Thermoplastic Resin Raw Materials
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3902100000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901101000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3902900050 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3904100000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3904210000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Thermoplastic Resin Raw Materials (Thermoplastics)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
π Part I: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Thermoplastic Resins"?
Thermoplastic Resin Raw Materials are the foundational building blocks of the modern plastics industry. In international trade, these materials are generally classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof), specifically focusing on primary forms (such as powders, granules, pellets, or liquids).
These materials are distinct from finished plastic products. Their classification depends heavily on their chemical composition (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC) and state (primary form vs. semi-finished).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the material is in primary form (granules/powders) of olefin polymers or other thermoplastics β Generally falls under 3901, 3902, 3903, or 3904.
- Critical Note: For imports from specific regions (as implied by the tax data provided), these goods attract significant additional tariffs.
π¦ Part II: HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
According to the provided data, the following HS Codes are identified for thermoplastic resin raw materials. All listed items share the same tax structure due to their nature as primary form thermoplastics.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability Context | Key Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
3902.10.00.00 |
Primary Forms of Polypropylene (Olefin Polymers) | Common industrial resins (PP granules/powders) | Explicitly classified as olefin polymer in primary form. |
3901.10.10.00 |
Primary Forms of Ethylene Polymers (Polyethylene) | PE pellets, LDPE/HDPE raw materials | Matches the "catch-all" principle for primary form plastics based on residual characteristics. |
3902.90.00.50 |
Other Primary Forms of Olefin Polymers | PP variants not specifically listed in 3902.10 | Classified under olefin polymers; fits the definition of raw material in primary form. |
3904.10.00.00 |
Primary Forms of Vinyl Chloride Polymers (PVC) | PVC powder or granules | Attribute matches polymer nature; fits the "primary form" characteristic. |
3904.21.00.00 |
Primary Forms of Vinyl Chloride Polymers (PVC) | Specific PVC types | Explicitly covers polyvinyl chloride or other halogenated olefin polymers in primary form. |
π Important Reminder:
- All these codes fall under "Primary Forms". If the material is processed into sheets, films, or semi-finished articles, it may no longer fit these codes.
- The term "Thermoplastic" is a broad category. The specific HS Code depends on the monomer type (e.g., Ethylene β 3901; Propylene β 3902; Vinyl Chloride β 3904).
π° Part III: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Implied by the "122 Article" and total tax rate context)
β Effective Time: Current applicable rates based on provided data
π― General Tax Structure for All Listed HS Codes
All the HS Codes provided (3902.10.00.00, 3901.10.10.00, 3902.90.00.50, 3904.10.00.00, 3904.21.00.00) share an identical tax profile in the provided data:
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 6.5% (Standard MFN rate for plastics) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Trade Remedy Tariff) |
| "122 Article" Surtax | +10.0% (Specific Policy Add-on) |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (High-value industrial raw materials usually do not qualify for low-value exemptions in this context) |
| Legal Basis Path | Basic Tariff β USITC Footnotes (Section 301) β Specific Policy Articles (e.g., 122) |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate (6.5%): Standard import duty for plastics under Chapter 39.
- Section 301 Tariff (25%): Imposed under U.S. Trade Act Section 301 on Chinese-origin goods, including many plastic raw materials.
- "122 Article" Tariff (10%): Refers to specific additional tariffs or policy measures (often related to national security or strategic resource controls).
- Total Burden (41.5%): This is a high-cost barrier. Importers must accurately calculate landed costs to maintain profit margins.
π οΈ Part IV: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Nothing Can Be Omitted)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Polymer type (PP/PE/PVC), grade, melting index, density, and state (granules/powder). |
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Confirms it is a "primary form" and not a pre-mixed compound with fillers that might change classification. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the material in bulk (sacks/drums) and close-ups of granules/powder. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Thermoplastic Resin, Primary Form" and correct HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Details net/gross weight. Ensure no mixed shipments with finished plastic products. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for proving origin. If not from China, potential tariff reductions may apply. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Form Determines Code, Chemistry Dictates Duty!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration Method | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| PP Granules | 3902.10.00.00 (Polypropylene) |
Misdeclaring as "Plastic Pellets" β Ambiguity leads to inspection delays. |
| PVC Powder | 3904.10.00.00 or 3904.21.00.00 |
Confusing PVC with PE β Wrong HS Code β 41.5% vs different rate. |
| Mixed Grades | Declare all grades separately | Bundling different polymers into one line item β Risk of rejection. |
| Finished Parts | Not raw material β Different Chapter | Declaring plastic gears as "Resin" β Major fraud risk. |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Colorants/Additives Pre-mixed | If additives > 10%, it may no longer be "primary form" and could fall under different subheadings or be considered a compound. Check TDS. |
| Recycled Pellets | May have different HS codes or restrictions. Ensure it is labeled as "Virgin" if claiming virgin material status. |
| High-Performance Engineering Plastics | (e.g., PEEK, PTFE) |
π Part V: Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Example) | Basic Tariff | Surcharge (China Origin) | Total Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3902.10.00.00 etc. |
6.5% | 35% (25% + 10%) | 41.5% | High barrier due to Section 301 & 122 Article. |
| π¨π³ China | 3902.10.00.00 etc. |
6.5% (Import) | 0% | 6.5% | No additional surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3902.10.00 etc. |
5.3% (approx) | 0% | ~5.3% | Standard MFN rate. No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3902.10.00 etc. |
3.8% (approx) | 0% | ~3.8% | Competitive market. |
| π»π³ Vietnam | 3902.10.00 etc. |
0-5% | 0% | Low | Potential alternative sourcing hub to avoid US surcharges. |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest landed cost for Chinese-origin thermoplastic resins (41.5%).
- EU/Asia offers much lower tariff burdens.
- Consider supply chain diversification if shipping to the US is a primary route.
π Part VI: Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Using vague descriptions like "Plastic Granules"
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration or assign a default high tariff code.
β
Fix: Specify "Polypropylene Granules, Virgin, 3902.10.00.00".
β Error 2: Confusing "Primary Form" with "Semi-Finished"
π Consequence: If materials are pre-shaped (e.g., sheets), they may not fit Chapter 39 headings for primary forms.
β
Fix: Ensure materials are in powder, granule, or liquid form only.
β Error 3: Ignoring the "122 Article" Tariff
π Consequence: Unexpected 10% additional cost at customs.
β
Fix: Include this 10% in your cost model from day one.
π― Part VII: Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Chemistry First, Form Second, Tariff Last!"
πΉ "Primary Form = Ch 39, Chemical Type = Subheading, Origin = Tariff Rate!"
πΉ "41.5% is the Wall, 6.5% is the Goal (without surcharges)!"
π Pro Tip:
If your thermoplastic resins are sourced from non-China origins (e.g., South Korea, USA, Germany), you may avoid the 35% surcharge, reducing the total tariff to just the 6.5% base rate.
β
Action Step:
π Consult a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide TDS + Verify Origin Rules
π Optimize your supply chain to minimize tariff exposure!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Saved is Pure Profit!
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.