铸造用粘结剂稀释液
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3901909000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3901905501 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3903901000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3903905000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3506915000 | 37.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🏭 Polymer Casting Binder Diluents (Foundry Binders)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Casting Binder Diluents"?
Casting binder diluents (often referred to in the industry as foundry binders, bonding agents, or diluted polymer resins) are chemical formulations used in metal casting processes to bind sand grains together. Based on the provided data, these products are primarily polymer-based (Ethylene or Styrene polymers) in their primary forms.
Key Classification Logic: 1. Polymer Material Basis: The classification depends heavily on the specific polymer type (Ethylene vs. Styrene). 2. Physical State: Classified as "Primary Forms" (e.g., liquids, powders, granules) rather than finished articles. 3. Functional Use: While used as "binders," customs often prioritizes the material composition (Chapter 39) over the end-use function (Chapter 35) if the polymer content is dominant and meets specific statutory notes.
⚠️ Critical Distinction:
- If the product is primarily an Ethylene Polymer →归类 to Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- If the product is primarily a Styrene Polymer → 归类 to Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- If the product is primarily a General Polymer Adhesive (non-specific) → 归类 to Chapter 35 (Animal/Vegetable Glues).
Note: The data provided shows a conflict between Chapter 39 and Chapter 35. This usually depends on the specific chemical composition and whether it is considered a "plastic" or a "glue/adhesive." The data indicates a split in potential classification.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Tariff Authority Comparison)
The following table maps the specific HS Codes from <DATA> to their logical classification bases.
| HS Code | Product Description | Classification Logic | Material Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
3901.90.90.00 |
Polymer Casting Binder | Based on Ethylene Polymer material & primary form logic | ✅ Ethylene-based |
3901.90.55.01 |
Polymer Casting Binder | Based on Ethylene Copolymer material & primary form logic | ✅ Ethylene Copolymer |
3903.90.10.00 |
Polymer Casting Binder | Based on Styrene Polymer material & primary form logic | ✅ Styrene-based |
3903.90.50.00 |
Polymer Casting Binder | Based on Styrene Polymer material & primary form logic | ✅ Styrene-based |
3506.91.50.00 |
Polymer Casting Binder | Based on Polymer Material & Adhesive Use logic | 🟡 General Polymer/Adhesive |
🔍 Key Insight:
- Chapters 3901/3903: These codes classify the product primarily as a Plastic/Resin. This is typically the most common classification for synthetic resin-based binders.
- Chapter 3506: This code classifies the product as a Prepared Adhesive. This is used if the product is viewed more as a "glue" than a raw plastic resin.
- Tax Impact: Both classifications result in high tariffs due to trade measures, but the Base Duty differs significantly (2.1% vs 6.5%), affecting the final landed cost calculation.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: USA (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Current Trade War Measures)
🎯 1. 3901.90.90.00 & 3901.90.55.01 (Ethylene-Based Polymers)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Ethylene Polymer / Ethylene Copolymer (Primary Forms) |
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Trade War Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| Calculation Base | CIF Value × 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable (High-value commercial goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3901.90.90/55 → USITC Footnote 301 → Section 122 Statute |
📌 Explanation:
- The 6.5% base rate reflects the standard duty for "Other ethylene polymers in primary forms."
- The 25% is the standard Section 301 penalty on Chinese plastics/resins.
- The 10% is an additional Section 122 tariff (national security/industrial base protection).
- Total: 41.5%. This is a high-cost classification for raw plastic materials.
🎯 2. 3903.90.10.00 & 3903.90.50.00 (Styrene-Based Polymers)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Styrene Polymer (Primary Forms) |
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Trade War Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 41.5% |
| Calculation Base | CIF Value × 41.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3903.90.10/50 → USITC Footnote 301 → Section 122 Statute |
📌 Explanation:
- Styrene polymers (like polystyrene or ABS precursors) fall under Chapter 39.03.
- The tariff structure is identical to Ethylene polymers in this data set.
- Total: 41.5%. No cost advantage over Ethylene-based binders.
🎯 3. 3506.91.50.00 (General Polymer Adhesives)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Other Adhesives (Polymer-based, used for casting) |
| Base Tariff | 2.1% |
| Trade War Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 37.1% |
| Calculation Base | CIF Value × 37.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3506.91.50 → USITC Footnote 301 → Section 122 Statute |
📌 Explanation:
- This classification views the product as a "Prepared Adhesive" rather than a raw plastic.
- Base Rate is lower (2.1% vs 6.5%), resulting in a total rate of 37.1%.
- Savings: 4.4% lower than Chapter 39 classifications.
- Risk: Customs may challenge this if the product is predominantly a raw polymer resin rather than a formulated adhesive.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Technical Data Sheet (TDS) | ✔️ YES | Must clearly state: Polymer Type (Ethylene/Styrene), Solvent Content, Viscosity, Solid Content %. |
| ✅ Formula/Composition Statement | ✔️ YES | Crucial for distinguishing between 39 (Plastic) and 35 (Adhesive). Must list % of active polymer vs. solvents/additives. |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ YES | Show containers, labels, and the physical state (liquid/powder). |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ YES | Use precise description: "Polymer Casting Binder, Ethylene-Based, Primary Form, HS 3901.90.90.00". Avoid vague terms like "Glue" if classifying under Ch 39. |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ YES | Required for Section 122/301 verification. |
✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mantra)
🔥 "Material First, Function Second; Ethylene/Styrene to Ch 39, General Adhesive to Ch 35!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| High Polymer Content (>80%) | 3901.90.90.00 or 3903.90.10.00 |
Considered a "Plastic/Resin in Primary Form." |
| Formulated Adhesive with Solvents | 3506.91.50.00 |
Considered a "Prepared Adhesive." Lower Base Duty (2.1%). |
| Ethylene Copolymer | 3901.90.55.01 |
Specific subheading for copolymers. |
| Styrene Butadiene/Styrene Acrylonitrile | 3903.90.10.00 or 3903.90.50.00 |
Specific styrene-based subheadings. |
⚠️ Warning:
- Do NOT mix descriptions. If you claim it's a "Plastic" (Ch 39), do not describe it as a "Glue" on the invoice.
- If using3506.91.50.00, ensure the product is chemically a adhesive (bonding agent) and not just a raw polymer resin. Customs may reclassify to Ch 39 if the polymer content is too high and lacks adhesive-specific additives.
✅ 3. Special Circumstances
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Packaging | If shipped with sand or molds, declare only the binder. Sand/molds are separate shipments. |
| OEM/Private Label | Ensure the supplier's TDS matches the importer's declaration. Discrepancies cause audits. |
| Section 122 Exemption | ❌ Not Available for this category. Section 122 tariffs are currently active for Chinese plastics/adhesives. |
| Small Samples | ❌ No De Minimis. High duty rates (37-41%) make small shipments expensive. Use air freight only if necessary. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Add-ons (China) | Total Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3901.90.90.00 / 3506.91.50.00 |
6.5% / 2.1% | 35% (301+122) | 41.5% / 37.1% | Highest Cost. Plan for margin erosion. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3901.90.90.00 / 3506.91.50.00 |
6.5% / 6.5% | 0% | 6.5% | Low cost if exporting to China. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3901.90.90 / 3506.91.50 |
~5-6.5% | 0% | ~6.5% | No US-style retaliatory tariffs. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 3901.90.90 / 3506.91.50 |
~5-6.5% | 0% | ~6.5% | Post-Brexit, aligned with EU for now. |
📌 Conclusion:
- The US market is exceptionally costly for Chinese-sourced polymer casting binders due to the 35% combined surtax.
- Chapter 35 (3506.91.50.00) offers a 4.4% savings over Chapter 39, but requires robust chemical justification.
- Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., sourcing from Vietnam/Thailand) if US tariffs are prohibitive.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Classifying as 3506.91.50.00 (Adhesive) without proving it's a "prepared adhesive."
👉 Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 3901.90.90.00 → Back taxes + Penalty.
❌ Error 2: Using vague description "Liquid Binder" on Invoice.
👉 Consequence: Customs assigns Catch-all High Duty or requires manual exam → Delays.
❌ Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 (10%).
👉 Consequence: Underpayment of duty → Seizure or Liquidation of underpayment.
❌ Error 4: Confusing "Ethylene Copolymer" (3901.90.55.01) with "Other Ethylene Polymer" (3901.90.90.00).
👉 Consequence: While tax rate is same, incorrect subheading leads to audit flags for "Misclassification."
✅ Correct Approach:
"Polymer Casting Binder, Styrene-Based, Primary Liquid Form, For Foundry Use, HS 3903.90.10.00"
OR
"Polymer Adhesive for Sand Casting, Ethylene-Based, HS 3506.91.50.00"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Strategic Sourcing & Compliance
🎯 Key Takeaway:
🔹 "41.5% is the price of Plastic; 37.1% is the price of Glue."
🔹 "Section 122 and 301 are unavoidable for China-origin goods."
🔹 "Document your polymer chemistry to justify Chapter 35 savings."
📌 Pro Tip:
If your polymer binder is sourced from ASEAN countries (Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia), you may qualify for preferential tariffs or exemptions from Section 301/122 under certain US trade policies.
👉 Action: Apply for a Pre-Ruling with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before shipment to lock in the correct HS Code and duty rate.
📣 Immediate Action Required:
📞 Engage a Licensed Customs Broker + Provide Full TDS/Formula + Apply for CBP Pre-Ruling
🚀 Secure your 37.1% or 41.5% rate, avoid audits, and keep your casting supply chain alive!
✨ Precision Classification Saves Money!
💼 Your Foundry Margins Depend on This 4.4% Difference!
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.