Transparent Tape Spray
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3506911000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102040 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3214905000 | 38.25% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 391910 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 482369 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
ποΈ Transparent Adhesive Tapes & Sprays (The "Sticky" Category)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Adhesives" and "Tapes"?
"Transparent tape" and "adhesive sprays" fall under two distinct chapters in the Harmonized System (HS), depending on their material composition and form. Confusing these categories is a common trap that leads to incorrect classification, delayed clearance, or unexpected duties.
In international trade, these products are generally divided into:
- Plastic Adhesive Tapes (Chapter 39): Primarily made of polymers (like PVC, PET, PP) with an adhesive backing. This includes clear packing tapes, stationery tapes, and masking tapes.
- Prepared Glues & Mastics (Chapter 32 & 35): Includes liquid adhesives (sprays), caulking compounds, and mastics not elsewhere specified.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a roll/film made of plastic with an adhesive layer β It belongs to Chapter 39.
- If the product is a liquid/spray, putty, or glue (not on a plastic carrier) β It belongs to Chapter 32 (Mastics/Coatings) or Chapter 35 (Prepared Glues).
- Paper-based tapes (if the paper is the primary component) β Chapter 48.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here is the precise breakdown for transparent tapes and related adhesive products:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Primary Material |
|---|---|---|---|
3919.10.20.40 |
Self-adhesive plastic tape, in rolls β€ 20cm width, transparent, β€ 55m length, width β€ 5cm | Clear scotch tape, small rolls of tape, precision masking tape | Plastic (Polymer) |
3919.10.20.30 |
Self-adhesive plastic tape, in rolls β€ 20cm width, other transparent tape β€ 55m length, > 5cm width | Standard packing tape rolls, larger width tapes | Plastic (Polymer) |
3506.91.10.00 |
Prepared glues/adhesives: Optically clear free-film or curable liquid adhesives solely/principally for flat panel displays or touch screens | High-end electronic assembly, screen manufacturing adhesive | Polymer/Rubber (Specific Use) |
3506.91.50.00 |
Prepared glues/adhesives: Adhesives based on polymers (3901-3913) or rubber, Other | General industrial adhesives, non-optical glue, standard spray glues | Polymer/Rubber |
3214.90.50.00 |
Glaziers' putty, grafting putty, resin cements, caulking compounds, mastics; painters' fillings; Based on rubber | Sealants, caulking for windows/doors, rubber-based mastics | Rubber/Mastic |
4823.69 |
Other articles of paper pulp/paper; including self-adhesive labels on paper backing (if primarily paper) | Paper tapes, paper labels, tape where paper is the main carrier | Paper |
π Critical Note on "Spray":
- The term "transparent tape spray" is ambiguous.
- If it is an aerosol spray adhesive (liquid), it typically falls under 3506 (Prepared Glues) or potentially 3214 if it's a mastic/sealant.
- If it is a spray used to apply a transparent film, check if itβs a curable liquid for displays (3506.91.10.00).
- It does NOT fall under 3919 unless it is a roll of tape.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policies)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Based on the surtax data provided in the source)
β Effective Date: Current trade terms apply
π― 1. 3919.10.20.40 / 3919.10.20.30 ββ Transparent Adhesive Plastic Tape
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% (No additional surtax listed for this specific subheading in the provided data) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Generally eligible for de minimis if value is under $800, subject to current CBP rules) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3919.10 |
π Explanation:
- Small rolls of transparent plastic tape are often duty-free or have minimal duties.
- The provided data explicitly shows 0.0% total tax for3919.10.20.40and3919.10.20.30.
- Warning: If the tape is made of natural rubber or classified as a mastic, it may fall under 3214.90.50.00 (see below), which carries a heavy surtax.
π― 2. 3506.91.10.00 ββ Optically Clear Adhesives for Displays/Touch Screens
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High surtax items often exempted from de minimis) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3506.91.10 |
π Explanation:
- This code is for high-tech, optically clear adhesives used solely/principally for flat panel displays or touch screens.
- If your "transparent spray/adhesive" is used for electronics manufacturing and meets the "optically clear" and "single use" criteria, it falls here.
- 25% surtax applies.
π― 3. 3506.91.50.00 ββ Other Prepared Adhesives (Polymer/Rubber Based)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Subject to general de minimis rules) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3506.91.50 |
π Explanation:
- This is a "catch-all" for general-purpose polymer or rubber-based adhesives (including many sprays) that do not meet the specific "optically clear for displays" criteria.
- Low cost entry for general industrial/commercial adhesives.
π― 4. 3214.90.50.00 ββ Glaziers' Putty, Caulking Compounds, Mastics (Based on Rubber)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.25% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.25% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.25% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3214.90.50 |
π Explanation:
- If your "transparent spray" is actually a sealant, caulking compound, or mastic (e.g., for windows, construction), it may be classified here.
- High Tax Alert: 28.25% total duty. Do not misclassify construction sealants as simple "tape" or "general glue" to avoid penalties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Field Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Clearly state: Is it a tape roll or liquid spray? Is it optically clear? What is the base material (PVC, PET, Rubber, Polymer)? |
| β Ingredient/Composition Statement | βοΈ | For adhesives/sprays: List percentage of polymers vs. solvents. Critical for distinguishing between 3506 (glue) and 3919 (tape). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show packaging, nozzle (if spray), or roll structure. Clearly visible label with HS-relevant keywords. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must be precise: "Transparent Plastic Adhesive Tape, PVC-based, 12mm width" OR "Optically Clear Curable Adhesive for Display Panels." |
| β SDS (Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Required for spray products to check for flammability/hazmat classification. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Tape is Plastic, Glue is Liquid, Sprays are Glue, Screens are Specific!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Error to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Small clear roll (Stationery/Packing) | 3919.10.20.40 or 3919.10.20.30 |
Misclassifying as "Glue" β 0% vs 0% (no tax diff, but wrong description) |
| Large clear roll (>5cm or >20cm width) | 3919.10 (General) or higher subheadings |
Check width limits carefully. |
| Optically Clear Adhesive for Touch Screens | 3506.91.10.00 |
Misclassifying as general glue (3506.91.50.00) β 25% Surcharge! |
| General Spray Glue (Industrial/Office) | 3506.91.50.00 |
Misclassifying as mastic (3214) β 28.25% Surcharge! |
| Window Sealant/Caulking Spray | 3214.90.50.00 |
Misclassifying as general tape β 28.25% Surcharge! |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Transparent Tape Spray" (Aerosol) | Likely 3506.91.50.00 (Other adhesive) or 3808 (Pesticides/Fungicides if mixed). If it's a standard adhesive spray, use 3506.91.50.00 (0% tax). |
| Optically Clear Optical Adhesive (OCA) | Must provide evidence of sole use for flat panel displays to justify 3506.91.10.00. If used for multiple purposes, fall back to 3506.91.50.00 (0% tax). |
| Paper-Based Transparent Tape | If the backing is paper, classify under 4823.69 (Failed to retrieve tax info in data, but typically lower duty). Do not classify as plastic tape if paper is dominant. |
| Hazmat Spray | If the spray is flammable, ensure UN Number and Dangerous Goods Declaration are provided for air/freight shipping. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Tape/Adhesive) | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3919.10.20.40 (Tape) / 3506.91.50.00 (Glue) |
0.0% | Check for 3506.91.10.00 (25% surtax) if display-specific. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3214.90.50.00 (Mastic/Caulk) |
28.25% | High tax on rubber-based mastics. |
| π¨π³ China | 3919 / 3506 |
5-10% | Import duties apply, but no Section 301 surtax. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3919 / 3506 |
0-6.5% | Generally lower duties. No equivalent to US 301 tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- For general transparent tapes and sprays, the US duty is 0% under the provided data.
- Risk Area: Optically clear adhesives for electronics (3506.91.10.00) and Rubber Mastics (3214.90.50.00) carry 25-28% surtaxes.
- Action: Clearly define the application (Display vs. General) and material (Plastic vs. Rubber/Mastic) in your commercial invoice.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Calling a "Caulking Spray" a "Transparent Tape"
π Consequence: Classified as 3919 (0%) instead of 3214 (28.25%). Result: Customs Penalties + Back Taxes!
β Error 2: Using "Optically Clear Adhesive" for general purpose glue to avoid 25% tax
π Consequence: Customs audits may reject the "sole use for displays" claim. Result: Reclassification to 3506.91.50.00 (0%) or other, but delays occur.
(Note: In the provided data, 3506.91.10.00 is 25%, while 3506.91.50.00 is 0%. So actually, misclassifying a general glue as display adhesive is not a tax benefit, but a compliance risk.)
β Error 3: Ignoring the "Paper Backing" for tapes
π Consequence: Classifying paper tape as plastic (3919) might be acceptable if plastic coating is dominant, but if it's primarily paper, 4823.69 is more accurate. Tax info unavailable in data, but correct classification is key.
β Correct Practice:
"Transparent Adhesive Tape, PVC, 12mm x 50m, Self-Adhesive, For General Purpose."
"Optically Clear Liquid Adhesive, Curable, Solely for Touch Screen Panel Assembly."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Tape = Plastic (3919) = 0%"
πΉ "General Glue/Spray = Polymer (3506.91.50) = 0%"
πΉ "Display Glue = Optical (3506.91.10) = 25%"
πΉ "Caulk/Mastic = Rubber (3214.90.50) = 28.25%"
π Tip:
If your product is a spray, do not automatically call it "tape." Use "Prepared Adhesive" or "Spray Glue."
If it is optically clear and for screens, declare it specifically to justify the code, but be aware of the 25% surtax.
For general use, stick to 3506.91.50.00 (0% tax) or 3919 (0% tax) to minimize costs.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a customs broker with your Product Composition Sheet.
π Verify if your adhesive is "Optically Clear" and "Display-Only" to avoid the 25% surtax trap.
β¨ Accurate Classification = Lower Duties + Faster Clearance!
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.