acrylic resin raw material for paints
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3903901000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3208200000 | 38.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3208100000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3903905000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3209100000 | 40.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¨ Acrylic Resin Raw Material for Paints
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Acrylic Resin"?
Acrylic resins are synthetic polymers widely used as binders in coatings, paints, and adhesives. In international trade, they are classified based on their chemical composition, physical form (liquid/solvent-based vs. solid/polymer), and application state.
Key Distinction:
- Primary Form Polymers (Solids/Powders): If the resin is a raw polymer without solvents or additives, it typically falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- Liquid/Dispersion Forms: If the resin is dissolved in solvents or dispersed in water (emulsions/latex) specifically for coating applications, it often falls under Chapter 32 (Paints/Varnishes).
β οΈ Critical Differentiator:
- If it is a dry polymer powder/granule β Chapter 39 (3903)
- If it is a liquid solution, dispersion, or latex (ready-to-use or semi-finished for paints) β Chapter 32 (3208/3209)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here is the precise classification for Acrylic Resin Raw Materials for Paints:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Characteristic |
|---|---|---|---|
3903.90.10.00 |
Acrylic Resin Raw Material, Polymer Category | Raw polymer in primary form (solid/powder) | β Primary Polymer (Not yet in liquid coating form) |
3208.20.00.00 |
Solvent-Borne Acrylic Resin | Liquid acrylic resin dissolved in organic solvents | β Solvent-Based Dispersion |
3208.10.00.00 |
Acrylic Resin Based on Polyester/Synthetic Polymers | Liquid form with polyester/synthetic polymer blend | β Solvent-Based with Synthetic Blend |
3903.90.50.00 |
Acrylic Resin, Other Styrene Polymers | Acrylic-Styrene copolymers in primary form | β Styrene-Acrylic Polymer (Primary Form) |
3209.10.00.00 |
Acrylic Latex Paint | Ready-to-use or semi-finished aqueous dispersion | β Water-Based Latex/Emulsion |
π Important Note:
- The presence of solvents or water-based dispersion pushes the classification from Chapter 39 (Plastics) to Chapter 32 (Paints/Varnishes).
-3903codes are for raw polymers (e.g., pellets, powders).
-3208/3209codes are for resins/dispersions already processed into a liquid state suitable for coating.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Includes importation after November 10, 2025
π― 1. 3903.90.10.00 β Acrylic Resin, Primary Form (Polymer)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Rate (6.5%) β Section 301 (25%) β Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- This code applies to solid acrylic polymers (e.g., pellets/powders).
- Total burden: 41.5%. High due to multiple layers of additional tariffs.
π― 2. 3208.20.00.00 β Solvent-Borne Acrylic Resin (Non-Aqueous)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.6% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.6% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.6% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Rate (3.6%) β Section 301 (25%) β Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Applies to liquid acrylic resins dissolved in solvents.
- Total burden: 38.6%. Slightly lower base rate than solid polymers, but still high.
π― 3. 3208.10.00.00 β Acrylic Resin with Polyester/Synthetic Polymers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Rate (3.7%) β Section 301 (25%) β Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Applies to blended acrylic-polyester resins in liquid form.
- Total burden: 38.7%. Similar to3208.20, minor difference in base rate.
π― 4. 3903.90.50.00 β Acrylic Resin, Other Styrene Polymers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Rate (6.5%) β Section 301 (25%) β Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Applies to Styrene-Acrylic copolymers in primary (solid) form.
- Total burden: 41.5%. Same as standard acrylic primary form.
π― 5. 3209.10.00.00 β Acrylic Latex Paint (Water-Based)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.1% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.1% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | Base Rate (5.1%) β Section 301 (25%) β Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Applies to aqueous acrylic dispersions/latex.
- Total burden: 40.1%. Higher base rate than solvent-based (3208), but still subject to full additional duties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Must specify: Solid content, solvent type, viscosity, polymerization method. |
| β MSDS (SDS) | βοΈ | Critical for chemical classification (Hazardous vs. Non-Hazardous). |
| β Chemical Structure Diagram | βοΈ | To prove if it's a primary polymer (3903) or a resin solution (3208/3209). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Acrylic Resin for Paint Manufacturing" or "Solvent-Borne Acrylic Resin". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify net/gross weight and packaging type (drums, IBCs, bags). |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Required for tariff verification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βForm Determines Code: Solid is 3903, Liquid is 3208/3209!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic Polymer Pellets/Powder | 3903.90.10.00 or 3903.90.50.00 |
Declare as "Paint" β Misclassification |
| Acrylic Resin in Solvent (Liquid) | 3208.20.00.00 or 3208.10.00.00 |
Declare as "Plastic Granules" β Higher Duty/Seizure |
| Acrylic Latex (Water-Based) | 3209.10.00.00 |
Declare as "Solvent-Borne Resin" β Wrong HS Code |
| Blended Resin (Acrylic + Polyester) | 3208.10.00.00 |
Declare as pure acrylic β Incorrect Base Rate |
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- Misclassifying liquid resin as solid polymer (3903) can lead to higher duties or customs holds because the physical state is wrong.
- Misclassifying solid polymer as liquid resin (3208) may result in incorrect chemical hazard assessments.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Resin | Provide formulation agreement and TDS to prove intended use (paint raw material). |
| Mixed Solvent Content | If solvent content >50%, itβs clearly 3208. If <50% or solid, check 3903. |
| Styrene-Acrylic Blends | Must specify "Styrene-Acrylic Copolymer" in description to fall under 3903.90.50.00. |
| Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based | Clearly state "Aqueous Dispersion" (3209) or "Organic Solvent Solution" (3208) on invoice. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3903.90.10.00 / 3208.20.00.00 |
38.6% β 41.5% | SDS, TDS, EPA (if hazardous) | Highest tariffs due to Section 301 + 122 |
| π¨π³ China | 3903.90.10.00 |
6.5% | CCC (if applicable) | No additional tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3903.90 / 3208 |
6.5% β 12% | REACH Registration (ECHA) | No US-style additional tariffs |
| π¬π§ UK | 3903.90 / 3208 |
6.5% β 12% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3903.90 / 3208 |
6.0% β 12.0% | JIS Certification | FIFRA-like regulations for chemicals |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most costly due to the combination of base tariffs + 25% Section 301 + 10% Section 122.
- EU/UK/Japan offer lower tariff burdens but require strict chemical compliance (REACH/JIS).
- Accurate classification is critical to avoid penalties in the US market.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Acrylic Resin" without specifying "Solvent-Borne" or "Latex"
π Consequence: Customs may assign the wrong HS code, leading to delays or re-inspection.
β Mistake 2: Misidentifying solid polymer pellets as liquid resin
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code β Potential penalties for misdeclaration.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff (10%)
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties β Back taxes + Interest.
β Mistake 4: Not providing SDS for solvent-based resins
π Consequence: Customs hold due to hazardous material verification.
β Correct Practice:
βAcrylic Resin, Solvent-Borne, for Paint Manufacturing, CAS No. XXXXX, Solid Content 50%, in 200L Drumsβ
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Efficiency, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βSolid = 3903 (41.5%), Liquid = 3208/3209 (38.6%-40.1%)β
πΉ βAdd 25% (301) + 10% (122) = High Cost in USβ
πΉ βProvide SDS & TDS to Avoid Delays!β
π Pro Tip:
- If your acrylic resin is originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may exempt US additional tariffs (301/122), reducing the total cost to just the base rate (3.6%β6.5%).
- Apply for an Advance Ruling before shipment to confirm the correct HS Code.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker + Provide TDS/SDS + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, lower costs, and faster delivery for your acrylic resin raw materials!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff matters!
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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.