Refrigerant Mixture (Zero ODP)
CN β USAI Analysis
π§ Refrigerant Mixture (Zero ODP) | R-404A / R-407C / R-410A & Alternatives
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional-Level Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Zero ODP Refrigerant"?
Refrigerant mixtures with Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) are chemical compounds used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heat pump systems. Unlike older refrigerants (e.g., R-22, R-12) which contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) that damage the ozone layer, these modern mixtures are designed to be environmentally friendly regarding ozone depletion.
Common examples include: * R-404A / R-404B: Blends of HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons). * R-410A: A near-azeotropic blend of HFC-32 and HFC-125. * R-407C: A zeotropic blend of HFCs. * Newer Low-GWP Alternatives: R-32, R-454B, R-290 (Propane - though flammable, ODP is zero).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the product is a pure chemical substance not prepared for retail sale as a refrigerant (e.g., bulk chemical intermediate) β May fall under 2903.49 (Halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons).
- If the product is prepared/packaged specifically for use as a refrigerant (cylinders, cans, cartridges) β Must fall under 3824.99 or 3916/3917 if in specific forms, but predominantly 3824 for "Prepared Binders" or 3824.99 for "Other Chemical Products."
- CRITICAL: Many customs authorities classify refrigerants in cylinders under 3824.99.99 (Other chemical products) or specifically under 3824.99.40 depending on the country's specific sub-headings. However, for the US, they are often classified under 3824.99.99 or 2903.49 if pure. Note: Pure HFCs are often 2903.49, but mixtures/preparations are 3824.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Is it a Mixture/Preparation? |
|---|---|---|---|
3824.99.99.00 |
Other chemical products and preparations (including refrigerants in cylinders) | R-404A, R-410A, R-407C in cylinders, drums, or tanks | β Yes (Preparation/Mixture) |
2903.49.20.00 |
Halogenated derivatives of hydrocarbons (Pure HFCs like R-32, R-125, R-134a) | Pure refrigerant gases, not mixed | β No (Pure Substance) |
3824.99.40.00 |
Other prepared chemicals (if specified as such in local tariff) | Industrial cleaning agents mixed with refrigerants (rare) | β Yes |
9406.00.00.00 |
Prefabricated buildings / Air Conditioners (if the refrigerant is inside the unit) | Complete AC units, chillers | β N/A (Unit, not gas) |
7610.10.00.00 |
Aluminum structures (if the cylinder is the focus) | Empty aluminum cylinders | β No (Empty Container) |
π Key Reminder:
- R-404A, R-410A, R-407C are mixtures. In most jurisdictions (including the US), mixtures of halogenated hydrocarbons prepared for use as refrigerants are classified under 3824.99.99.
- Pure refrigerants like R-32 or R-134a are classified under 2903.49.
- Empty cylinders are classified separately (e.g., 7610 for aluminum, 7321 for steel).
- Do not confuse the refrigerant gas with the AC unit. The gas is 3824 or 2903; the unit is 8415.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3824.99.99.00 ββ Refrigerant Mixtures (e.g., R-404A, R-410A, R-407C)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.7% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +25% (Footnote 9903.04.01) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (For China/HK origin, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Duty Rate | 40.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NO (denied_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3824.99.99.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.04.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% Section 301 tax applies to "Other chemical products" including refrigerant mixtures.
- The 10% IEEPA tax is the new surcharge on Chinese-origin goods effective late 2025.
- Total 40.7% is very high. This applies to mixtures.
π― 2. 2903.49.20.00 ββ Pure Halogenated Hydrocarbons (e.g., R-32, R-134a, R-125)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.7% |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 40.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NO |
| Legal Basis Path | Same as above |
π Note:
- Pure refrigerants face the same high duty rate as mixtures.
- R-290 (Propane) is 2901.23 (Unsaturated acyclic hydrocarbons) β Also subject to 301 (25%) and IEEPA (10%), totaling ~36-40% depending on base rate.
- R-744 (CO2) is 2909.21 β Base rate 3.4%, +25% +10% = ~39.4%.β οΈ Critical: All refrigerants from China are subject to 301 + IEEPA surcharges. There are no de minimis exemptions for these goods.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Must be SDS Section 14 for transport, and detailed chemical composition. |
| β Certificate of Analysis (COA) | βοΈ | Proves purity and mixture ratios (critical for HS code verification). |
| β Undangerous Goods Transport Certification | βοΈ | For cylinders not under pressure, or special handling for pressurized gas. |
| β Cylinder Inspection Certificate | βοΈ | If shipping in cylinders, proof of DOT/ISO compliance is required. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Refrigerant Gas, Zero ODP, Mixture of HFCs" or "Pure HFC". |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | To prove China origin (or exemption if transshipped from Vietnam/Malaysia with sufficient transformation). |
| β Filing Declaration | βοΈ | Must include HS Code, Quantity, and EPA SNAP Approval Number (if applicable). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Keywords)
π₯ "Pure vs. Mix, Cylinder vs. Bulk, Name Precise, Duty Avoided!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| R-410A in Cylinder | 3824.99.99.00 - "Refrigerant Gas Mixture (R-410A)" |
Calling it "Chemical Raw Material" β Misclassification |
| R-32 Pure Gas | 2903.49.20.00 - "Halogenated Hydrocarbon, Pure" |
Calling it "Mixture" β Wrong HS, Potential Penalty |
| Empty Aluminum Cylinder | 7610.10.00.00 - "Aluminum Structure/Part" |
Declaring as "Refrigerant" β 100% Duty on Empty Metal |
| Refrigerant in AC Unit | 8415.82.00.00 - "Air Conditioner" |
Declaring Gas Separately β Double Taxation |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Low-GWP Alternatives (R-454B, R-32) | These are still HFCs or HFOs. HFOs (e.g., R-1234yf) may have different classifications (2903.49.40), but still subject to 301/IEEPA. Check specific subheading. |
| R-290 (Propane) | Flammable Gas (Class 2.1). Requires Hazmat Declaration, DOT 4BA/4BW tank certification. HS: 2901.23.00.00. High safety inspection risk. |
| Transshipment via Vietnam/Malaysia | High Risk. If no substantial transformation (e.g., mixing/refilling) occurs, US Customs will penalize for circumvention. Ensure COO is genuine. |
| EPA SNAP Approval | For HFCs, EPA requires registration. Ensure the product is SNAP-approved if used in new equipment. Non-compliance can lead to seizure. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3824.99.99.00 / 2903.49.20.00 |
40.7% (301+IEEPA) | EPA SNUR, DOT Cylinder Cert | Highest duty. No de minimis. |
| π¨π³ China | 3824.99.99.00 |
5-10% | N/A (Import) | Low duty, high demand. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3824.99.99 / 2903.49.29 |
0-4.5% (Most Free) | F-Gas Regulation Certification | F-Gas Quote Required. High environmental compliance. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3824.99.99 |
5% | Ozone Protection Certification | Moderate duty. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3824.99.00 |
0% | Fire Services Act Certification | Low duty, strict safety rules. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to 301 + IEEPA surcharges.
- EU has no tariffs but strict F-Gas environmental regulations (quoting system).
- China has low tariffs but is the source of most production.
- Propane (R-290) faces higher safety inspections globally but may have slightly lower duties in some regions.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring R-410A as "Chemical Solvent"
π Consequence: HS Code error β Seizure & Penalty. Customs will reclassify and charge correct duty + penalty.
β Mistake 2: Using De Minimis ($800) for Refrigerant Cylinders
π Consequence: Denied Entry. Refrigerants are explicitly excluded from de minimis.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring DOT Cylinder Certification
π Consequence: Rejected at Port. Empty or full cylinders must meet DOT/ISO standards. Without proof, goods are held.
β Mistake 4: Misclassifying R-290 (Propane) as Non-Hazmat
π Consequence: Safety Violation. Propane is flammable gas. Misdeclaration can lead to fines, detention, or cargo destruction.
β Correct Practice:
"Refrigerant Gas Mixture, R-410A, Zero ODP, 10kg Net Weight, in Aluminum Cylinder, DOT Certified, SDS Attached, HS Code 3824.99.99.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Safe Clearance, Cost Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Pure vs. Mix, HS is Key; 301+IEEPA, 40% is Heavy; Cylinder Cert, Hazmat Check; De Minimis, Don't Bet!"
πΉ "HS Code Determines Tax, 40% Gap is Real; Declare Accurately, Avoid Tears!"
π Pro Tip:
If your refrigerant is originally manufactured in China but blended or packaged in Vietnam, ensure Substantial Transformation occurs to change COO. Otherwise, US Customs will impose anti-circumvention duties.
For R-290 (Propane), consider rail or sea freight only (no air freight due to flammability).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed broker + Provide SDS + COA + Apply for Pre-Ruling if unsure.
π Let your refrigerant clear customs smoothly, comply with EPA, and maximize profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starting with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of duty matters!
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.