Single Bottle Water based Glue
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506105000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3214100020 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3214905000 | 38.25% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Single Bottle Water-based Glue (ζ°΄ζ§θΆ/εηΆε θ£ )
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Breakdown | Strategic Compliance for China-Origin Imports
π I. Product Definition & Classification Logic: Decoding "Water-Based Glue"
"Single Bottle Water-based Glue" falls under the broad category of Adhesives (η²εε/θΆη±»). However, in international trade, the classification hinges on three critical factors: 1. Base Material: Is it polymer-based (3506) or non-polymer/sealant-based (3214)? 2. Packaging: "Single Bottle" usually implies Retail Packaging (suitable for consumer/small business use), which strongly points to Chapter 35 or 32 specific retail headings. 3. Function: Is it a general-purpose adhesive or a specialized sealant/grout?
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the glue is polymer-based (e.g., PVA, acrylic dispersions), it falls under Chapter 35.
- If it is treated as a sealant, filler, or putty (non-polymer base or specific industrial application), it falls under Chapter 32.
- "Single Bottle" confirms it is likely prepared for retail sale, triggering specific sub-headings for "Retail Packings."
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Authority Reference)
Based on the provided data, there are four potential HS Codes depending on the precise chemical composition and commercial use.
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
3506.91.50.00 |
Water-based Adhesive | Categorized as "Prepared Adhesives" based on polymers. "Single/Double bottle" fits retail packaging. | 37.1% |
3506.10.50.00 |
Glue (General) | Explicitly named "Glue." Single bottle implies retail packing. Fits general adhesive category. | 37.1% |
3214.10.00.20 |
Water-based Sealant/Filler | Classified under "Ready-to-use Sealants, Filler Pastes, etc." Water-based is a valid material inference. | 38.7% |
3214.90.50.00 |
Other Sealants/Preparations | Fits "Other Sealants" or non-refractory surface preparation agents. Water-based description is compatible. | 38.25% |
π Critical Insight:
- Chapter 35 (3506) is typically preferred for general-purpose water-based adhesives (like PVA wood glue, craft glue).
- Chapter 32 (3214) is often used for construction-grade sealants, grouts, or non-polymer-based bonding agents.
- The difference in total tax (37.1% vs ~38%) is small, but the customs scrutiny differs. Chapter 32 may trigger more questions about "sealant" vs. "adhesive" functionality.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Structure)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-November 2025 (Current Policy)
The tax structure for ALL four HS codes listed above is identical in composition, differing only in the Base Duty Rate.
π― 1. Common Tax Structure for All Codes (3506.91.50, 3506.10.50, 3214.10.00, 3214.90.50)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Duty (MFN) | 2.1% - 3.7% | USHTS General Rate | Varies by specific sub-heading (2.1% for 3506, 3.25%-3.7% for 3214). |
| Section 301 Duty | +25.0% | 19 U.S.C. Β§ 2411 | Applied to all Chinese-origin goods under these headings. |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% | Executive Order / IEEPA | Specific additional duty on Chinese imports (often linked to trade remedies). |
| TOTAL EFFECTIVE RATE | 37.1% - 38.7% |
π Detailed Calculation Example
Case A: HS Code 3506.91.50.00 or 3506.10.50.00 (Most Common for General Glue)
- Base Duty: 2.1%
- Section 301: +25.0%
- Section 122: +10.0%
- Total: 37.1%
Case B: HS Code 3214.10.00.20 (Sealant/Filler)
- Base Duty: 3.7%
- Section 301: +25.0%
- Section 122: +10.0%
- Total: 38.7%
Case C: HS Code 3214.90.50.00 (Other Sealants)
- Base Duty: 3.25%
- Section 301: +25.0%
- Section 122: +10.0%
- Total: 38.25%
π Important Note:
- De Minimis Exemption (Section 321): β NOT APPLICABLE. Goods from China under these HS codes are excluded from the $800 de minimis exemption for Section 301 duties. You must pay the full tariff even for small packages.
- No Exemptions Available: Unlike some tech products, adhesives do not currently have broad exclusions for Section 301 duties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Risk Mitigation)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Must state: "Water-based Adhesive, Single Bottle, Retail Packing" | Clarifies packaging form (retail vs. bulk). |
| Product Specification | Include: Base Polymer Type (e.g., PVA, Acrylic), Viscosity, Solid Content %. | Determines if it belongs in Ch. 35 (Polymer) or Ch. 32 (Sealant). |
| Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Provide SDS for both the product and the bottle. | Confirms it is non-flammable and water-based (not solvent-based, which would change HS entirely). |
| Certificate of Origin | Required for proving China origin (to assess 301/122 duties). | Avoids misclassification claims. |
| Packaging Photos | Show the "Single Bottle" label and retail-ready box. | Proves "Retail Packaging" status. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (How to Choose)
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| General Purpose (Wood, Paper, Craft) | 3506.91.50.00 or 3506.10.50.00 |
Lower base duty (2.1%). Easiest to justify as "Adhesive." |
| Construction/Tile Grout | 3214.10.00.20 |
Higher base duty (3.7%) but better fits "Filler/Sealant" description. |
| Industrial/Technical Sealant | 3214.90.50.00 |
For specialized non-polymer adhesives or surface preps. |
π¨ Warning:
- Do NOT classify as 3502.00 (Gelatin) or 3906 (Plastics) unless specified.
- Do NOT classify as 3213.90 (Self-adhesive plates) if itβs a liquid glue.
- Accuracy is Key: Misclassifying a Ch. 35 glue as Ch. 32 may not change the tax much (37.1% vs 38.7%), but it can trigger additional scrutiny or penalties for incorrect declaration.
β 3. Common Pitfalls & Solutions
| Pitfall | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Declaring as "Solvent-Based" | HS Code changes to 3506.91.90 or 3906.90. Tax may differ. | Clearly state "Water-Based" in description and SDS. |
| Bulk vs. Retail Confusion | If "Single Bottle" is actually part of a bulk container, classification may shift. | Ensure packaging is individually wrapped and labeled for final consumer. |
| Ignoring Section 122 | Underpayment of duty β Audit & Back Taxes. | Always add 10% for Section 122 duty in cost calculations. |
| No SDS Provided | Customs holds shipment for safety review β Delays. | Pre-attach SDS to commercial invoice or digital filing. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS | Base Duty | Additional Taxes | Total Est. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3506.91.50.00 |
2.1% | 301(25%) + 122(10%) | 37.1% | Highest effective rate. No de minimis. |
| π¨π³ China (Import) | 3506.91.50.00 |
2.1% | None | 2.1% | Very low import duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3506.91.00 |
0% - 6.5% | None (Usually) | ~3-6% | Check if water-based qualifies for exemption. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3506.91.00 |
0% - 6.5% | None | ~3-6% | Post-Brexit tariff schedules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive due to the combination of 301 and 122 duties.
- Cost Calculation: For a $100 shipment, expect to pay $37.10 - $38.70 in duties alone.
- Recommendation: If possible, consider alternative markets (EU/UK/Asia) where tariffs are significantly lower, or restructure supply chain to avoid China origin if targeting the US.
π VI. Final Checklist for Shippers
- Confirm Base Material: Is it polymer-based? β Go with 3506.
- Verify Packaging: Is it single-bottle retail? β Yes β 3506/3214 applies.
- Calculate Total Cost: Add 37.1% (min) to CIF value.
- Prepare SDS: Essential for customs clearance.
- No De Minimis: Do not rely on $800 exemption for China-origin glue.
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Water-based" is your friend (lower environmental risk, easier clearance).
πΉ "Single Bottle" locks you into Retail Packing codes (3506/3214).
πΉ China Origin = High Tax (37.1%+).
πΉ Never Skip the SDS.π‘ Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes, consider Advance Rulings from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to lock in the HS Code and avoid post-import audits.
β¨ Professional Clearance, Start with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point counts in todayβs trade war environment.
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.