Styrene Polymer Mixtures
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506990000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824992900 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Styrene Polymer Mixtures (Based on Headings 3901β3913)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What Are "Styrene Polymer Mixtures"?
In international trade, "Styrene Polymer Mixtures" typically refer to prepared adhesives or chemical preparations where the primary binding agent is based on polymers of headings 3901 to 3913 (which include Styrene-Acrylonitrile (SAN), Polystyrene (PS), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), etc.).
These products are not pure raw polymers but are prepared mixtures designed for specific adhesive or binding functions. They are commonly found in: 1. Prepared Adhesives: Glues, contact cements, and pressure-sensitive tapes based on styrene polymers. 2. Foundry Binders: Chemical preparations used to mold sand for metal casting, often containing modified aromatic substances.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is a pure, raw polymer (e.g., bulk polystyrene pellets) β It belongs to Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof).
- If the product is a prepared adhesive or chemical mixture containing styrene polymers β It is classified under Chapter 35 (Glues) or Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
Based on your specific input data, the following HS Codes are the most relevant for Styrene Polymer Mixtures intended for adhesive or chemical preparation use.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
3506.91.50.00 |
Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives; based on polymers of headings 3901 to 3913 or on rubber; Other | Commercial glues, industrial adhesives, retail-ready adhesives (<1kg) | Adhesive Function based on Styrene Polymers (e.g., PS, SAN, ABS derivatives) |
3506.99.00.00 |
Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives; Other; Other | General-purpose adhesives not specifically based on 3901-3913 or rubber | General Adhesive (if not specifically styrene-based or if exempted from 3506.91) |
3824.99.29.00 |
Prepared binders for foundry molds or cores; Mixtures containing β₯5% by weight of aromatic/modified aromatic substances | Foundry sand binders, industrial chemical mixtures | Non-Adhesive Chemical Preparation with aromatic content (e.g., for metal casting molds) |
π Key Classification Logic:
-3506.91.50.00is the primary classification for styrene-based adhesives. Chapter 35 covers "Prepared Binders and Glues." If the product is a glue based on PS/SAN/ABS (Headings 3901-3913), it goes here.
-3824.99.29.00applies if the mixture is not primarily a glue but a chemical preparation (e.g., for foundry molds) that contains β₯5% aromatic substances. This is a "catch-all" for chemical mixtures not specified elsewhere.
-3506.99.00.00is a residual category for adhesives that do not fit the specific "polymer-based" criteria of 3506.91.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Zero Duty Policy)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current rates as per provided data
β Status: 0% Total Tax (No Basic or Additional Tariffs)
π― 1. 3506.91.50.00 ββ Prepared Adhesives Based on Polymers (3901β3913)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/IEEPA) | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 Tax |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Check Specific Thresholds (Usually applies if value < $800) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3506.91.50 |
π Explanation:
- Unlike many electronic or mechanical components, chemical adhesives based on specific polymers often enjoy 0% tariff rates under current US trade policy.
- No Section 301 or IEEPA additional tariffs are applied to this specific HS Code in the provided data.
- Cost Advantage: This is a highly tariff-friendly category for importers from China.
π― 2. 3506.99.00.00 ββ Other Prepared Adhesives
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 Tax |
π Explanation:
- Residual adhesive categories also enjoy 0% duty.
- Ensure the product description clearly states it is a "prepared adhesive" to avoid misclassification into Chapter 39 (which may have different rates).
π― 3. 3824.99.29.00 ββ Chemical Preparations (Foundry Binders)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 Tax |
π Explanation:
- Chemical mixtures for industrial use (like foundry binders) are often classified as 0% duty items.
- Crucial Note: The classification hinges on the "β₯5% aromatic substance" requirement. If the mixture contains less, it may fall into a different subcategory.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must explicitly state chemical composition (e.g., % of Styrene Polymer, % of Aromatic Substances). |
| MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Essential for chemical imports. Shows hazard class and composition. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Prepared Adhesive based on Polystyrene (PS) Polymer" or "Chemical Binder for Foundry". |
| Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove Chinese origin and apply 0% tariff (if preferential rules exist, though here it's 0% anyway). |
| Import License (if applicable) | β | Check if the chemical is regulated by EPA or DOT (e.g., hazardous chemicals). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Phrases for CBP)
π₯ "Chemical Composition is King!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Risk if Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Styrene-based Glue | "Prepared adhesive, based on polystyrene polymer, for retail sale, <1kg" | Misclassification into 3903 (Polystyrene) β Potential 10-25% tariff |
| Foundry Binder | "Chemical preparation for foundry molds, containing 5%+ aromatic substances" | Misclassification into 3824.99.90 β Possible tariff or regulatory delay |
| Pure Polymer | "Polystyrene resin, granules" | WRONG HS CODE for adhesives β 3506.91.50.00 is for prepared adhesives, not raw polymers |
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- Do NOT declare "Styrene Polymer" if it is a prepared glue. CBP may reject it and reclassify to Chapter 39, where tariffs may differ.
- Do NOT omit the "β₯5% aromatic" detail if declaring under 3824.99.29.00. If it contains less, it may not qualify for this specific subheading.
β 3. Special Cases & Exemptions
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Sample Kits | If value < $800, use De Minimis exemption (Form 7501). No duty owed. |
| Industrial Bulk | Declare as "Prepared Adhesive for Industrial Use." Ensure MSDS is clear. |
| Hazardous Chemicals | If classified as hazardous, ensure DOT/PHMSA compliance. May require additional labeling. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3506.91.50.00 |
0% | Most favorable for styrene-based adhesives. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3506 10/91 | ~0-2% | VAT applies (19-27%). CE marking may be needed. |
| π¨π³ China | 3506 10/91 | ~0-5% | Depends on specific formulation. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3506 10 | ~0-2% | Strict chemical registration (CSCL) may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA offers a significant cost advantage with 0% tariff for these specific chemical/adhesive classifications.
- Ensure accurate chemical description to maintain this 0% rate. Misclassification into Chapter 39 (Plastics) could result in higher duties.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring "Polystyrene" for a Glue
π Consequence: CBP reclassifies to Chapter 39. Unexpected 10-25% tariff!
β Error 2: Omitting "Aromatic Content" for 3824.99.29.00
π Consequence: If aromatic content < 5%, the code is invalid. Detention & Re-inspection.
β Error 3: Using "Chemical Mixture" without MSDS
π Consequence: FDA/CPSC may hold the shipment for safety review. Delay of 2-4 weeks.
β Best Practice:
"Prepared Adhesive, Based on Polystyrene (PS) Polymer, Net Weight 500g, Model XYZ, MSDS Attached, For Industrial Use Only"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Adhesive = Chapter 35 (0% Duty)"
πΉ "Raw Polymer = Chapter 39 (Varies)"
πΉ "Chemical Mixture = Chapter 38 (Check Aromatic %)"
π Pro Tip:
- Apply for a Binding Ruling from CBP if you are importing large volumes. This locks in the 0% tariff classification and prevents future disputes.
- Always attach the MSDS to your customs declaration to prove chemical composition and avoid safety holds.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker to verify your specific formulation against 3506.91.50.00 or 3824.99.29.00.
π Ensure 0% Duty Savings by accurate classification!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Matters β Keep Your Tariff at 0%!
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.