Thermoplastic Olefin Copolymer
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3901400000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901905501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3902100000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3902300000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8485200000 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Thermoplastic Olefin Copolymer (TPO) β HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Thermoplastic Olefin Copolymer"?
Thermoplastic Olefin Copolymer (TPO) is a versatile family of polymer materials widely used in automotive, packaging, and industrial applications. It combines the durability of polyolefins with the processability of thermoplastics.
In international trade, classification depends heavily on the specific chemical structure and monomer composition:
Polyethylene-based TPO: Matches with ethylene-Ξ±-olefin copolymers.
Polypropylene-based TPO: Matches with propylene copolymers.
General Thermoplastic Resins: Falls under broad categories if specific monomer definitions are not met.
Additive Manufacturing Materials: Specialized forms for 3D printing or deposition may fall under machinery parts.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a basic ethylene-Ξ±-olefin copolymer β 3901.40.00.00
- If it is a basic propylene copolymer β 3902.30.00.00
- If it is a generic thermoplastic resin not specified elsewhere β 3901.90.55.01
- If it is a specialized material for additive manufacturing/deposition β 8485.20.00.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
3901.40.00.00 |
Primary Forms of Polymers of Ethylene; Ethylene-Ξ±-Olefin Copolymers | Basic plastic raw materials, injection molding pellets | β Ethylene-based |
3901.90.55.01 |
Other Primary Forms of Thermoplastic Resins; Ethylene Copolymers | Generic thermoplastic resins, unspecified ethylene blends | β General Ethylene Copolymer |
3902.10.00.00 |
Primary Forms of Polymers of Propylene; Olefin Polymers | Polypropylene-based TPO, general olefin polymers | β Propylene/Olefin-based |
3902.30.00.00 |
Copolymers of Propylene; Propylene-based TPO | Specific propylene copolymers, automotive-grade TPO | β Propylene Copolymer |
8485.20.00.00 |
Parts of Machines for Additive Manufacturing; Deposition Materials | Specialized TPO for 3D printing, industrial deposition | β Specialized/Functional |
π Critical Reminder:
- Primary Forms (Granules, Pellets, Powder) generally fall under Chapter 39.
- If the material is specifically processed for additive manufacturing (e.g., specific filaments or deposition beads), it may fall under Chapter 84 (Parts of Machines), though this is less common for bulk raw materials.
- Do not confuse "Thermoplastic" with "Thermosetting". This guide covers Thermoplastic variants only.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3901.40.00.00 β Polymers of Ethylene (Ethylene-Ξ±-Olefin Copolymers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.01.25) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% (Specific Section 122 provisions) |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Denied) |
| Legal Pathway | Base: 3901.40.00.00 β Sec301: 25% β Sec122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- The 25% is the standard Section 301 tariff on Chinese plastic resins.
- The 10% is an additional layer under Section 122 (often related to specific trade or national security provisions).
- Total 41.5% is significant. Ensure the HS Code is precise to avoid misclassification penalties.
π― 2. 3901.90.55.01 β Other Thermoplastic Resins (Ethylene Copolymers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Pathway | Base: 3901.90.55.01 β Sec301: 25% β Sec122: 10% |
π Note:
- This code is for generic ethylene copolymers not specifically named in 3901.40.
- Tariff structure is identical to 3901.40.00.00.
- Misclassifying a specific ethylene-Ξ±-olefin copolymer as "other" may trigger audit risks.
π― 3. 3902.10.00.00 β Polymers of Propylene (Olefin Polymers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Pathway | Base: 3902.10.00.00 β Sec301: 25% β Sec122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Applies to general propylene polymers.
- If the TPO is specifically a copolymer of propylene, see3902.30.00.00below.
π― 4. 3902.30.00.00 β Copolymers of Propylene (Propylene-based TPO)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Pathway | Base: 3902.30.00.00 β Sec301: 25% β Sec122: 10% |
π Note:
- This is the most accurate code for standard TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) which is typically a polypropylene-based copolymer.
- Ensure the material data sheet confirms it is a copolymer.
π― 5. 8485.20.00.00 β Parts of Additive Manufacturing Machines (Deposition Materials)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.1% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Pathway | Base: 8485.20.00.00 β Sec301: 25% β Sec122: 10% |
π Critical Warning:
- This code is narrowly interpreted. It applies only if the material is specifically designed and marketed as a consumable for additive manufacturing equipment (e.g., specific 3D printer filaments or deposition nozzles).
- Bulk raw plastic pellets for injection molding MUST NOT use this code. Using8485for general plastics is a common customs violation that leads to seizure or heavy fines.
- Rate Savings: 38.1% vs 41.5% β but only if the product strictly meets the "machine part/consumable" definition.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Document Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Must specify chemical composition (Ethylene vs. Propylene). |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Details molecular weight, density, and monomer types. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Thermoplastic Olefin Copolymer" and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net/Gross weight, packaging type (bags, pallets). |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Crucial for proving Chinese origin for tariff application. |
| β Lab Test Report | βοΈ | Third-party verification of polymer type (DSC/FTIR analysis). |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Identify Monomer, Choose Chapter 39, Avoid 8485 Trap, Declare Accurately!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard TPE/TPO granules (PP-based) | 3902.30.00.00 |
Misclassifying as 3901.40 (Ethylene) β Audit Risk |
| General PE Copolymer | 3901.40.00.00 |
Using 3901.90 (Generic) β Over/Under Declaration Risk |
| 3D Printing Filament (Specialized) | 8485.20.00.00 |
Using 8485 for bulk pellets β Seizure Risk |
| Mixed Waste/Recyclables | N/A (Not Covered) | Importing as "Virgin Resin" β Fraud Risk |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom TPO | Provide customer PO + formulation specs. Do not claim "proprietary" without proof. |
| Recycled TPO | If recycled, may fall under different subheadings (e.g., 3915). This guide covers Primary Forms. |
| Additive Manufacturing Claim | To use 8485.20.00.00, provide proof of end-use in 3D printing equipment. Marketing materials must support this. |
| Blends with Fillers | If >50% by weight is plastic, it remains in Chapter 39. If filler dominates, it may move to Chapter 39 or 38. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 3902.30.00.00 |
41.5% (CN Origin) | None specific for raw resin | High surtax due to Sec 301 + 122. |
| π¨π³ China | 3902.30.00.00 |
~5-8% | None for domestic trade | No Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 3902.30.00.00 |
6.5% | REACH Registration | No additional surtaxes. |
| π²π½ Mexico | 3902.30.00.00 |
0-5% (USMCA) | USMCA Certificate | Potential zero duty if originated in USMCA zone. |
| π»π³ Vietnam | 3902.30.00.00 |
0-5% | Preferential Cert. | Check ASEAN Free Trade Area rules. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to 41.5% total tax.
- Supply Chain Diversification: Consider sourcing from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand to leverage FTAs and reduce tariff burden.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Using 8485.20.00.00 for general plastic pellets.
π Consequence: Customs rejects the entry, flags for fraud, and may seize the shipment.
β Error 2: Confusing TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) with TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) without chemical proof.
π Consequence: Misclassification between 3901/3902 and 3901.40.00.00 β Audit and Back Taxes.
β Error 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause Tariff".
π Consequence: Underpayment by 10% β Penalties and Interest.
β Error 4: Declaring "Plastic Pellets" without specific monomer definition.
π Consequence: Customs uses "Catch-all" codes with higher scrutiny or default duties β Delays.
β Correct Practice:
"Thermoplastic Olefin Copolymer, Primary Form, Propylene-Ethylene Based, Virgin Resin, Pellets, Model XYZ, MSDS Attached"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration for Cost Optimization
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Propylene-based? Use 3902.30.00.00. Ethylene-based? Use 3901.40.00.00. 3D Print? Maybe 8485.20. Don't guess!"
πΉ "41.5% is the US Reality. Optimize Origin to Save Money."
πΉ "One HS Code Wrong, Penalty Wrong. Be Precise."
π Pro Tip:
If your TPO is originated in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for zero or low tariffs under USMCA or ASEAN agreements.
π Action Step: Apply for an Advance Ruling with US Customs (CBP) if your product is borderline between 3902 and 8485.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) + Verify Origin Country
π Let your Thermoplastic Olefin Copolymer clear customs smoothly, minimize costs, and scale efficiently!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Margin is Worth Every Cent of Precision!
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.