syringe
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9018310080 | 110.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926902100 | 21.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9018310040 | 110.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9018310080 | 110.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
Here is the professional, wiki-style guide for clearing Syringes based on your provided data.
𧬠Syringes (Medical Injectors)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Tax Regime Analysis | Strategic Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know Your Syringe Type?
Syringes are critical medical devices used for injecting fluids, extracting samples, or delivering medication. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on material composition and specific design intent, which drastically alters the tax burden.
Based on the provided data, syringes fall into two distinct categories with a staggering tax difference: 1. High-Risk Medical Category (9018.31.00): Strictly regulated medical devices. * Tax Impact: 110.0% (Catastrophic) 2. General Plastic Category (3926.x.x): Plastic items not meeting specific medical device criteria or classified as "other plastics". * Tax Impact: ~21.7% - 22.8% (Moderate)
β οΈ CRITICAL WARNING:
- If your product is classified as 9018.31.00 (Medical Device), the tax is 110% due to the 100% "Additional Tariff" + 10% Section 122 Tariff.
- If you can legally prove it falls under 3926 (General Plastic), the tax drops to ~22%.
- Misclassification risk: Declaring a medical syringe as "plastic" to avoid high taxes is a high-risk audit target!
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description (Summary) | Material/Key Feature | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9018.31.00.40 | Medical Plastic Syringe | Plastic, suitable for subcutaneous injection | 110.0% |
| 9018.31.00.80 | Syringe (General Medical) | Medical use, undefined type, meets syringe scope | 110.0% |
| 3926.90.21.00 | Medical Plastic Syringe | Plastic material, injection use | 21.7% |
| 3926.90.99.89 | Syringe (Other Plastic) | Primarily plastic, categorized as "Otherε‘ζεΆε" | 22.8% |
π Analysis of Discrepancy:
Notice the 9018.31 codes carry a 100% Additional Tariff on top of the base rate, whereas 3926 codes carry a standard 7.5% Additional Tariff. The key difference in customs logic is whether the item is deemed a "Specialized Medical Instrument" (9018) vs. "Other Plastic Article" (3926).
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown & Legal Basis
β Applicable Region: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Policy: Includes Base Tariff + Additional Tariffs + Section 122 Tariff
π― 1. The "Medical Device" Trap (HS Code: 9018.31.00.40 & .80)
Total Tax: 110.0%
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal/Policy Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | General MFN rate for specific medical items |
| Additional Tariff | 100.0% | Section 301 / "Additional Tariff" (Severe penalty for US medical imports) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | Section 122 (Specific reciprocal or national security measure) |
| Combined Total | 110.0% | 0.0 + 100.0 + 10.0 |
π Interpretation:
- This is an extremely punitive rate. The 100% "Additional Tariff" essentially doubles the product cost before even paying the 10% Section 122 fee.
- This classification applies to syringes explicitly recognized as "Medical Instruments" intended for injection therapy.
- Verdict: If your product is a standard medical syringe, expect to pay 110% of the value.
π― 2. The "Plastic Goods" Loophole? (HS Code: 3926.90.21.00 & .99.89)
Total Tax: ~21.7% - 22.8%
| Tax Component | Rate (e.g., 3926.90.21.00) | Legal/Policy Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% | General tariff for plastic articles |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% | Section 301 (Standard lower tier for plastics) |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | Section 122 (Applies to most Chinese goods) |
| Combined Total | 21.7% | 4.2 + 7.5 + 10.0 |
| Tax Component | Rate (e.g., 3926.90.99.89) | Legal/Policy Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% | General tariff for "Other Plastics" |
| Additional Tariff | 7.5% | Section 301 |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% | Section 122 |
| Combined Total | 22.8% | 5.3 + 7.5 + 10.0 |
π Interpretation:
- This route saves ~88% in tax compared to the medical classification.
- Risk: This classification is only valid if the syringe can be legally argued as a "general plastic article" rather than a "medical instrument." Customs often challenges this if the product is branded for medical use or has medical packaging.
π οΈ IV. Strategic Clearance Recommendations (Avoiding the 110% Pitfall)
β 1. Material & Documentation Strategy
To determine if you qualify for the lower 3926 rate (~22%) vs. the medical 9018 rate (110%):
| Action Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Technical Specification | Explicitly state if the syringe is non-sterile or intended for non-medical use (e.g., culinary, cosmetic application, art) to push towards 3926. |
| Packaging Labeling | If labeled strictly "Medical Device," 9018 is almost guaranteed. Remove medical claims if legally permissible for the target market. |
| Material Proof | Provide data sheets showing the plastic is generic (e.g., Polypropylene) without medical-grade certification (ISO 13485), though this is risky. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (The "Golden Rule")
π₯ ε£θ―: "Medical Claim = 110%, Plastic Claim = 22%, Mislabel = Audit & Seizure!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Risk Level | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Hospital Syringe | 9018.31.00.40 / .80 |
π’ Correct | Must pay 110%. Do not try to hide this. |
| Non-Sterile "Art" Syringe | 3926.90.21.00 |
π‘ High Risk | Requires proof of non-medical intent. |
| Ambiguous Plastic Syringe | 3926.90.99.89 |
π‘ High Risk | "Other plastic" category is a audit target. |
β 3. Special Handling for Section 122
- Section 122 Tariff (10%): This is universal in your data. It applies to ALL syringe types regardless of the HS code (9018 or 3926).
- Strategy: You cannot avoid the 10% Section 122 fee. The only variable you can control is the Base + Additional Tariff (0%+100% vs 4.2%+7.5%).
β 4. Cost Calculation Example (FOB $10,000)
| Classification | Base Tax | Add. Tax | Sec. 122 Tax | Total Duty | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical (9018) | $0 | $10,000 (100%) | $1,000 (10%) | $11,000 | $21,000 |
| Plastic (3926) | $420 (4.2%) | $750 (7.5%) | $1,000 (10%) | $2,170 | $12,170 |
| > π‘ Savings: $8,830 per $10k shipment by successfully classifying as 3926 (if eligible). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Outlook)
| Destination | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate (China Origin) | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9018.31.00.80 |
110.0% | FDA Approval + Medical Device License |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.21.00 |
21.7% | Must prove non-medical use |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9018.31.00 |
Varies (Low) | CE Mark + MDR Certification |
| π¨π³ China | 9018.31.00 |
~0-10% | NMPA Registration |
π Conclusion:
The US market is the most hostile for syringes. If you are importing medical syringes into the US, prepare for 110% taxation. If you are importing for non-medical use, fight for the 3926 classification to save 88% in taxes.
π VI. Common Errors & "Red Flags" (Don't Get Caught!)
β Error 1: "I'm just shipping plastic, why 110%?"
π Consequence: If the product is a syringe, Customs will default to 9018. Trying to declare as 3926 for medical syringes leads to seizure, fines, and blacklisting.
β Error 2: Ignoring Section 122
π Consequence: Every single item in your list has a 10% Section 122 tariff. It is mandatory. Do not calculate tax without it.
β Error 3: Vague Description "Syringe, Not Clear Type"
π Consequence: 9018.31.00.80 is flagged as "Unclear type." Customs may hold the shipment for detailed inspection of FDA status.
β Correct Approach:
"If Medical: Declare 9018, Prepare for 110% tax. If Art/General: Declare 3926, Provide Non-Medical Usage Proof."
π― VII. Final Verdict: Strategic Action Plan
- Audit Your Product: Is it sterile? Is it FDA-cleared? Is it labeled for "Medical Use"?
- YES β Accept 9018.31.00.80/40 (110% Tax). No alternative.
- NO β Attempt 3926.90.21.00 (21.7% Tax).
- Prepare Legal Defense: If aiming for 3926, have a lawyer draft a "Statement of Non-Medical Use" and ensure packaging does not contain medical imagery.
- Budget for Section 122: Always factor in the 10% Section 122 tariff as a fixed cost.
π Pro Tip:
Do not attempt to import medical-grade syringes under 3926 codes. The risk of Customs seizing the cargo and imposing penalties far outweighs the potential savings. Use the 110% tax as a cost of doing business for medical imports, or pivot your product line to non-medical applications to utilize the ~22% rate.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your Customs Broker immediately to verify your Product Description and Intended Use.
π Ensure your Invoice matches the HS Code logic perfectly.
π‘οΈ Plan for the 110% wall if you are in the Medical sector!
β¨ Precision Classification is your only shield against 110% taxation!
πΌ Every percentage point saved is pure profit!
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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.