ethylene polymer film raw material
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3914002000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901105020 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8477200045 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3914006000 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901105010 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ͺ Ethylene Polymer Film Raw Materials (Polymer Grade)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Compliance for Polymer Inputs
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Ethylene Polymer Film Raw Materials"?
Ethylene polymer film raw materials are primarily primary forms of ethylene polymers (such as Polyethylene/PE, including LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE, mLLDPE) specifically manufactured for downstream film extrusion. These materials are typically supplied as pellets, granules, powder, or fluid.
In international trade, the classification depends heavily on: 1. Specific Polymer Type: Is it homopolymer or copolymer? 2. Physical State: Does it meet the definition of "primary form" (no finished shape)? 3. Additives: Are there functional additives that change the essential character?
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the material is pure ethylene polymer in primary form (pellets/granules) β It generally falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof). - If it is compounded with specific additives for special mechanical properties that exceed standard polymer grades β It might be classified under Chapter 3914 (Polymeric products for specific uses) or other subheadings depending on the exact chemical nature. - Critical Note: The term "Film Raw Material" is not a standard HS description. Customs looks at the chemical composition and physical state, not the end-use (unless the product is already a film).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
Based on the provided dataset, here are the five potential HS Codes for "Ethylene Polymer Film Raw Materials." Note that while all are described as "polymer film grade raw materials," they differ by specific polymer type, base tariff, and applicable duties.
| HS Code | Product Description (From Data) | Base Tariff | Additional Duties | Total Tax Rate | Key Classification Indicator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3914.00.20.00 |
Polymer film raw material, conforming to polymer material and primary form requirements | 0.0% | 25% (Sec. 301) + 10% (Sec. 122) | 35.0% | Likely a specific copolymer or specialized ethylene product not in 3901/3902. |
3901.10.50.20 |
Polymer film raw material, conforming to polymer material and raw material primary form | 6.5% | 25% (Sec. 301) + 10% (Sec. 122) | 41.5% | Standard Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) or similar ethylene homopolymer. |
8477.20.00.45 |
Polymer film raw material, classified as a thermoplastic plastic primary product | 3.1% | 25% (Sec. 301) + 10% (Sec. 122) | 38.1% | β οΈ Anomaly Alert: HS 8477 is for Machinery. This code likely refers to a specific machine part or auxiliary equipment for polymer processing, not the raw polymer itself. Verify if this is a mistake in the dataset or refers to "parts of machinery for working plastics." |
3914.00.60.00 |
Polymer film raw material, conforming to the definition of polymers and their primary forms | 3.9% | 25% (Sec. 301) + 10% (Sec. 122) | 38.9% | Another specialized polymer category under Chapter 3914. |
3901.10.50.10 |
Polymer film raw material, conforming to polymer and primary form characteristics | 6.5% | 25% (Sec. 301) + 10% (Sec. 122) | 41.5% | Similar to 3901.10.50.20; likely same polymer type (e.g., LDPE) but different sub-detail or origin variant. |
π Critical Analysis:
- Chapters 3901/3902: Cover primary forms of polymers. Most standard ethylene resins (PE) fall here. - Chapter 3914: Covers "Polymers for specific uses" (e.g., ionic exchange resins, certain copolymers). If your PE is highly specialized, it might end up here. - Chapter 8477: This is for Machinery. Using an 84xx code for raw material is a high-risk error unless you are importing a specific machine component. Double-check if 8477.20.00.45 is a typo in the source data or refers to a specific machine part.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (US Imports from China)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current trade restrictions (Section 301 & Section 122)
π― 1. Standard Ethylene Polymers (e.g., 3901.10.50.xx)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Tariff | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% (List 3/4A items) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Targeted China goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis | USTR Section 301; EO 13936 (Sec. 122) |
π Explanation:
- Standard polyethylene resins face a base duty of 6.5%. - Section 301 adds 25% for most Chinese plastic resins. - Section 122 adds an additional 10% for specific Chinese goods. - Total: 41.5%. This is a very high cost for raw materials.
π― 2. Specialized Polymers (3914.00.20.00)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base MFN Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USTR Section 301; EO 13936 (Sec. 122) |
π Explanation:
- Some specialized polymers under 3914 may have 0% base duty. - However, they still bear the 35% total burden (25% + 10%). - Savings: $6.5\%$ lower than standard PE (3901).
π― 3. Other Specialized Categories (3914.00.60.00 & 8477.20.00.45)
| HS Code | Base Tariff | Total Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
3914.00.60.00 |
3.9% | 38.9% | 25% + 10% added. Higher base than 3914.20. |
8477.20.00.45 |
3.1% | 38.1% | β οΈ High Risk: If this is raw material, itβs misclassified. If itβs machinery parts, the 35% total applies. |
π Summary:
- Lowest Total Rate:3914.00.20.00at 35.0%
- Highest Total Rate:3901.10.50.xxat 41.5%
- All rates include mandatory Section 301 and Section 122 duties.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Best Practices)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Critical)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | βοΈ | Must specify: Polymer Type (e.g., HDPE, LLDPE), Density, Melt Flow Index (MFI), Additives. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Must clearly state Country of Origin = China (or other). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Item description must be precise: "Ethylene Homopolymer, Primary Form, Pellets, for Film Extrusion". Avoid vague terms like "Plastic Raw Material." |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show pellets/granules, packaging, and labels. Must confirm it is not already a film or finished part. |
| β Bill of Lading | βοΈ | Ensure weight and quantity match invoice. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Be Specific, Not Generic. Primary Form is Key."
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Standard LDPE/HDPE Pellets | 3901.10.50.xx |
Most common ethylene polymers. High base duty (6.5%) but well-defined. |
| Specialty Copolymer/Resin | 3914.00.20.00 |
If it doesnβt fit 3901/3902 exactly. Lower base duty (0%). |
| Importing a Machine Part | 8477.20.00.45 |
ONLY if itβs a machine part (e.g., screw, barrel). Do NOT use for raw plastic pellets. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Never classify raw plastic pellets as "Film" or "Finished Goods." - If you import blended polymers with non-polymer additives (e.g., carbon black >2% by weight), the classification may change to 3902.10 or 3902.20 depending on composition.
β 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Importing from China | Budget for 35%β41.5% total duty. Consider using Section 321 de minimis only if NOT subject to denial (which ethylene polymers are). |
| Supplier Claims "0% Duty" | Verify if they are excluding US tariffs. US imports still face Section 301/122. |
| Misclassification Risk (8477) | If your supplier suggests 8477.20.00.45 for raw pellets, reject it. This is likely a misclassification error that could lead to severe penalties. |
| Pre-Entry Determination | File a Pre-Entry Determination with CBP for high-volume shipments to lock in the HS Code and duty rate. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Example) | Total Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 3901.10.50.xx / 3914.00.20.00 |
35.0% β 41.5% | High due to Sec 301 & 122. |
| π¨π³ China (Export) | N/A | 0% (Export Duty) | No export duty for these plastics. |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 3901.10.20 / 3901.30.00 |
~6.5% - 10% | No Section 301/122 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ United Kingdom | 3901.10.20 / 3901.30.00 |
~6.5% - 10% | Post-Brexit, tariffs are competitive. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3901.10.000 / 3901.30.000 |
~5.5% - 10% | No major anti-dumping on general PE. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most expensive market for Chinese ethylene polymer raw materials due to political tariffs. - Diversify Supply Chain: Consider sourcing from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Mexico if possible, to avoid Section 301/122 duties (verify rules of origin).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying raw pellets as "Plastic Film"
π Consequence: HS Code 3920.xx (Finished Film) may have different duties and regulations. Incorrect classification!
β Mistake 2: Using 8477 codes for raw material
π Consequence: CBP will reject, delay, or penalize. 8477 is for machinery, not chemicals.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122
π Consequence: Assuming only Section 301 (25%) applies. The additional 10% is mandatory for many Chinese goods.
β Correct Practice:
"Ethylene Homopolymer, Linear Low-Density (LLDPE), Pellets, Grade: FILM-101, For Extrusion. Origin: China."
β Use3901.10.50.xxor3914.00.20.00based on exact chemical specs.
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Raw Pellets β Film. Check Base Tariff. Add 35-41% for US."
πΉ "Avoid 8477 for Plastic. Use 3901/3914."
πΉ "Document Everything. TDS is Your Best Friend."
π Pro Tip:
If your ethylene polymer is co-polymerized with significant amounts of other monomers (e.g., propylene), it may move to Chapter 3902. Always consult a customs broker with the exact TDS before shipping.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Licensed Customs Broker
π Request Pre-Classification Ruling from CBP
π° Factor 35-41.5% into your landed cost
β¨ Accurate Classification Starts with Technical Precision!
πΌ Don't Let Tariffs Erase Your Margins!
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.