Single sided Transparent Tape
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3919905040 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102040 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905040 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102040 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102040 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π¦ Single-Sided Transparent Tape (Adhesive Plastic Tapes)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy π I. Product Definition & Classification: Understanding "Transparent Tape"
Single-sided Transparent Tape is a ubiquitous office and industrial supply used for sealing, bundling, and light-duty mounting. In international trade, it falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof), specifically within Heading 3919 (Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other shapes of plastics, whether or not in rolls).
The classification hinges on two key attributes identified in your provided data: 1. Material: Plastic (inferred from "Transparent" and standard manufacturing). 2. Form: Self-adhesive tape in rolls.
β οΈ Critical Classification Distinction: * Code
3919.10.20.40: Specifically designated for "Transparent tape" (often associated with specific sub-headings for office supplies or general transparent plastic tapes). * Code3919.90.50.40: Covers "Other" self-adhesive plastic tapes. This includes tapes with specific performance characteristics like "Low Viscosity" (as noted in the data), which differentiates it from standard transparent office tape.
π II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided DATA, there are two primary HS Codes identified for this product. Both carry the same tax burden but differ in specific descriptor nuance.
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Matching Criteria from Data | Viscosity/Type Nuance |
|---|---|---|---|
3919.10.20.40 |
Transparent Tape (Self-adhesive plastic) | - Material: Plastic (inferred) - Form: Tape - Property: Transparent |
Standard Transparent Tape. Matches "Transparent Tape" in classification explanation. |
3919.90.50.40 |
Other Self-Adhesive Plastic Tapes | - Material: Plastic - Form: Tape - Property: Low Viscosity |
Specialty/Low-Tack Tape. Matches "Low Viscosity" performance description. |
π Key Insight from Data: - "Transparent": A critical attribute confirming the product is not a colored or printed tape (which might fall under different sub-headings). - "Low Viscosity": If the tape is specifically designed for delicate surfaces (e.g., post-its, masking), it leans towards
3919.90.50.40. For standard office/clear packing tape,3919.10.20.40is the direct match for "Transparent Tape."
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Total Tax Rate: 40.8%
β Effective Date: Current (including post-2025 adjustments)
π― 1. Tax Structure Breakdown (Unified for Both Codes)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal/Policy Basis | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.8% | Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) Rate | The baseline import duty for plastic tapes under Chapter 39. |
| Section 301 Tariff | 25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 (Chapter 39) | Added under the "Section 301" trade action against China. Applies to plastic products. |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | IEEPA / Section 122 Provisions | An additional punitive tariff specifically levied on certain Chinese goods, as cited in the data. |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.8% | Sum of above | 5.8% + 25.0% + 10.0% = 40.8% |
π Why 40.8%? The data explicitly states:
"εΊη‘ε ³η¨: 5.8%, ε εΎε ³η¨: 25.0%,122ζ‘ζ¬Ύε ³η¨10%". This is a high-risk, high-cost classification. Unlike some electronics or textiles, plastic tapes do not typically qualify for de minimis exemptions when shipped in bulk commercial quantities.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Actionable Strategy)
β 1. Documentation Requirements (Must-Have)
| Document | Status | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | β Mandatory | Must clearly state: "Single-Sided Transparent Plastic Tape," Material (BOPP/PP), Width, Length, and Viscosity (if low-tack). |
| Product Specification Sheet | β Mandatory | Detail the backing material (e.g., BOPP) and adhesive type (Synthetic Rubber/Acrylate) to prove it is Plastic (Chapter 39), not paper (Chapter 48) or rubber (Chapter 40). |
| Photos (Clear & Label) | β Mandatory | Show the tape roll, label, and a sample cut to demonstrate transparency. |
| Certificate of Origin (CO) | β Recommended | Proof of origin to confirm China origin (triggering the 35% additional tariffs). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (How to Choose)
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Office/Packing Tape | 3919.10.20.40 |
Data says: "Product name 'Transparent Tape' matches classification explanation 'Transparent Tape' exactly." |
| Low-Tack/Delicate Surface Tape | 3919.90.50.40 |
Data says: "Low viscosity is a performance description... matches 'Other' self-adhesive plastic tapes." |
β οΈ Warning: Do not try to misclassify as "Paper Tape" (HS 4823) or "Rubber Tape" (HS 4009). The visual "transparency" and standard composition are almost certainly plastic (BOPP). Misclassification can lead to audits and penalties.
β 3. Cost-Saving & Risk Mitigation
| Action | Impact |
|---|---|
| Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) | β
Highly Recommended. Apply for a binding ruling from CBP using HS 3919.10.20.40 or 3919.90.50.40. This locks in the 40.8% rate and avoids surprise re-classification. |
| De Minimis Check | β Not Applicable for Bulk. If shipping individual rolls via USPS/UPS (under $800), de minimis may apply, but for commercial containers, no exemption. |
| Supply Chain Diversification | π Consider sourcing from Vietnam, Malaysia, or India if targeting the US market, to potentially avoid the Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) tariffs. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | HS Code | Base Duty | Additional Tariffs (China) | Total Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3919.10.20.40 | 5.8% | +35% (301 + 122) | 40.8% |
| π¨π³ China | 3919.10.20.40 | 5-7% | None | ~6% |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3919.10.20.40 | 6.5% | None (No equivalent 301) | 6.5% |
| π¬π§ UK | 3919.10.20.40 | 6.5% | None | 6.5% |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3919.10.20.40 | 6.0% | None | 6.0% |
π Conclusion: The US market is significantly more expensive due to the 35% punitive tariffs. European, UK, and Asian markets offer much lower entry barriers (~6-7%). If your end-market is the US, cost optimization via third-country origin (e.g., trans-shipment or assembly in non-subject countries) is a common, though legally complex, strategy.
π VI. Common Pitfalls & "Blood & Tears" Lessons
β Pitfall 1: Confusing "Transparent" with "Clear Plastic Film" (Sheeting) π Result: Misclassification to HS 3920 (Plates/Sheets) or 3918 (Floor Coverings). π Consequence: Wrong duty rate, customs delays, fines. β Fix: Ensure documentation says "Tape" (in rolls, cuttable), not "Film" or "Sheet."
β Pitfall 2: Ignoring "Low Viscosity" Labeling
π Result: If the tape is low-tack but declared as standard transparent tape (3919.10...), customs may question the classification.
π Consequence: Potential re-classification to 3919.90... (though tax is same, description must match).
β
Fix: Include "Low Tack" or "Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive" in the product description.
β Pitfall 3: Assuming "De Minimis" Applies to All Shipments π Result: Small samples might slip through duty-free, but bulk shipments will be hit with 40.8%. π Consequence: Shocking invoice values for B2B clients. β Fix: Plan for the 40.8% landed cost in your pricing model.
π― VII. Final Recommendation
π― For US Importers:
1. Budget for 40.8% Landed Cost.
2. Use HS Code 3919.10.20.40 for standard transparent tape.
3. Use HS Code 3919.90.50.40 if the product is specifically "Low Viscosity" or specialty tape.
4. Apply for a CBP Advance Ruling to secure classification certainty.
5. Consider Non-China Origins to save ~35% in tariffs.
π₯ "Clear Tape, Clear Costs: 40.8% is the US Reality. Plan Ahead!"
π Pro Tip: If you are selling to the US, highlight the "China Origin" impact to your buyers. Offer transparency in pricing: "Price includes 40.8% duty burden" or negotiate FOB terms to pass the tax risk.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precision! πΌ Your profit margin depends on accurate HS Codes!
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.