Wide format Scientific Research Imaging Film
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3919905040 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921905050 | 39.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921190010 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920591000 | 41.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920992000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΌοΈ Scientific Research Imaging Film (Wide Format)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy for Specialized Imaging Media
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Understanding "Scientific Research Imaging Film"
Scientific Research Imaging Film (Wide Format) refers to specialized photographic or digital-imaging media designed for high-resolution analysis in scientific, medical, or industrial applications. Unlike consumer photo film, these products are often characterized by: - Wide Format: Exceeding standard A4/A3 dimensions, often used for large-scale microscopy, geological surveys, or architectural planning. - Scientific/Medical Grade: High sensitivity, specific emulsions, or digital-transfer compatibility. - Material Composition: Typically based on plastic bases (PET, Polyethylene, or Polypropylene), sometimes with specialized coatings.
In international trade, the classification hinges on material composition (Plastic vs. Paper vs. Other) and form (Self-adhesive vs. Non-adhesive Roll/Sheet).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the film is self-adhesive (with a glue layer for direct sticking) β Falls under 3919 (Self-adhesive plates/film).
- If the film is non-adhesive (bare plastic film for printing/scanning) β Falls under 3920 or 3921 (Other plates/film/sheets).
- Wide Format does not change the HS Code but may affect valuation and specific regulatory checks.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Mapping)
Based on the provided data, the most likely classifications for Wide Format Scientific Research Imaging Film are as follows. The choice depends on whether the film is self-adhesive or bare, and the specific polymer type.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
3919.90.50.40 |
Self-adhesive plastic film, sheets, plates (Other) | β High Match if film has adhesive backing | Matches "thin film" form; plastic material; self-adhesive feature. |
3919.90.50.60 |
Self-adhesive plastic film, sheets, plates (Other) | β High Match if film has adhesive backing | Similar to 3919.90.50.40; general catch-all for self-adhesive plastic films. |
3921.90.50.50 |
Other plates, sheets, film, etc., of plastics | β Match if non-adhesive | Bare plastic film; no conflict with material; fits "other plastic film" category. |
3921.19.00.10 |
Other plates, sheets, film: Of polyethylene or polypropylene | β Match if material is PE/PP | Specific polymer match; common base for scientific films. |
3920.59.10.00 |
Other plates, sheets, film: Of acrylic polymers | β οΈ Possible if acrylic-based | Less common for standard scientific film, but possible if specialized coating. |
3920.99.20.00 |
Other plates, sheets, film of plastics | β Match if non-adhesive & other plastic | General plastic film; flexible; no specific polymer identified. |
π Critical Note:
- Self-Adhesive (3919): If the scientific film comes with a backing that allows it to be stuck directly to surfaces (e.g., for labeling or mounting), use 3919.
- Non-Adhesive (3920/3921): If it is a bare roll used in large-format scanners/ printers, use 3920 or 3921.
- Material Specificity: If you know the base is Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP), 3921.19.00.10 is the most precise. If unknown, 3921.90.50.50 or 3920.99.20.00 are safer generic options.
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: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3919.90.50.40 & 3919.90.50.60 ββ Self-Adhesive Plastic Film
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.8% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Deny) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β 122 Clause β HS 3919.90.50.40/60 |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate (5.8%): Standard MFN duty for self-adhesive plastic films.
- Section 301 Surtax (25%): Imposed on most Chinese plastic products.
- 122 Clause (10%): Additional duty under specific trade provisions.
- Total: 40.8%. This is a high tariff category.
π― 2. 3921.90.50.50 ββ Other Plastic Plates, Sheets, Film (Non-Adhesive)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.8% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 39.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Deny) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 β 122 Clause β HS 3921.90.50.50 |
π Explanation:
- Slightly lower base rate (4.8%) than self-adhesive films.
- Still subject to 25% + 10% surtaxes.
- Total: 39.8%.
π― 3. 3921.19.00.10 ββ Of Polyethylene or Polypropylene (Non-Adhesive)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Deny) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β 122 Clause β HS 3921.19.00.10 |
π Explanation:
- Higher base rate (6.5%) due to specific polymer classification.
- Total: 41.5%. This is the highest among the non-adhesive options.
π― 4. 3920.59.10.00 ββ Of Acrylic Polymers (Non-Adhesive)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.0% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 41.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Deny) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β 122 Clause β HS 3920.59.10.00 |
π― 5. 3920.99.20.00 ββ Other Plastic Films (Non-Adhesive)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 4.2% |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (Deny) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β 122 Clause β HS 3920.99.20.00 |
π Explanation:
- Lowest Total Duty (39.2%) among all listed options.
- Use only if the film is non-adhesive, made of a plastic not specified elsewhere (e.g., PVC, PET if not covered by specific subheadings), and does not fit PE/PP/Acrylic categories precisely.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Essential Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail: Form (Roll/Sheet), Base Material (PE, PP, PET, etc.), Adhesive Status (Yes/No), Dimensions (Wide format specs). |
| β Material Composition Certificate | βοΈ | Crucial for distinguishing between PE/PP (3921.19) and other plastics (3920.99). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the roll, labeling, and any adhesive backing. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Wide Format Scientific Research Imaging Film, [Material], [Adhesive/Non-Adhesive]". Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Sheet". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show weight and dimensions. Wide format items often have bulky packaging. |
| β Import License (if applicable) | βοΈ | Some scientific films may require FDA or EPA approval if they contact specific materials. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βMaterial First, Adhesive Second, Wide Format is Context, Not Code!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Adhesive Film | 3919.90.50.40 or 3919.90.50.60 |
Misdeclare as non-adhesive 3921 β Underpayment of duty + Penalties |
| PE/PP Non-Adhesive Film | 3921.19.00.10 |
Misdeclare as 3920.99 β Higher base rate (6.5% vs 4.2%) |
| Acrylic Coated Film | 3920.59.10.00 |
Misdeclare as general plastic β Risk of reclassification |
| Unknown Plastic Film | 3920.99.20.00 or 3921.90.50.50 |
Use vague terms like "Film" β Customs scrutiny + Delay |
β 3. Special Considerations for "Scientific Research"
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Dual-Use Items | If the film is used for military or high-tech surveillance imaging, it may be subject to BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) checks. Provide end-use certificates. |
| Chemical Coatings | If the film has specialized chemical sensitizers, it may be classified as a chemical product (Chapter 38) rather than plastic. Consult a specialist if coatings are complex. |
| Wide Format Dimensions | Ensure dimensions are clearly stated. If exceeding certain sizes, it may be considered "industrial material" rather than "imaging film." |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3921.90.50.50 or 3919.90.50.40 |
39.8% - 40.8% | No specific certification | High Surtaxes Apply. No De Minimis. |
| π¨π³ China | 3921.90.50.50 |
5% - 6% | RoHS | No Surtaxes. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3920.99 or 3921.99 |
6.5% | CE (if applicable) | No Section 301 surtaxes. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3920.99 or 3921.99 |
3.8% - 5% | PSE (if electrical) | Low base rates. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3920.99 or 3921.99 |
5% | RCM | Free Trade Agreement (CHINEURO) may apply if applicable. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for this product due to 25% Section 301 + 10% 122 Clause surtaxes.
- Total duty ranges from 39.2% to 41.5%.
- China, EU, Japan, and Australia have significantly lower duties.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Misidentifying Self-Adhesive as Non-Adhesive
π Consequence: Under-declaration of duty by ~1% β Audit and back-taxes.
β Error 2: Ignoring Material Specificity (PE/PP vs. Other)
π Consequence: Choosing 3920.99 (4.2% base) when itβs actually PE (3921.19, 6.5% base) β Underpayment + Penalties.
β Error 3: Vague Description "Imaging Film"
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine if itβs paper, plastic, or chemical β 100% Inspection + Delay.
β Error 4: Not Disclosing Wide Format Size
π Consequence: Potential misclassification as "Industrial Material" vs. "Imaging Media" β Different duty treatment.
β Correct Practice:
"Wide Format Scientific Imaging Film, Base Material: PET, Non-Adhesive, Rolls, 24 inches x 100 meters, For Microscopy Analysis, Model XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Adhesive? Go to 3919. Bare Plastic? Go to 3920/3921. PE/PP? 3921.19. Other? 3920.99."
πΉ "USA Duty is 40%+; Think Before You Ship!"
πΉ "Document the Material, Declare the Adhesion, Avoid the Penalties!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may Exempt IEEPA/Section 301 Surtaxes, reducing duty to Base Rate Only (4.2% - 6.5%).
Recommend Advance Ruling for complex scientific films to avoid clearance delays.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Material Specs + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Minimize Costs, and Accelerate Your Scientific Research Supply Chain!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Duty Matters!
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.