Suspension Agent Sulfur Fungicide
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3808912501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808915001 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2828100000 | 37.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2827399050 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3808923000 | 40.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
πΏ Suspension Agent Sulfur Fungicide: HS Code Classification & US Customs Clearance Guide
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Sulfur Fungicide"?
Sulfur Fungicide (Suspension Agent) is a specialized agricultural chemical used to prevent and treat fungal diseases on crops, fruits, and vegetables.
- Active Ingredient: Elemental Sulfur or Inorganic Sulfur compounds.
- Physical Form: Suspension Agent (SC) β a semi-solid, paste-like formulation where solid sulfur particles are suspended in a liquid carrier.
- Primary Use: Fungicide (anti-fungal), not primarily insecticide or herbicide.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is a fungicide containing inorganic substances (like sulfur) β It falls under Heading 3808 (Pesticides, Rodenticides, Fungicides, etc.).
- If it is mistakenly classified as a simple inorganic chemical (Heading 28) β It may face scrutiny, as formulated products (ready for use) usually go to Chapter 38.
- Critical Note: Sulfur is specifically recognized as a fungicide in many jurisdictions, distinct from general insecticides.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 potential HS Code matches with detailed tax breakdowns. Each reflects a different interpretation of "Sulfur Fungicide" by customs authorities.
| HS Code | Product Description | Reason for Match (from DATA) | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3808.91.25.01 | Insecticide (Fungicide misclassified as Insecticide) | Matches "insecticide" use. "Suspension agent" fits the formulation. Assumes it falls under the "other" or "residual" category for aromatic/modification-free insecticides. | 41.5% |
| 3808.91.50.01 | Other Pesticides (General Insecticide) | Matches use (pesticide) and form (suspension). No material conflict. Broad "catch-all" for pesticides not elsewhere specified. | 40.0% |
| 2828.10.00.00 | Inorganic Salts (Sulfur Compound) | Matches "inorganic" material. Infers core component as inorganic salt (e.g., sulfates/sulfides). "Suspension" is just the form. | 37.4% |
| 2827.39.90.50 | Other Chlorides/Bromides (Inorganic Chem) | Infers "bactericide/fungicide" as inorganic chemical. "Other chlorides" is a residual bucket. Low base tax, but high 122 fee. | +10.0%* |
| 3808.92.30.00 | Fungicides Containing Inorganic Substances | Best Match. Explicitly matches "Inorganic" material + "Fungicide" use. Fully complies with "fungicides containing inorganic substances." | 40.0% |
π Important Note:
- HS Code 3808.92.30.00 is the most accurate for a Sulfur Fungicide because it explicitly covers fungicides with inorganic components.
- HS Code 2828/2827 are for chemicals, not formulated pesticides. Customs may accept them if the product is deemed a raw chemical, but 3808 is safer for commercial formulations.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Import from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 November 10 (Section 301 + IEEPA)
π― 1. 3808.92.30.00 β Fungicides Containing Inorganic Substances (Recommended)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (Section 122) Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:3808.92.30.00 β Section 301: 25% β IEEPA: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This is the most legally sound classification for sulfur fungicide.
- Base 5% is standard for pesticides.
- Additional 35% (25% + 10%) makes it expensive, but avoids misclassification penalties.
π― 2. 3808.91.25.01 β Other Insecticides (High Risk of Re-classification)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (Section 122) Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:3808.91.25.01 β Section 301: 25% β IEEPA: 10% |
π Warning:
- If customs determines this is a fungicide, not an insecticide, this code is incorrect.
- Misclassification can lead to audits, penalties, and back taxes.
π― 3. 2828.10.00.00 β Inorganic Salts (Low Base, High Scrutiny)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.4% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA (Section 122) Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 37.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 37.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:2828.10.00.00 β Section 301: 25% β IEEPA: 10% |
π Risk:
- Customs may argue that formulated pesticides (even inorganic) belong in Chapter 38, not Chapter 28.
- Use only if the product is raw sulfur powder (not a suspension agent formulation).
π― 4. 2827.39.90.50 β Other Inorganic Chemicals (Minimal Base, High 122 Fee)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| IEEPA (Section 122) Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | +10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | USITC:2827.39.90.50 β IEEPA: 10% |
π Caution:
- Extremely low base tax (0%) but high risk of re-classification.
- Section 122 tariff applies to many Chinese imports.
- Not recommended for formulated pesticides.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state Active Ingredient: Sulfur (Inorganic), Form: Suspension Agent, Use: Fungicide |
| β MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Critical for chemical imports. Shows sulfur is the main component. |
| β Label/Photo | βοΈ | Must show "Fungicide" on the label. |
| β EPA Registration Number (if applicable) | βοΈ | US EPA registration proves itβs a regulated pesticide. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Sulfur Fungicide, Suspension Agent, for Agricultural Use" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight, volume. |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices
π₯ βDeclare as Fungicide, Not Insecticide! Use HS 3808.92.30.00!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect HS Code | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfur Fungicide (Suspension) | 3808.92.30.00 |
3808.91.25.01 |
41.5% vs 40.0% + risk of audit |
| Raw Sulfur Powder | 2828.10.00.00 |
3808.92.30.00 |
37.4% vs 40.0% (if deemed formulation) |
| Generic Pesticide | 3808.91.50.01 |
2827.39.90.50 |
40.0% vs 10% + high risk of re-classification |
π Key Tip:
- Always specify "Fungicide" in the product name.
- Do NOT describe it as "Insecticide" unless it contains both.
- Use "Suspension Agent" to explain the physical form, but emphasize "Fungicide" for the function.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Product (Fungicide + Insecticide) | Declare both uses. Customs may choose the higher tax rate. |
| Organic Certification | Not relevant for HS Code, but may help with EPA registration. |
| Small Samples (< $800) | Still subject to IEEPA 10% if from China. No de minimis exemption for these HS codes. |
| Re-export from Mexico/Vietnam | IEEPA Exemption May Apply! Check country of origin carefully. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate (China Origin) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3808.92.30.00 |
40.0% | High tariff, but accurate. |
| π¨π³ China | 3808.92.30.00 |
5% | No Section 301 or IEEPA. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3808.92.30.00 |
0% (Most Fungicides) | No additional tariffs. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3808.92.30.00 |
5% | Post-Brexit tariffs. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3808.92.30.00 |
3.2% | Low base tariff. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for sulfur fungicide due to Section 301 + IEEPA.
- EU/UK/Japan offer significantly lower tariffs.
- Consider supply chain diversification if targeting the US market.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying Sulfur Fungicide as Insecticide (3808.91.25.01)
π Consequence: Higher tax (41.5%) + potential audit for misdeclaration.
β Error 2: Classifying as Inorganic Chemical (2828.10.00.00)
π Consequence: If deemed a formulation, customs will re-classify to Chapter 38 β Back taxes + penalties.
β Error 3: Using "Pesticide" without specifying Fungicide
π Consequence: Ambiguity β Customs may choose the highest applicable tax or delay clearance.
β Error 4: Ignoring IEEPA Section 122
π Consequence: Even if base tariff is low, 10% IEEPA still applies to most Chinese chemical imports.
β Correct Approach:
"Sulfur Fungicide, Suspension Agent, Agricultural Use, EPA Regulated, HS 3808.92.30.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Cost Control
π― Remember:
πΉ "Fungicide + Inorganic = 3808.92.30.00 (40%)"
πΉ "Donβt guess: Sulfur is a Fungicide, not an Insecticide!"
πΉ "Formulation = Chapter 38, Raw Material = Chapter 28"
π Pro Tip:
- If your sulfur fungicide is produced in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, it may be exempt from IEEPA 10%.
- Apply for Advance Ruling from US CBP to confirm HS Code before shipment.
π£ Take Action:
π Consult Customs Broker + Provide MSDS + Label + Pre-classify
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Avoid Delays, Optimize Costs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tariff Counts!
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.