Water Glass Glue
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3214100010 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3214905000 | 38.25% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506105000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506990000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
𧴠Water Glass Glue (Sodium Silicate Adhesives)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Water Glass Glue"?
"Water Glass Glue," technically known as Sodium Silicate or Potassium Silicate solutions, is a widely used inorganic adhesive. It is transparent, odorless, and hardens when it loses water or reacts with COβ. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its physical state, packaging size, and specific additives.
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If the product is a caulking compound (paste/mastic form for sealing gaps), it falls under Heading 3214.
- If the product is a pure adhesive put up for retail sale in containers β€ 1 kg, it falls under Heading 3506.
- If the product is a pure adhesive put up in containers > 1 kg (industrial bulk), or not specified for retail, it typically falls under Heading 3506.99.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Packaging Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
3506.10.50.00 |
Prepared glues suitable for retail sale as adhesives, net weight β€ 1 kg: Other | Small bottles of water glass glue sold in craft stores, hardware retail | β β€ 1 kg, Retail Ready |
3506.99.00.00 |
Other prepared glues and adhesives (not elsewhere specified) | Industrial drums, bulk containers, or retail packages > 1 kg | β > 1 kg or Non-Retail Specific |
3214.10.00.10 |
Caulking compounds (mastics for sealing/gluing) | Paste form used for window sealing, joint filling, or construction sealing | β Mastic/Paste Form |
3214.90.50.00 |
Other preparations for filling cracks, gaps, etc. (not putty/filler/caulking) | Specialized industrial adhesives not fitting other specific headings | β General Industrial Use |
π Critical Note:
- Retail Packaging is Key: If your "Water Glass Glue" is sold in small bottles (e.g., 500ml craft glue) labeled for home/DIY use, aim for 3506.10.50.00.
- Form Matters: If it is a thick paste used for sealing windows or joints, classify as Caulking Compound (3214.10.00.10).
- Bulk/Industrial: If sold in 5-gallon buckets or industrial drums, it likely falls under 3506.99.00.00 or 3214.90.50.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 (Current Trade Rules)
π― 1. 3506.10.50.00 ββ Prepared Glues for Retail Sale (β€ 1 kg)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0% (Exempt from major 301 tariffs) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β Yes (If value β€ $800, can enter via Section 321 without duty) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3506.10.50.00 β USITC Footnote: Exempt |
π Explanation:
- This code benefits from zero duty for most countries, including China, under current trade policies for specific retail adhesives.
- Major Advantage: Low cost entry, high competitiveness for small-packaged consumer goods.
π― 2. 3506.99.00.00 ββ Other Prepared Glues (Industrial/Bulk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.1% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 25% (Standard 301 tariff on Chinese origin goods) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0% (Assumed included in 301 base unless specified otherwise) |
| Total Tariff | 27.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 27.1% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No (High duty rates often trigger stricter scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3506.99.00.00 β USITC Footnote: 301 Tariff Applies |
π Note:
- This is the "catch-all" for adhesives not meeting the strict "retail β€1kg" criteria.
- The 25% surtax significantly increases costs for industrial buyers.
π― 3. 3214.10.00.10 ββ Caulking Compounds (Sealing Mastics)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0% |
| Total Tariff | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β Yes |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3214.10.00.10 β Exempt Category |
π Explanation:
- If your product is formulated as a sealing mastic (e.g., for construction joints), it enjoys zero duty.
- Ensure the product description emphasizes "Caulking," "Sealing," or "Mastic" rather than just "Glue."
π― 4. 3214.90.50.00 ββ Other Preparations for Filling/Sealing
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.25% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0% |
| Total Tariff | 28.25% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.25% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS:3214.90.50.00 β Standard 301 Tariff |
π Note:
- This is the highest-tariff category. It applies to specialized industrial sealants that donβt fit the specific "caulking" or "retail glue" definitions.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Essential Documents)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Chemical composition (Sodium Silicate %), viscosity, pH, setting time |
| β MSDS (SDS) | βοΈ | Critical for Silicates: Classify as corrosive or non-hazardous based on concentration |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of label, packaging size, and application method |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description: "Water Glass Glue" or "Sodium Silicate Adhesive" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net/Gross weight per package (must confirm if β€ 1 kg) |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | To prove Chinese origin for tariff calculation |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ βPackaging Size Defines Code, Use Case Determines Heading!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Craft Bottle | 3506.10.50.00 |
3506.99.00.00 |
Overpay 27.1% duty |
| Industrial Drum | 3506.99.00.00 |
3506.10.50.00 |
Underpayment penalty + back taxes |
| Window Sealant Paste | 3214.10.00.10 |
3214.90.50.00 |
Overpay 28.25% vs 0% |
| Bulk Liquid Silicate | 3506.99.00.00 |
3506.10.50.00 |
Misdeclaration risk |
π Crucial Reminder:
- Labeling: If declaring3506.10.50.00, the packaging must indicate it is for retail sale and the net weight must not exceed 1 kg.
- Chemical Name: Use "Sodium Silicate" or "Potassium Silicate" in addition to "Water Glass Glue" for clarity.
β 3. Special Handling Notes
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Corrosive Classification | Sodium Silicate can be corrosive. Ensure proper UN packaging if concentration > 30%. |
| Hygiene/Cosmetic Use | If used in cosmetics, ensure FDA compliance; HS Code may differ. |
| OEM/White Label | Keep original manufacturer details for traceability. |
| De Minimis Shipment | For small parcels (< $800), 3506.10.50.00 and 3214.10.00.10 are ideal due to 0% duty. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Overview)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3506.10.50.00 |
0% | Best for retail glue |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3506.10.50.00 |
Varies (Check EUC) | Generally low duty |
| π¨π³ China | 3506.10.50.00 |
5-10% | Import duty applies |
| π¬π§ UK | 3506.10.50.00 |
0-5% | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- The US offers the most favorable tariff (0%) for retail-sized water glass glue (3506.10.50.00) and caulking compounds (3214.10.00.10).
- Industrial bulk shipments face 27-28% tariffs, so consider local packaging or value-add processing abroad.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring bulk industrial silicate as retail glue
π Result: Customs audit, seizure, or 27.1% retroactive duty.
π Fix: Accurately declare net weight and packaging type.
β Mistake 2: Confusing "Glue" with "Caulking Compound"
π Result: Misclassification. If itβs a paste for sealing, use 3214.
π Fix: Check product consistency and intended use.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring SDS/Chemical Safety
π Result: Customs holds shipment for chemical review.
π Fix: Submit complete SDS with HS Code application.
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Maximized Profit!
π― Remember the Key Rules:
πΉ ββ€ 1 kg Retail? β 3506.10.50.00 (0% Duty)β
πΉ βSealing Paste? β 3214.10.00.10 (0% Duty)β
πΉ βBulk/Industrial? β 3506.99.00.00 (27.1% Duty)β
πΉ βOther Sealants? β 3214.90.50.00 (28.25% Duty)β
π Pro Tip:
For small businesses or e-commerce sellers, focus on retail packaging (β€ 1 kg) and highlight "Craft/Decorative Use" in descriptions to qualify for 0% duty.
For industrial suppliers, evaluate if local packaging in the US is cost-effective to avoid high tariffs.
π£ Action Item:
π Verify product weight and packaging with your supplier.
π Prepare SDS and clear product photos.
π Choose the correct HS Code before shipping to avoid delays.
β¨ Precision in Classification Saves Money!
πΌ Optimize Your Supply Chain with Accurate Tariff Codes!
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.