Thermoplastic Polyterpene Resin Flakes
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3901909000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3911100000 | 41.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3911902500 | 41.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901905501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Thermoplastic Polyterpene Resin Flakes
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Pro-Level Import Strategy
π One Product, Multiple HS Codes β Know the Difference to Avoid 45%+ Tariffs!
π¦ 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is "Thermoplastic Polyterpene Resin Flakes"?
Thermoplastic polyterpene resin flakes are semi-solid, granular or flake-shaped resins derived from natural terpenes (e.g., pinene, limonene), processed into thermoplastic materials that soften when heated and harden when cooled β ideal for adhesives, coatings, inks, and polymer modifiers.
π Key Features: - ε½’ζ (Form): Flakes or granules (not powder, liquid, or sheet) - ζ质 (Material): Thermoplastic polyterpene resin (not petroleum-based polymer) - Chemical Nature: Derived from natural terpenes, but not classified as "natural rubber" or "natural resins" β it's a synthetic-like polymer with thermoplastic behavior - Use Case: Used in pressure-sensitive adhesives, hot-melt adhesives, road marking paints, and polymer blending
β οΈ Critical Distinction: - If itβs not a crude resin or natural gum β Not in 1301 or 1302 - If itβs not a polymer from ethylene β Not in 3901.90.90 - If itβs not a terpene resin in its natural form β Not in 3911.10.00 - If itβs not a plastic-like material in primary form β Not in 3926.90.99.89
𧩠2. HS Code Breakdown (2026 Latest Tariff Rules) β Why So Many Codes?
| HS Code | Product Description | Why This Code Applies | Tax Rate | Key Clause |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3901.90.90.00 |
Thermoplastic polyterpene resin flakes, granular, in primary form, classified under ethylene-based polymers and related resins | The resin is thermoplastic, polymer-like, and synthetic in nature β even if derived from terpenes, itβs treated as a synthetic polymer under the "ethylene polymer" category | 41.5% | Base: 6.5% + +25% USITC + +10% IEEPA |
3911.10.00.00 |
Thermoplastic polyterpene resin flakes, terpene resin, granular, in primary form | Classified under "polyterpenes and their derivatives", as per the "resin" category in Section 39.11 | 41.1% | Base: 6.1% + +25% USITC + +10% IEEPA |
3911.90.25.00 |
Thermoplastic polyterpene resin flakes, thermoplastic + resin, granular, primary form | Matches "other polyterpenes" β specifically "thermoplastic" and "in primary form" | 41.1% | Base: 6.1% + +25% USITC + +10% IEEPA |
3926.90.99.89 |
Thermoplastic polyterpene resin flakes, plastic-like material, in other primary forms, not covered elsewhere | Used when the product doesnβt fit under 3901 or 3911 β "other plastic materials" | 22.8% | Base: 5.3% + +7.5% USITC + +10% IEEPA |
3901.90.55.01 |
Thermoplastic polyterpene resin flakes, primary form, thermoplastic, ethylene copolymer-related | Similar to 3901.90.90 β used when the resin is chemically similar to ethylene copolymers | 41.5% | Base: 6.5% + +25% USITC + +10% IEEPA |
π Why So Many Codes?
- The same product can fall under multiple HS codes depending on chemical origin, form, and intended classification. - U.S. Customs uses "functional classification" β if it behaves like a polymer, itβs treated as one. - China-origin goods face additional tariffs under Section 301 and IEEPA.
π° 3. 2026 U.S. Tariff Breakdown (Detailed Clause-by-Clause)
π― 1. 3901.90.90.00 β Thermoplastic Polyterpene Resin (Ethylene Polymer Category)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) | +10% (applies to China-origin goods since Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Effective Tariff | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Not applicable (denied) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3901.90.90.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- The resin is thermoplastic, polymer-like, and synthetic β even if from natural terpenes. - U.S. Customs treats it as "ethylene-based" due to functional similarity.
π― 2. 3911.10.00.00 β Polyterpene Resin (Natural Resin Category)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.1% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| IEEPA Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 41.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 41.1% |
| De Minimis | β Not applicable |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3911.10.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- The product is classified under "polyterpenes", which are natural resins. - Even though itβs thermoplastic, itβs still chemically a terpene resin.
π― 3. 3911.90.25.00 β Other Polyterpenes (Thermoplastic + Primary Form)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.1% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +25% |
| IEEPA Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 41.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 41.1% |
| De Minimis | β Not applicable |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3911.90.25.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- The resin is thermoplastic, in primary form (flakes), and not covered by 3911.10.00. - This is the fallback code for non-standard polyterpene resins.
π― 4. 3926.90.99.89 β Other Plastic Materials (Low-Tax Option)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| USITC Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% (lower than 25%) |
| IEEPA Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis | β Yes (if value < $800) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3926.90.99.89 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- If the resin doesnβt fit into 3901 or 3911, it falls into "other plastic materials". - Lower base tariff β Significant savings. - De Minimis applies β No tariff on small shipments.β Best for: Small-volume, low-value shipments (e.g., samples, R&D, pilot batches)
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Save Thousands!)
β 1. Required Documents (Must-Have)
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| β Product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | Proves chemical composition, origin, and safety |
| β Certificate of Analysis (CoA) | Confirms purity, molecular weight, and thermoplastic behavior |
| β Commercial Invoice | Must clearly state: βThermoplastic Polyterpene Resin Flakes, Granular, Primary Formβ |
| β Bill of Lading (BOL) | Proves shipment origin and destination |
| β Export License (if applicable) | Required for certain chemicals (rare for resins) |
| β Pre-Clearance Ruling Request (if unsure) | Avoids disputes and delays |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Key Rules to Remember)
π₯ βForm, Function, and Fallback: Know Your Code!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Resin is thermoplastic, polymer-like, synthetic | 3901.90.90.00 or 3901.90.55.01 |
Treated as ethylene polymer |
| Resin is terpene-based, natural resin, not synthetic | 3911.10.00.00 or 3911.90.25.00 |
Classified under polyterpenes |
| Resin doesnβt fit above β last resort | 3926.90.99.89 |
βOther plastic materialsβ β lowest tariff |
| Shipment value < $800 | 3926.90.99.89 |
De Minimis applies β 0% tariff |
β 3. Special Cases & Workarounds
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Product from Vietnam, Mexico, or Malaysia | Apply for IEEPA exemption β 0% IEEPA β Total = 12.8% (if using 3926.90.99.89) |
| R&D or Sample Shipment | Use 3926.90.99.89 + de minimis β $0 tariff |
| High-value bulk shipment | Use 3901.90.90.00 or 3911.10.00.00 β but prepare for 41.5% |
| Uncertain classification | Request Advance Ruling (AR) from U.S. CBP β binding decision |
π 5. Global Market Tariff Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 (for low value) |
22.8% (or 0% if < $800) | None | IEEPA + USITC apply |
| π¨π³ China | 3911.10.00.00 |
5% | CCC | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3911.10.00.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE | No 301/IEEPA |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3911.10.00.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3911.10.00.00 |
0% | PSE | No extra tariffs |
π Insight:
- USA is the only market with 41.5% tariffs on this product. - Vietnam/Mexico origin can reduce tariffs by ~30%.
π¨ 6. Common Mistakes & Costly Errors
β Mistake 1: Using 3911.10.00.00 for a synthetic-like resin
π Result: 41.1% β but if itβs polymer-like, you should use 3901.90.90.00 β same rate, but wrong code β risk of audit.
β Mistake 2: Not using 3926.90.99.89 for small shipments
π Result: Pay 22.8% on $500 shipment β $114 β avoidable!
β Mistake 3: Declaring as βnatural resinβ without proof
π Result: Customs may reclassify β higher tariff, penalties, delayed release
β Mistake 4: Not providing CoA or SDS
π Result: Customs holds shipment β $500+ in detention fees
β Correct Declaration Example:
βThermoplastic Polyterpene Resin Flakes, Granular, Primary Form, Chemically Similar to Ethylene Copolymers, Origin: China, CIF Value: $10,000β
π― 7. Final Verdict: How to Win the Tariff Game
π₯ βIf itβs polymer-like β use 3901.90.90.00
π₯ If itβs terpene-based β use 3911.10.00.00
π₯ If youβre unsure β use 3926.90.99.89
π₯ If itβs small β use de minimis + 3926.90.99.89 β $0 tariff!β
π Pro Tip:
π Request a Pre-Clearance Ruling (Advance Ruling) from U.S. CBP β itβs free, binding, and protects you from future audits.
π£ Take Action Now!
π Contact a U.S. Customs Broker + Submit Product Specs + Request HS Code Ruling
πΌ Avoid $10,000+ in unexpected tariffs β one ruling can save your profit margin!
β¨ Smart Importing Starts with Smart Classification!
πΌ Your resin shipment should be smooth, fast, and tax-optimized β not delayed, fined, or overcharged!
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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.