hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant mixture long lasting cooling
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2903750100 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3827320000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3827310000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 2903710100 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3824995500 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
βοΈ Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) Refrigerant Mixture | Long-Lasting Cooling Solutions
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "HCFC Refrigerants"?
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are transitional refrigerants used in air conditioning, refrigeration, and industrial cooling systems. They are chemical mixtures containing hydrogen, chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. In international trade, they are strictly regulated due to their ozone-depleting potential.
Key Distinctions: - Pure HCFCs vs. Mixtures: Pure HCFCs (like R-22) are classified under Chapter 29 (Organic Chemicals). - HCFC Mixtures: Blends of HCFCs with other compounds (like HFCs or hydrocarbons) for specific cooling properties are typically classified under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is a single organic chemical compound (pure HCFC) β Chapter 29 (e.g.,2903.71.01.00,2903.75.01.00)
- If the product is a mixture or blend of HCFCs with other substances for refrigeration use β Chapter 38 (e.g.,3827.31.00.00,3827.32.00.00)
- If classified as a generic halogenated hydrocarbon mixture not specifically for refrigeration β Chapter 38 (3824.99.55.00)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Chemical Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
2903.71.01.00 |
Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons with only fluorine and chlorine atoms | Pure HCFCs (e.g., specific blends meeting strict chemical definition) | Organic Chemical (Chapter 29) |
2903.75.01.00 |
Halogenated derivatives of acyclic hydrocarbons containing two or more different halogens | HCFCs with multiple halogen types | Organic Chemical (Chapter 29) |
3827.31.00.00 |
Preparations containing HCFCs, specifically mixtures of halogenated derivatives of methane, ethane, or propane | Commercial refrigerant blends primarily for cooling | Chemical Preparation (Chapter 38) |
3827.32.00.00 |
Preparations containing HCFCs, other than those of 3827.31 | General HCFC mixtures not fitting specific methane/ethane/propane categories | Chemical Preparation (Chapter 38) |
3824.99.55.00 |
Other prepared binders for foundry molds; other chemical products and preparations | Generic halogenated hydrocarbon mixtures not specifically for refrigeration | Chemical Preparation (Chapter 38) |
π Key Reminder:
- All refrigerant mixtures explicitly stated to contain HCFCs should preferably be classified under 3827 for precision. - If the mixture is primarily an organic chemical compound rather than a "preparation," Chapter 29 (2903) may apply, but Chapter 38 is more common for commercial refrigerant blends. - Misclassification between Chapter 29 and 38 can lead to customs delays, as the chemical definition differs.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (inclusive of subsequent imports)
π― 1. HS Codes: 2903.75.01.00, 3827.32.00.00, 3827.31.00.00, 2903.71.01.00, 3824.99.55.00
(Note: All listed HS codes share the same tariff structure in this data set)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.7% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Additional duty under US Trade Law Section 301) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10.0% (Additional duty under Section 122) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301 β Section 122 β HS Code β Footnote |
π Explanation:
- The Base Rate (3.7%) is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff for chemical preparations/halogenated hydrocarbons. - The Section 301 Surcharge (+25%) is a significant penalty on Chinese-origin goods, specifically targeting industrial and chemical products. - The Section 122 Surcharge (+10%) applies to specific categories of imports from China, adding to the total burden. - Total Rate of 38.7% is extremely high. This significantly impacts the profit margin of refrigerant imports. - De Minimis Exemption: Items valued under $800 are not exempt from these duties. Every shipment, regardless of value, is subject to the 38.7% tariff.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Must classify ingredients, including HCFC percentages. Critical for chemical safety assessment. |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Details the exact mixture composition, cooling capacity, and intended use. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Refrigerant Mixture" and exact HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Itemizes containers, net/gross weight, and volume. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To confirm Chinese origin (triggers the 38.7% rate). |
| β Import License/Permits | βοΈ | HCFCs are regulated under the Montreal Protocol. Verify if EPA or other agency permits are needed. |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | Purity and composition analysis from accredited labs. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Exact Composition, Clear Name, No Hidden Mixtures!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| HCFC Refrigerant Blend | Use 3827.31.00.00 or 3827.32.00.00 | Declaring as "General Chemical" β 3824.99.55.00 (risk of misclassification penalty) |
| Pure HCFC Compound | Use 2903.71.01.00 or 2903.75.01.00 | Declaring as "Mixture" β 3827 (may be accepted, but less precise for pure chemicals) |
| Refrigerant with Propellant | Disclose all components | Hiding additives β Customs seizure |
| Small Sample Shipment | Still declare fully | Assuming "low value" = no tax β Audit Risk! |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| HCFC Phase-out Regulations | Ensure compliance with US EPA SNAP program. Some HCFCs are banned or restricted. |
| Recycled vs. New Refrigerant | Clearly distinguish. Recycled may have different documentation but same tariff rate. |
| Mixed Containers (HCFC + HFC) | If the mixture contains both, declare the primary component or the blend. If primarily HCFC, use 3827. |
| Customs Audit Trigger | High tariff (38.7%) attracts scrutiny. Keep all chemical composition proofs ready for 5+ years. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3827.31.00.00 / 3827.32.00.00 |
38.7% (China) | EPA Registration + SDS | Highest duty due to Section 301 & 122 |
| π¨π³ China | 3827.31.00.00 |
5-10% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower duty, but strict environmental controls |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3824.99.95 |
0-6.5% | REACH Registration | HCFCs heavily restricted under F-Gas Regulation |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3827.31.00.00 |
5% | Ozone Protection Certification | Strict quotas on HCFC imports |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3827.31.00.00 |
0-5% | ODS Control | Phasing out HCFCs rapidly |
π Conclusion:
- The USA imposes the highest tariffs (38.7%) on Chinese HCFC refrigerants due to trade measures. - Global Phase-Out: Most developed markets are phasing out HCFCs in favor of HFOs and HFCs. Ensure your product is still legal to import in the destination country. - Cost Impact: A $10,000 shipment incurs $3,870 in duties alone. Factor this into your pricing strategy.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring HCFC mixture as "General Solvent" (3814)
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to 3827 + apply 38.7% tariff β Back taxes + Penalties!
β Error 2: Failing to disclose HCFC content in the SDS
π Consequence: Shipment held for chemical safety review β Delays + Storage Fees
β Error 3: Assuming "Refrigerant" is a single HS Code
π Consequence: Wrong code (2903 vs 3827) β Audit Trigger due to tariff difference
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 122 Surcharge
π Consequence: Underpayment of 10% β Fines + Interest
β Correct Practice:
"Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Refrigerant Mixture (R-401A Equivalent), 50kg Cylinder, Pure Grade, For Industrial AC Use, MSDS Provided, HS Code 3827.31.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control, Compliance First!
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ "38.7% Total Duty is Non-Negotiable for US Imports from China"
πΉ "Chapter 38 (Mixtures) vs. Chapter 29 (Pure Chemicals): Choose Based on Composition"
πΉ "HCFC Phase-Out: Verify Legal Status in Destination Country"
πΉ "No De Minimis Exemption: Every Shipment is Taxed"
π Tips:
- If you are importing small quantities for R&D, consider if the product can be reclassified as a "Sample" or "Laboratory Reagent" (still likely taxable, but document meticulously).
- Pre-Arrival Review: Submit your SDS and Invoice to your customs broker before shipment to confirm HS Code and duty calculation.
- Alternative Markets: Consider sourcing from non-China countries (e.g., India, Thailand) to potentially avoid Section 301/122 tariffs, but check for local HCFC restrictions.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your Customs Broker with SDS and Commercial Invoice
π Calculate Landed Cost: Include 38.7% duty + freight + insurance
π Verify EPA Compliance: Ensure HCFC blend is allowed for use in the US
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved in Compliance is a Dollar Earned in Profit!
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.