定影液PH调节剂
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 382490 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🧪 Fixer pH Adjuster (Photographic Chemical Additives)
[定影液PH调节剂]
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026最新税则解析 | 专业级通关策略
📌 One, Product Definition and Classification: What is a "Fixer pH Adjuster"?
A Fixer pH Adjuster is a specialized chemical additive used in photographic processing (specifically in film or paper developing tanks). Its primary function is to maintain or restore the optimal acidic pH level in the fixing bath (fixer solution).
In the context of international trade and customs classification (Chapter 38), these are classified as Prepared Chemical Additives. The classification hinges on two critical exclusions: 1. Not Pure Chemicals: If it were a pure inorganic acid (like Acetic Acid) or pure base (like Sodium Carbonate) without other additives, it might fall under Chapters 28 or 29. However, commercial "pH adjusters" are typically preparations containing buffers, stabilizers, and other agents to ensure stability in the photographic environment. 2. Not Pure Photographic Reagents: While used in photography, simple photographic fixing salts (like Sodium Thiosulfate) are often classified under Chapter 28 (specifically 2831 or 2852 depending on the salt). However, prepared additives designed specifically to adjust the pH of these baths, which are not specified elsewhere, fall into the residual category of Chapter 38.
⚠️ Key Distinction Point: - If the product is pure Sodium Acetate or Pure Acetic Acid sold solely as a chemical raw material → Likely Chapter 29 or 28. - If the product is a commercial preparation (mixed chemicals, buffers) labeled as "Fixer pH Adjuster" or "Photographic Bath Stabilizer" → Chapter 38.
📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data for "Fixer pH Adjuster," the correct classification is within the residual heading for prepared chemical products.
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
382490 |
Other prepared chemical products not elsewhere specified or included | Photographic chemical additives (pH adjusters, stabilizers), industrial cleaning preparations, binding agents. | ✅ Correct: Covers prepared chemical additives not specifically named in other chapters (like pure acids in Ch 29). |
2915.30 |
Acetates and acetate esters | Pure Sodium Acetate | ❌ Incorrect: Only if it is a single pure chemical substance, not a "preparation." |
284900 |
Silicides and silicides of metals | Note: The source data contains a description mismatch. | ❌ Incorrect: HS 2849 refers to Silicides, which has no relation to pH adjusters. The source text description "Chemical products of this heading include... potentially covering specific pH adjusting agents" is misleading/erroneous for silicides. Do NOT use 2849 for pH adjusters unless it is a silicate-based buffer (rare for fixers). |
382499 |
Other prepared chemical products (US Specific Sub-heading) | Same as 382490, further detailed for US imports. | ✅ Specific US Entry: Often used for imports into the USA under 8-digit classification. |
🔍 Critical Clarification on Source Data: The provided
<DATA>contains a contradictory entry for284900. - HS 2849 strictly refers to Silicides and Silicides of Metals. - HS 3824 refers to Prepared Binders for Foundry Moulds or Cores; Chemical Products and Preparations Not Elsewhere Specified or Included. - Conclusion: A "Fixer pH Adjuster" is a Preparation. It is NOT a silicide. Therefore,382490is the ONLY logically and legally correct HS Code among the choices. The description associated with 284900 in the prompt appears to be a data error or a broad misinterpretation of "chemical products." We must adhere to the correct chemical nature: Preparation = 3824.
💰 Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Detailed Breakdown)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Status: General Rate / Section 301 & IEEPA
🎯 1. 382490 —— Prepared Chemical Products (Photographic Additives)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 5.7% (Standard MFN Rate for 3824.90.00) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25% (Under USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 - Section 301) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (Under IEEPA:9903.01.24/25 - Targeting Chinese Goods) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 40.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No (Denied for chemical preparations from China under Section 301) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 → USITC:3824.90.00 → FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
📌 Explanation: - Base 5.7%: The standard duty for "Other prepared chemical products." - 25% Section 301: Applies to most chemical preparations from China to protect US industry. - 10% IEEPA: Recent additional tariff targeting Chinese imports. - Total 40.7%: This is a high-cost category. Importers must account for this in their landed cost calculations.
⚠️ Warning Regarding
284900in Source Data: If a user were to incorrectly use284900(Silicides) based on the erroneous text description: - HS 2849 generally has a base rate of 6.4%. - It is also subject to Section 301 (25%) and IEEPA (10%). - Total: 41.4%. - However, using 284900 for a pH adjuster is SMUGGLING/FRAUD if inspected, as the product is not a silicide. This leads to seizure, fines, and criminal penalties, not just tax differences. STICK TO 382490.
🛠️ Four, Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must explicitly state: "Preparation," "Buffer," "pH Adjuster," and list chemical components (e.g., Sodium Acetate, Acetic Acid). |
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ | Proves it is a "Preparation" (mixture) and not a pure chemical. Shows pH range and concentration. |
| ✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | ✔️ | Essential for chemical clearance. Classifies hazard level and correct UN number if applicable. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Description must be detailed: "Photographic Fixer pH Adjuster, Prepared Chemical Preparation, NOT Pure Acid." |
| ✅ HS Code Pre-Ruling | ✔️ | Highly Recommended. Request an advance ruling from CBP to confirm 382490. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
🔥 "Preparation, Not Pure; Chapter 38 is the Key!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial pH Adjuster | 3824.90.00 |
Misdeclare as 2915.30 (Acetates) → If pure, okay. If mixed, Audited & Penalized. |
| Pure Acetic Acid | 2915.30.00.00 |
Misdeclare as 3824 → Incorrect, but lower scrutiny if purity >99%. |
| Photographic Film (End Product) | 3702.54.00 |
Don't mix film with chemicals in one shipment unless properly packed. |
| Generic "Chemical Additive" | ❌ Vague Description | "Chemical for Fixer" → Customs will detain and ask for COA/SDS immediately. |
Specific Wording for Invoice: "FIXER PH ADJUSTER, CHEMICAL PREPARATION FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC USE, CONTAINS BUFFERING AGENTS, NOT PURE ACID, HS 3824.90.00"
✅ 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Liquid vs. Powder | Ensure packaging is rated for chemicals (UN-certified drums). SDS must specify physical state. |
| Hazardous Goods | If the adjuster contains strong acids/bases, it may be classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) for shipping (IATA/IMDG), even if the HS Code is 3824. |
| Small Samples (< $800) | De Minimis (Section 321) DOES NOT APPLY to Section 301 goods. You still pay duties, even for small packages. |
🌍 Five, Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3824.90.00 |
40.7% (5.7 + 25 + 10) | SDS, FDA (if touching food, but photographic is exempt), EPA | High tariffs due to Section 301. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3824.90.90 |
0% - 5% | No special entry permits for general use. | Low barrier. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3824.99.97 |
6.8% | REACH Registration (ECHA) is MANDATORY for chemical imports. | REACH compliance is costly and complex. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 3824.99.97 |
6.8% | UK REACH Registration. | Post-Brexit, UK REACH is separate from EU. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 3824.99.90 |
0% - 6% | Prifectural inspection for chemicals. | Generally favorable, but requires detailed Japanese labeling. |
📌 Conclusion: - USA: High tariff (40.7%). Cost must be factored in. - EU/UK: Moderate tariff (6.8%), but REACH/UK REACH compliance is the major bottleneck. Many small chemical preparations fail here due to lack of ECHA registration. - Other: Lower barriers, but always check local chemical regulations.
📌 Six, Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from Blood & Tears)
❌ Error 1: Classifying as 284900 (Silicides) because the data source description was vague.
👉 Consequence: Customs inspection reveals it's not a silicide. Seizure + Fraud Penalty.
👉 Fix: Always use 382490 for preparations. Ignore the erroneous description linked to 2849 in the source data.
❌ Error 2: Declaring as "Photographic Fixer" (Pure Sodium Thiosulfate).
👉 Consequence: If it's pure, it should be 2831.10 or 2852.10. If it's a mix, it's 3824. Misclassification leads to Audit.
👉 Fix: Check the purity. If it contains buffers/additives, it's a Preparation (3824).
❌ Error 3: Ignoring the Section 301 impact. 👉 Consequence: Budgeting only for 5.7% duty, only to pay 40.7%. Profit margin destroyed. 👉 Fix: Always calculate landed cost with Total Tariff (40.7%).
✅ Correct Practice:
"Prepared Chemical pH Adjuster for Photographic Fixing Baths, Mixture of Salts and Buffers, HS Code 3824.90.00, Origin China."
🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money and Prevents Seizure
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Preparation = 3824, Pure = 28/29."
🔹 "Ignore the 2849 Error, Stick to 3824."
🔹 "USA Tariff is 40.7%, Plan Your Price!"
📌 Pro Tip: If you are importing small quantities for R&D, consider using a bonded warehouse or verifying if any specific Exemption Codes apply (though rare for chemical preparations from China). Always secure the SDS and COA before shipping to avoid port delays.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify Purity with Supplier → Get SDS → Confirm HS 3824.90.00 → Calculate Landed Cost with 40.7% Duty → Ship. 🚀 Clearance Success Starts with Accurate Classification!
✨ Professional Customs Clearance, Precision from the First Line! 💼 Every Penny of Tax Should Be Predictable and Legal!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.