Thermosetting Petroleum Resin Formula
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3911904500 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3907995050 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3909400000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3909390000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3911904500 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Thermosetting Petroleum Resin Formula & HS Code Classification Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition: What is "Thermosetting Petroleum Resin"?
Thermosetting Petroleum Resins are synthetic polymers derived from petroleum hydrocarbons (such as C5, C9, or C12 fractions) that undergo an irreversible chemical change when heated. Once cured, they cannot be remelted or reshaped. They are widely used in adhesives, coatings, inks, and plastics due to their hardness, heat resistance, and water resistance.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Thermoplastic vs. Thermosetting: Thermoplastics melt when heated; Thermosetting resins cure/harden permanently. - Form Matters: Raw materials (unmelted pellets/powder) vs. Pre-molded compounds vs. Liquid resins. This determines the HS Code classification.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
According to the provided data, the product "Thermosetting Petroleum Resin Molding Compound" is classified under four potential HS Codes, depending on its exact physical state and chemical structure. All codes include additional tariffs (likely US Section 301/122 tariffs).
| HS Code | Product Description | Physical State / Category | Total Tax Rate | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3911.90.45.00 | Petroleum Resin, Thermosetting Molding Compound | Raw Material Form (Original shape/material) | 40.8% | Base: 5.8% + Add'l: 25.0% + Β§122: 10% |
| 3907.99.50.50 | Petroleum Resin, Thermosetting Molding Compound | Polymer Type: "Other Resins" in Primary Form | 41.5% | Base: 6.5% + Add'l: 25.0% + Β§122: 10% |
| 3909.40.00.00 | Petroleum Resin, Thermosetting Molding Compound | Molding Material: Related to Phenolic/Urea-Formaldehyde groups | 41.5% | Base: 6.5% + Add'l: 25.0% + Β§122: 10% |
| 3909.39.00.00 | Petroleum Resin, Thermosetting Molding Compound | Molding Material: Other Amino Resins/Polyurethanes | 41.5% | Base: 6.5% + Add'l: 25.0% + Β§122: 10% |
π Critical Note:
- All four codes incur Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) additional tariffs. - The Base Duty varies slightly: 5.8% (for 3911) vs. 6.5% (for 3907/3909). - 3911.90.45.00 is likely the most accurate if the resin is in its primary raw material form (pellets/powder) before final molding.
π° 3. Detailed Tariff Explanation (2026)
β Applicable Region: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current trade policy (Section 301 & 122 tariffs active)
π― 1. HS Code 3911.90.45.00 β Primary Raw Material Form
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.8% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 40.8% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High-duty items usually excluded) |
π Explanation:
- 3911 covers "Resins in primary forms" not elsewhere specified. - If your product is pure petroleum resin pellets/powder intended for further manufacturing, this is the lowest duty option (40.8% vs 41.5%). - Why 5.8%? It falls under a specific subheading for "Other resins... in primary forms."
π― 2. HS Codes 3907, 3909 β Polymer/Molding Compounds
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
π Explanation:
- 3907 covers "Polyacetals, Other Polyesters, PolyCarbonates, Alkyd Resins." - 3909 covers "Amino-Resins, Phenolic Resins, Polyurethanes." - These codes are used if the resin is pre-mixed with other polymers (like phenolic or urea resins) or classified as a "molding compound" rather than a pure raw material. - Higher Base Duty (6.5%) makes this 0.7% more expensive than 3911.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice
β 1. Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Thermosetting," "Petroleum-Based," "Primary Form" (if using 3911). |
| Chemical Composition Analysis | βοΈ | To prove it is not a phenolic or amino resin (to avoid 3909 if possible). |
| Physical Form Description | βοΈ | "Pellets," "Powder," or "Granules." Avoid "Molding Compound" if claiming 3911. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly describe as "Petroleum Resin, Thermosetting, Primary Form." |
| Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | To confirm CN origin (triggers additional tariffs). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Raw Material = Lower Duty, Molding Compound = Higher Duty"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Petroleum Resin Pellets/Powder | 3911.90.45.00 | Classified as "Resin in Primary Form." Lowest base duty (5.8%). |
| Resin Mixed with Phenolic Resins | 3909.40.00.00 | Classified under Phenolic-related molds. Base duty 6.5%. |
| Resin Mixed with Amino/PU Resins | 3909.39.00.00 | Classified under Amino/PU. Base duty 6.5%. |
| Resin in Primary Form, but "Other" Type | 3907.99.50.50 | If not fitting 3911 or 3909. Base duty 6.5%. |
π Warning:
- Do not describe as "Molding Compound" if you are using 3911. The term "Molding Compound" often triggers 3909 (higher duty). - If the resin is liquid or pre-cured, it may not qualify for "Primary Form" and could face different duties.
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Customs Audits | Provide a lab test report proving the resin is petroleum-based and not synthetic (e.g., not bio-based or coal-tar based). |
| Section 301 Exclusions | Check if your specific HS Code has a temporary exclusion. If not, the 25%+10% is unavoidable. |
| Packaging | If shipped in drums vs. bags, ensure the invoice matches the physical form described. |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3911.90.45.00 |
40.8% | High due to Sec 301 + 122. |
| π¨π³ China | 3907.99.00.00 |
~5-6% | Import duty only, no additional tariffs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3907.90.00 |
5.3% | No Section 301/122 equivalents. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3907.90.00 |
5.3% | Post-Brexit rates similar to EU. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most expensive due to 40.8% total duty. - China, EU, and UK have significantly lower duties (~5-6%). - Consider supply chain diversification if exporting heavily to the US.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls
β Error 1: Using "Molding Compound" in the description for HS Code 3911.
π Result: Customs may reclassify to 3909 (41.5%) or demand higher documentation.
β Error 2: Confusing Thermosetting with Thermoplastic resins.
π Result: Thermoplastics (e.g., polyethylene) have different HS codes and lower duties. Misclassification leads to penalties.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 tariffs.
π Result: Many importers only account for Sec 301 (25%) and forget the additional 10%, leading to underpayment.
β Correct Description Example:
"Petroleum Resin, Thermosetting, Primary Form, Pellets, Non-Phenolic, Non-Amino, For Adhesive Manufacturing, Origin: China"
π― 7. Conclusion: Optimize for 3911!
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Use HS Code
3911.90.45.00for pure petroleum resin in primary form.
πΉ Total Duty: 40.8% (Base 5.8% + Sec 301 25% + Sec 122 10%).
πΉ Avoid "Molding Compound" terminology unless the product is pre-mixed with other polymers.
πΉ Always provide chemical specs to prove it is not a phenolic/amino resin.
π Pro Tip:
If your product is pre-mixed with phenolic resins, you must use
3909.40.00.00(41.5%). Do not attempt to misclassify mixed compounds as pure resins.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every 0.7% Duty Difference = Significant Cost Savings on Large Volumes!
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.