bubble wrap
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920100000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3920992000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921110000 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921190010 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926904800 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
𫧠Bubble Wrap: The Ultimate Protective Packaging Solution
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Breakdown | Professional Strategy for Global Shippers
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Bubble Wrap"?
Bubble wrap is a versatile plastic packaging material featuring air-filled cushions (bubbles) trapped between two sheets of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). It is widely used to cushion fragile items during shipping and storage.
In international trade, bubble wrap can be classified under two distinct categories based on its material composition and form factor:
Category A: "Plastic Sheet/Film" (Film/Tape Form)
- Made of Polyethylene (PE);
- Designed specifically as a flexible film or tape;
- Often used for wrapping and cushioning;
- Classified under Chapter 3920, 3921.
Category B: "Other Plastic Articles" (Generalε‘ζεΆε)
- Can include specialized shapes or composite structures;
- May not strictly fit the "film" definition;
- Classified under Chapter 3926 ("Other articles of plastic").
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If the bubble wrap is flexible film/strip made of PE βε½ε ₯ 3920.xxxx / 3921.xxxx (Film/Tape);
- If it is a non-standard plastic article (e.g., pre-cut, custom shape, composite with other materials) βε½ε ₯ 3926.90.xx.xx (Other articles).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.89 |
Plastic bubble wrap, classified as "Other plastic articles" | General packaging, non-film form, composite | 22.8% | Base: 5.3%, Section 301: 7.5%, 122 Clause: 10% |
3920.10.00.00 |
PE-based bubble wrap, classified as film/strip of ethylene polymer | Standard bubble wrap, flexible film form | 39.2% | Base: 4.2%, Section 301: 25.0%, 122 Clause: 10% |
3920.99.20.00 |
PE-based bubble wrap, classified as other plastic flexible film/sheet | Non-standard film, multi-layer, or special texture | 39.2% | Base: 4.2%, Section 301: 25.0%, 122 Clause: 10% |
3921.11.00.00 |
Other plastic film, sheet, strip (includes bubble wrap as plastic film) | General plastic film, includes bubble wrap | 40.3% | Base: 5.3%, Section 301: 25.0%, 122 Clause: 10% |
3921.19.00.10 |
Plastic film structure (PE-based, includes bubble wrap) | Custom film structures, multi-functional packaging | 41.5% | Base: 6.5%, Section 301: 25.0%, 122 Clause: 10% |
3926.90.48.00 |
Other plastic articles (bubble wrap not strictly film) | Special shapes, pre-cut, or non-standard packaging | 13.4% | Base: 3.4%, Section 301: 0.0%, 122 Clause: 10% |
π Critical Insight:
- Section 301 (25%) applies to all film-based classifications (3920/3921) due to high-penalty tariffs on Chinese PE film;
- 3926.90.48.00 is the only option avoiding the 25% Section 301 (tax rate 13.4%), but requires proof of non-film structure;
- 3926.90.99.89 has a lower total tax (22.8%) but still includes Section 301 (7.5%).
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Analysis (Detailed Breakdown)
β Target Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards
π― 1. 3926.90.48.00 β Lowest Risk & Lowest Tax (13.4%)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Section 301 | 0.0% (No 25% penalty!) |
| 122 Clause | +10% (General China import surcharge) |
| Total Tax Rate | 13.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 13.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Path | USITC:3926.90.48.00 β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Why This Code?
- This classification applies when bubble wrap is not considered a "film" but rather a "plastic article" (e.g., pre-cut rolls, custom shapes, or multi-layer composites);
- Avoids the 25% Section 301 tariff, saving ~25% tax compared to other codes;
- Requires strong documentation to prove it is not a standard film.
π― 2. 3926.90.99.89 β Moderate Risk (22.8%)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 | +7.5% (Partial 301 penalty) |
| 122 Clause | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | β No |
| Legal Path | USITC:3926.90.99.89 β 301: 7.5% β 122 Clause: 10% |
π Note:
- This code is used when the product is clearly "other plastic articles" but cannot fully qualify for 3926.90.48.00;
- Still avoids the full 25% Section 301 but incurs 7.5% penalty.
π― 3. Film-Based Codes (3920/3921) β Highest Risk (39.2%~41.5%)
| HS Code | Total Tax | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|
3920.10.00.00 |
39.2% | Standard PE film β 25% Section 301 applies |
3920.99.20.00 |
39.2% | Other flexible film β 25% Section 301 applies |
3921.11.00.00 |
40.3% | Plastic film β 25% Section 301 applies |
3921.19.00.10 |
41.5% | Plastic film structure β 25% Section 301 applies |
β οΈ Warning:
- All film-based codes (3920/3921) include 25% Section 301;
- This is the most expensive option for bubble wrap;
- Only use if product is strictly a "film" and cannot be reclassified as "other articles".
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specifications | βοΈ | Define material (PE), dimensions, bubble size, thickness |
| Technical Diagram | βοΈ | Show whether it is film-like or article-like |
| Product Photos | βοΈ | Show packaging form (roll, cut, custom shape) |
| Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | ASTM/ISO standards for plastic material |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Bubble Wrap (Plastic Article)" or "Bubble Wrap (Plastic Film)" |
| Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Prove origin (China/US/Vietnam/etc.) |
| Packing List | βοΈ | Avoid splitting film/article into separate shipments |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Pro Tips)
π₯ "Film vs. Article: Choose Wisely, Save 25%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Standard bubble wrap roll | 3920.10.00.00 (Film) β 39.2% |
β Use 3926.90.48.00 β Rejection |
| Pre-cut bubble wrap (custom shape) | 3926.90.48.00 β 13.4% |
β Use 3920.10.00.00 β Overpay 25% |
| Multi-layer bubble wrap | 3926.90.99.89 β 22.8% |
β Use 3921.11.00.00 β Overpay 17.5% |
| Bubble wrap + cardboard | Separate declaration | β Bundle β Higher tax |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Bubble Wrap | Provide client order + design drawing to justify "other article" status |
| Bubble wrap for medical devices | Still 3926/3920, not 9006; no special tax exemption |
| Bubble wrap for military use | Can request special use declaration, but no tax reduction |
| Vietnam-origin bubble wrap | No Section 301! β Tax drops to ~10% (122 Clause only) |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.48.00 |
13.4% (if non-film) | ASTM, RoHS | 39.2%~41.5% for film-based |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.48.00 |
3.4% | CCC | No Section 301 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.48.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE, REACH | No Section 301 |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3926.90.48.00 |
5% | RCM | No Section 301 |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90.48.00 |
0% | PSE | No Section 301 |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with Section 301 (25%) on PE film;
- Vietnam-origin bubble wrap avoids 25% tax, reducing total to ~10%;
- Reclassifying as "other article" (3926.90.48.00) saves ~25% if product qualifies.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring standard film bubble wrap as "other article" (3926.90.48.00)
π Result: Rejected by customs β Delay + Fine
β Mistake 2: Using film-based code (3920/3921) for custom-shaped bubble wrap
π Result: Overpay 25% β Loss of profit margin
β Mistake 3: Splitting film + article into separate shipments
π Result: Higher total tax β Complex logistics
β Mistake 4: Not providing technical diagrams to prove "non-film" status
π Result: Customs reclassifies as film β 39.2% tax
β Correct Approach:
"Bubble Wrap, PE, 100m roll, 12cm width, pre-cut for industrial use, Non-Film Structure, ASTM D1709 Compliant"
π― VII. Final Thoughts: Precision in Classification = Profit Optimization!
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ "Film vs. Article: Choose Wisely, Save 25%!"
πΉ HS Code Determines Tax: A Wrong Choice Costs You $10k+
πΉ Vietnam Origin = 25% Tax Savings
π Pro Tip:
- If your bubble wrap is Vietnam-origin, tax drops to ~10% (122 Clause only);
- Request Advance Ruling (AR) from US Customs to confirm 3926.90.48.00 eligibility.
π£ Call to Action:
π Contact Professional Customs Broker + Submit Product Diagram + Apply for Advance Ruling
π Optimize Your Tax, Avoid Delays, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Precision Classification = Seamless Customs Clearance!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved is a Dollar Earned!
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.