fix: Use 3915.90.00.10 only for PET — otherwise, you’re still paying 45%.

❌ Mistake 2: Calling metal shavings “scrap” → incorrect code
👉 Fix: Use 7204.41.00.80 for turnings/shavings, not 7204.49.00.80.

❌ Mistake 3: Assuming “small volume” = “no duty”
👉 Fix: No de minimis for these codes — even $100 shipment pays 45%.

❌ Mistake 4: Not providing photos or lab reports
👉 Fix: Always include visual proof — customs may reject without it.

✅ Correct Declaration Example:

“Waste, parings and scrap of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics, in flakes, 500 kg, 3915.90.00.10, origin: China, CIF $1,200, FCC & WEEE compliant”

🎯 Seven: Final Verdict – Master the Code, Master the Cost

🎯 Remember the Golden Rule:

🔹 “PET → 3915.90.00.10 | Other Plastics → 3915.90.00.90 | Turnings → 7204.41.00.80 | Bulk Scrap → 7204.49.00.80”
🔹 “If China-origin, expect 45% — no exceptions.”

📌 Pro Tip:

✅ Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Approval) before shipping — avoid costly delays.
✅ Use non-China origin (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico, India) to avoid 45%.
✅ Split mixed waste into separate shipments — reduce audit risk.

📣 Take Action Now:

📞 Contact a customs broker with recycling expertise
🚀 Submit product specs + photos + origin proof for HS Code pre-approval
💼 Turn waste into profit — not a tax burden!

✨ Your Waste, Your Cost, Your Control — Classify Right, Pay Less, Ship Faster!
💼 Precision in classification = Profit in logistics.