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𧱠Stone Adhesive (Stone Glues & Epoxies)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Logistics Strategy
π Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Stone Adhesive"?
Stone Adhesive refers to high-performance bonding agents specifically designed for natural stone (granite, marble, limestone) and artificial stone installation. In international trade, these products are chemically distinct from standard wood glues or general-purpose construction adhesives. They are primarily classified based on their chemical composition.
Two Main Categories: 1. Two-Part Epoxy Adhesives: The most common high-strength solution. Composed of a resin and a hardener. 2. Acrylic or Polymer-Based Adhesives: Often used for lighter applications or specific stone types, but frequently classified under different subheadings depending on whether they are "prepared binders."
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is a mixed resin system (epoxy) β Classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics/Resins).
- If the product is a cement-based mortar (often called "Stone Mortar" or "Thin-Set") β Classified under Chapter 38 or 39 depending on binding agents.
- Crucial: Pure stone glues are rarely classified under "Adhesives for Wood" (3506). They are Chemical Preparations.
π¦ Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Chemical Base |
|---|---|---|---|
3906.90.90.50 |
Other acrylates and other vinyl polymers in primary forms; Epoxy resins in primary forms; preparations based on epoxy resins | High-strength stone bonding, granite installation, two-part epoxy kits | β Epoxy |
3906.90.90.80 |
Other plastics and articles thereof; Preparations based on other polymers | Acrylic-based stone adhesives, specialized polymer binders | β Acrylic/Polymer |
3506.91.00.00 |
Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives; modified starches...; Other prepared adhesives | General-purpose construction adhesives (less common for structural stone) | β οΈ Mixed/Generic |
3824.99.92.00 |
Products and preparations of chemical or allied industries...; Other | Specific chemical mixtures not elsewhere specified, including some specialized stone sealing primers | β οΈ Specialized |
π Key Reminder:
- Most high-quality stone adhesives fall under3906.90.90.50because they are primarily epoxy-based preparations.
- If the product is marketed as a "Prepared Adhesive" under Chapter 35, it usually implies a latex or starch-based binder, which is weak for stone. Avoid this classification for structural stone work.
- Customs officers often scrutinize Chapter 39 vs. Chapter 35. Ensure your MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) clearly states the primary binding agent (e.g., "Epoxy Resin").
π° Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3906.90.90.50 ββ Epoxy Resins & Preparations (Most Common for Stone Adhesive)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.7% (Ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (Specific to China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Effective Rate | 23.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 23.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3906.90.90.50 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The base duty for epoxy preparations is 5.7%.
- The 7.5% Section 301 tariff applies to many chemical preparations from China.
- The 10% IEEPA surtax is the new mandatory add-on for Chinese-origin goods affecting this category.
- Total: 23.2%. This is a moderate-to-high tariff compared to other consumer goods, significantly impacting profit margins for low-cost adhesives.
π― 2. 3906.90.90.80 ββ Other Polymer Preparations (Acrylic-Based)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.7% |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 23.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 23.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3906.90.90.80 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Even if the adhesive is acrylic-based, if it falls under "Preparations of Plastics," it is subject to the same surtax structure as epoxy.
- Do not assume acrylic means lower duty. The surtaxes apply uniformly to this chapter.
π― 3. 3506.91.00.00 ββ Other Prepared Adhesives (Less Common for Heavy Stone)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 5.7% |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 23.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 23.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
π Warning:
- While some small-tube adhesives might be misclassified here, if they are epoxy-based, customs will reclassify them to 3906, leading to delays.
- The rate is effectively the same due to the universal surtax application.
π οΈ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Survival Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Missing Anything = Delay)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Critical. Must clearly list chemical components (e.g., "Epoxy Resin," "Polyamide Hardener"). If vague ("Chemical Mixture"), customs will hold the cargo. |
| β Product Labeling | βοΈ | Must show "Stone Adhesive," "Epoxy," "Two-Part," Net Weight, Manufacturer Info. |
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Viscosity, curing time, tensile strength. Helps prove it's for stone, not wood. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Preparation of Epoxy Resins" or "Stone Adhesive." Do not just write "Glue." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail components (Resin Part A + Hardener Part B) if sold separately. |
| β FSC Certificate (if Wood Packaging) | βοΈ | If pallets are used, ISPM-15 compliance is mandatory. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Epoxy is Plastic, Not Glue; Chapter 39 is the Key!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Two-Part Epoxy Stone Glue | 3906.90.90.50 - Epoxy Preparations |
3506.91 (Glue) β High Risk of Rejection |
| Acrylic Stone Adhesive | 3906.90.90.80 - Other Polymer Prep |
3506.91 β May be accepted but slower |
| Cement-Based Stone Mortar | 3824.99 or 3004 (if medicated? No) β Usually 3824.99.92 |
3506.91 β Incorrect Classification |
| Small Tube (50ml) for Retail | Same HS Code as Bulk | 9616.20 (Perfume sprayers?) β Absurd Error |
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Colors | Provide color codes and formulation sheets. Do not list "Various Colors" as the product name. |
| Liquid vs. Paste | Viscosity matters for MSDS. Ensure the MSDS matches the physical state declared. |
| Hazardous Goods (DG) | Epoxy resins are often Class 8 Corrosive or Class 9 Miscellaneous. Ensure proper DG declaration and UN Packaging. Failure to do so results in fines and detention. |
| Combined Shipment (Adhesive + Stone) | Declare separately. Adhesive is DG/Chemical; Stone is Mineral. Do not mix in one HS line item. |
π Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3906.90.90.50 |
23.2% (CN Origin) | SDS/FDA (if food contact? No, but good for labels) | High surtax. DG handling required. |
| π¨π³ China | 3906.90.90.50 |
5.7% | REACH-like standards | Lower barrier to entry. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3906.90.90 |
0% - 4% (Depends on exact sub) | REACH Registration | REACH Compliance is Mandatory for chemicals. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3906.90.90 |
5% | AICIS Registration | Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3906.90.90 |
5.2% | FIEC (Fire Equipment) if applicable | Strict labeling in Japanese required. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to Section 301 + IEEPA.
- EU/Australia require Chemical Registration (REACH/AICIS) before import. This is a higher barrier than tariffs.
- China is the production hub, so sourcing from Vietnam/Mexico (if re-exported) might offer tariff advantages in the US (transshipment risks apply).
π Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Epoxy Stone Adhesive as "Wood Glue" (HS 3506)
π Consequence: Customs detects epoxy content β Reclassification to 3906 β Penalty + Back Duties.
π Truth: Epoxy is a plastic resin preparation.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Dangerous Goods (DG) Classification
π Consequence: Epoxy hardeners can be corrosive. If not declared as DG, air freight will be rejected, and sea freight faces detention fees.
π Truth: Always check UN Number and Class in the MSDS.
β Mistake 3: Using "Adhesive" as the Product Name
π Consequence: Vague descriptions lead to customs audits.
π Truth: Use "Epoxy Stone Adhesive, Two-Component, Part A: Resin, Part B: Hardener."
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis (Under $800) Applies
π Consequence: IEEPA explicitly denies de minimis for many chemical products from China.
π Truth: Even small samples from China may face full duties if they fall under specific IEEPA lists.
β Correct Approach:
"Epoxy Resin-Based Stone Adhesive, Two-Part Kit, Non-Flammable, UN1760 (if applicable), MSDS Attached, For Industrial Stone Installation"
π― Part 7: Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Epoxy is Plastic, Not Glue; Chapter 39 is the Key!"
πΉ "MSDS is King, DG Declaration is Life; Clear Labels Mean Smooth Clearance!"
πΉ "USA Tariff is 23.2%, Plan Your Pricing Accordingly!"
π Pro Tip:
If your stone adhesive is epoxy-based, consider pre-classification ruling from US CBP if you are shipping large volumes. It provides legal certainty.
For EU exports, start REACH registration early, as it takes months and is a hard requirement.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Dangerous Goods Specialist + Review MSDS + Prepare Precise Product Description
π Ensure your stone adhesive clears customs smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percent of duty matters; let precision protect your 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.