Transparent Self adhesive Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3921110000 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921905050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920594000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811594040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920591000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Transparent Self-Adhesive Film (Clear Adhesive Tape/Film)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Classification Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Transparent Self-Adhesive Film"?
Transparent Self-Adhesive Film refers to a flexible plastic sheet coated with an adhesive on one or both sides, characterized by its high transparency and utility in bonding, protecting, or laminating surfaces. In international trade, classification heavily depends on the base material (e.g., Acrylic, Polyolefin, PVC) and specific application, which dictates the HS Code and, consequently, the tax burden.
β οΈ Key Classification Logic:
- If it is a generic plastic film with adhesive β Generally Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- If it mimics paper products with plastic coating β Potentially Chapter 48 (Paper).
- Specific material (e.g., Acrylic) often allows for lower base tariffs but remains subject to geopolitical surcharges.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 most likely HS Codes for "Transparent Self-Adhesive Film," ranked by logical fit and tax implication.
| HS Code | Product Description & Summary | Material/Shape Logic | Total Tax Rate (US/CN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3921.11.00.00 | Plastic Plates, Sheets, Film, etc.: Of polymers of ethylene (PE), not reinforced. | Match: Thin film form; Plastic category; Transparency implies plastic. Note: "122 Clause" applies. | 40.3% |
| 3921.90.50.50 | Plastic Plates, Sheets, etc.: Other; Other; Other. | Match: General "Film" shape; Plastic material inferred from transparency; Fallback/Bucket category. | 39.8% |
| 3920.59.40.00 | Plates, Sheets, etc.: Of other plastics; Other; Other. | Match: Transparent sheet/film shape; Material inferred as Acrylic (PMMA) based on name. | 35.0% |
| 4811.59.40.40 | Paper/Paperboard: Coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, decorated, etc. | Inference: Plastic/resin film coated or laminated onto paper-like backing (less common for pure film, but possible for backing liners). | 35.0% |
| 3920.59.10.00 | Plates, Sheets, etc.: Of other plastics; Other; Other. | Match: Film shape; Material inferred as Acrylic Polymer due to transparency; No material conflict. | 41.0% |
π Critical Insight:
- 3920.59.40.00 and 3920.59.10.00 rely on the inference that the material is Acrylic. Acrylic films often have specific duty advantages in the base rate (0%) compared to generic PE/PP films. - 3921.11.00.00 is a strong candidate if the adhesive is on a PE base, but it carries a slightly higher total tax (40.3%) due to the 5.3% base duty.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 November 10 onwards (for subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3921.11.00.00 ββ Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Film (Self-Adhesive)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.3% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO (Denied for these codes under current enforcement) |
| Legal Path | Base Rate 5.3% β Section 301: +25% β Section 122: +10% |
π Explanation:
- This code applies if the film is made of Polyethylene.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is a critical add-on for certain plastic films from China, significantly increasing the cost.
π― 2. 3921.90.50.50 ββ Other Plastic Films (Generic Fallback)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.8% |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.8% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 39.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO |
| Legal Path | Base Rate 4.8% β Section 301: +25% β Section 122: +10% |
π Note:
- This is a "catch-all" category. If the specific plastic type isn't listed elsewhere, it falls here.
- Slightly cheaper base rate (4.8%) makes it $0.5% less than the PE code.
π― 3. 3920.59.40.00 ββ Acrylic Plastic Film (High Transparency Inference)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO |
| Legal Path | Base Rate 0.0% β Section 301: +25% β Section 122: +10% |
π Optimal Strategy:
- If your transparent film is Acrylic (PMMA), this is likely the most cost-effective code.
- The 0% base tariff is preserved despite the heavy surcharges.
π― 4. 4811.59.40.40 ββ Coated/Covered Paper-like Films
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO |
| Legal Path | Base Rate 0.0% β Section 301: +25% β Section 122: +10% |
π Caution:
- Only use this if the product is technically a paper substrate coated with plastic/adhesive. Pure plastic films should NOT be classified here to avoid misdeclaration penalties.
π― 5. 3920.59.10.00 ββ Other Acrylic Polymers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.0% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β NO |
| Legal Path | Base Rate 6.0% β Section 301: +25% β Section 122: +10% |
π Note:
- Higher base rate (6.0%) makes this the most expensive option among the plastic codes. Avoid if3920.59.40.00is applicable.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (PE, Acrylic, PVC, etc.), Thickness, Adhesive Type, Transparency Level. |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | For adhesive components; helps customs verify chemical nature. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the film, adhesive side, and packaging labels. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "Transparent Self-Adhesive Plastic Film" + HS Code + Country of Origin. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If claiming any preferential treatment (unlikely for US/CN, but required for proof). |
| β Testing Reports | βοΈ | If claiming Acrylic, provide lab reports to justify 3920.59.40.00 (0% base) vs generic. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Material Matters, Adhesive Clarifies, Transparency Infers, Tax Follows!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reasoning | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pure Acrylic Transparent Film | 3920.59.40.00 |
Best base rate (0%); Transparency supports Acrylic inference. | Using 3921.11 adds 5.3% base duty. |
| Polyethylene (PE) Clear Tape | 3921.11.00.00 |
Shape matches film; PE is common for adhesives. | Over-declaring as Acrylic β Fraud penalty. |
| Generic Plastic Film | 3921.90.50.50 |
Fallback for unknown/unspecified plastics. | Higher base rate (4.8%) than Acrylic. |
| Paper-backed Plastic Film | 4811.59.40.40 |
If it's paper coated with plastic. | Misclassification of material base. |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Issue | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Section 122 Tariff (+10%) | This applies to many plastic films from China. Cannot be avoided via simple re-classification unless material changes entirely (e.g., non-plastic). |
| Adhesive Content | If the adhesive constitutes a significant portion by weight, customs may scrutinize the "Plastic Film" classification. Ensure the substrate is clearly defined as plastic. |
| Packaging | Declare the film as the primary good. Do not split packaging materials unless they are distinct, high-value items. |
| Transparency Claim | "Transparent" is a key descriptor. Ensure the invoice matches the visual evidence. Opaque films may fall under different subheadings. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Tax (CN Origin) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3920.59.40.00 (Acrylic) |
35.0% | Strict Section 301 + 122 enforcement. |
| π¨π³ China | 3920.59.40.00 |
~6-10% | Standard Import Duty. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.59 |
~6.5% | No Section 301/122 surcharges. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3920.59 |
~6-8% | CE/RoHS not required, but JIS standards may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most costly due to the cumulative effect of Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%).
- Acrylic-based films (3920.59.40.00) offer the best protection against base tariff erosion, saving up to 5.3% compared to PE films.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying Acrylic film as generic "Plastic Film" (3921.11)
π Consequence: Paying 5.3% base duty unnecessarily β Overpayment.
β Error 2: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Under-declaring taxes by 10% β Seizure + Penalties.
β Error 3: Vague Description ("Adhesive Tape")
π Consequence: Customs ambiguity β Delays + Inspection.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Transparent Self-Adhesive Acrylic Polymer Film, Clear, 50 Microns Thickness, for Packaging Use, Made in China"
HS Code:3920.59.40.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Money
π― Remember:
πΉ "Acrylic Transparency = 0% Base + 35% Total"
πΉ "PE Clarity = 5.3% Base + 40.3% Total"
πΉ "Section 122 is Inevitable for Many Plastics from China"
π Pro Tip:
If you have the flexibility to choose materials, Acrylic (PMMA) films offer the lowest total landed cost in the US market among plastic films due to the 0% base duty.
For pure PE films, consider pre-ruling with CBP to confirm if 3921.11.00.00 is indeed the best fit or if alternative classifications apply.
π£ Action Required:
π Consult a licensed customs broker
π Prepare Material Test Reports to support "Acrylic" claim
π Optimize HS Code to3920.59.40.00if applicable to save 5.3%!
β¨ Professional Classification, Efficient Clearance!
πΌ Every Percent Saved is Profit Gained!
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.