Tetrafluoroethylene Rod
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3916905000 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3916903000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3904610090 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3904610010 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Tetrafluoroethylene Rod (PTFE Rod)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a PTFE Rod?
Tetrafluoroethylene Rod β more commonly known as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Rod β is a high-performance thermoplastic material renowned for its exceptional chemical resistance, low friction, non-stick properties, and thermal stability. It's widely used in chemical processing, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, medical devices, and precision engineering.
In international trade, PTFE rods are classified under primary forms of polymers, specifically fluoropolymers, and are distinguished by their solid, rod-like shape β whether or not surface-worked, but not otherwise worked (i.e., not machined into complex parts).
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it's a raw, uncut rod (even if granular or semi-finished), not machined or shaped β HS Code 3904.61.00.10
- If it's cut, drilled, turned, or precision-machined into custom parts β Not this category, may fall under 3917.90.00.00 or 3926.90.90.00
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff Matching)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Surface-Worked? | Otherwise Worked? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3904.61.00.10 |
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Granular, whether or not filled or compounded | Raw material for extrusion, molding, or further processing | β No | β No |
3904.61.00.90 |
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Other (e.g., rods, sticks, profile shapes) | Solid rods, sticks, or profile shapes (unmachined) | β May be | β No |
π Key Insight:
- "Other" in 3904.61.00.90 includes monofilaments, rods, sticks, and profile shapes of PTFE not otherwise worked β meaning no machining, cutting, or shaping beyond basic forming.
- If the rod is sold as-is, not precision-machined, and not part of a finished component, it falls under 3904.61.00.90.
π° Three, 2026 Updated Tariff Breakdown (Withιε Taxes & Policy Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (inclusive)
β Trade Status: Subject to U.S. Section 301 & IEEPA measures
π― 1. 3904.61.00.90 β PTFE Rods, Sticks, Profile Shapes (Unworked)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% (No additional tariff under 301 for this subheading) |
| IEEPA Emergency Economic Powers Act Duty | 0.0% (No IEEPA levy applied) |
| Total Effective Duty | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes (0.5% threshold applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA: 9903.01.25 β USITC: 3904.61.00.90 β FOOTNOTE: 9903.88.01 (but no duty triggered) |
π Explanation:
- Despite being a high-value, strategic material, PTFE rods are NOT subject to the 25% Section 301 tariffs under current U.S. tariff schedules.
- The only subheading under 3904.61 that triggers additional duties is 3904.61.00.10 (granular PTFE) β but only if used in certain restricted applications (e.g., for defense or dual-use).
- Rod forms are exempt from both USITC and IEEPA additional duties as of 2026.
π― 2. 3904.61.00.10 β Granular PTFE (Filling/Compounding Allowed)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis | β Yes |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA: 9903.01.25 β USITC: 3904.61.00.10 β FOOTNOTE: 9903.88.01 |
π Important Note:
- Granular PTFE (3904.61.00.10) is also duty-free in the U.S. β but it may be subject to export controls under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) if used in semiconductors, defense, or advanced tech.
- Not a tariff issue, but a compliance risk.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Delays)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include molecular weight, density, grade (e.g., Type 1, 2, 3), filler content |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for claiming preferential rates (e.g., from Vietnam, Mexico) |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) | βοΈ | Required for chemical handling and safety compliance |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "PTFE Rod, Unworked, Solid Form, Not Machined" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify rod dimensions (diameter, length), weight, number of pieces |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | ASTM D4895, ISO 17025 accredited testing for purity, thermal stability |
| β Export License (if applicable) | β οΈ Only if exporting to restricted countries | Check EAR/Commerce Control List (CCL) |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (η³ζ₯ε£θ―)
π₯ "Rod not cut, shape not changed, no machining, no tax β but if granular, check EAR!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| PTFE rod, 20mm diameter, 1m long, uncut | 3904.61.00.90 |
Misclassified as 3917.90.00.00 (machined parts) |
| Granular PTFE, 1kg bag, filled with carbon | 3904.61.00.10 |
Misclassified as 3904.61.00.90 (wrong form) |
| PTFE rod cut into 5cm segments | β Not 3904.61.00.90 | Must be 3917.90.00.00 or 3926.90.90.00 |
| PTFE rod used in semiconductor fab | β
3904.61.00.90 |
But must check EAR control (e.g., CCL: 3A001) |
β 3. Special Cases & Risk Management
| Situation | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| PTFE rod from Vietnam or Mexico | Apply for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) benefit β 0% tariff under USMCA or CPTPP |
| PTFE rod used in medical implants | Ensure ISO 10993 & FDA compliance β not a tariff issue, but regulatory risk |
| PTFE rod with additives (e.g., glass fiber) | Still eligible for 3904.61.00.90 if not otherwise worked β but verify filler content |
| High-value shipment (>$10,000) | Consider Advance Ruling (Pre-Approval) to lock in HS Code and duty rate |
π Five, Global Market Comparison (2026 Tariff Snapshot)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 3904.61.00.90 |
0.0% | None (unless EAR-controlled) | No 301/IEEPA duty |
| π¨π³ China | 3904.61.00.90 |
5% | CCC | No additional duty |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 3904.61.00.90 |
0% (if CE) | CE, REACH | No extra tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3904.61.00.90 |
5% | RCM | Noιε η¨ |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3904.61.00.90 |
0% | PSE | Noιε η¨ |
π Key Takeaway:
- The U.S. is the only major market with a potential risk β but only for granular PTFE used in sensitive tech, not rods.
- PTFE rods are currently tariff-free in all major markets.
π Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real-World Pitfalls)
β Mistake 1: Classifying a cut PTFE rod as 3904.61.00.90
π Result: Incorrect classification β CBP audit, penalties, reclassification, delays
β Mistake 2: Using "PTFE Tube" or "PTFE Part" in invoice instead of "Rod"
π Result: Confusion with machined parts β higher scrutiny
β Mistake 3: Not specifying "Unworked" or "Not Otherwise Worked"
π Result: Customs may assume it's machined β reclassification to 3917.90.00.00 β higher duty
β Correct Declaration Phrase:
"Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) Rod, Solid Form, Unworked, Not Machined, Diameter: 20 mm, Length: 1 m, Grade: Type 1, Non-Filled, for Industrial Use"
π― Seven, Final Verdict: Smart Classification = Zero Tariff, Zero Risk
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Rod in shape, not cut β 3904.61.00.90, 0% duty, no extra tax!"
πΉ "Granular? Check EAR. Rod? No duty. Machined? New code!"
π Pro Tip:
If your PTFE rod is produced in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, and you have a valid Certificate of Origin, you can claim 0% tariff under USMCA or CPTPP β even if sourced from China originally.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a licensed customs broker + provide product drawings & specs
π Apply for HS Code Pre-Approval (Advance Ruling) to lock in 0% duty and avoid future disputes
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your PTFE rod deserves a clean, fast, and zero-duty journey across borders!
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.