Plastic Raw Materials (Polyethylene)
CN → US| HS编码 | 关税税率 | 原产国 | 目的国 | 文档 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3901101000 | 41.5% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
| 3901201000 | 41.5% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
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AI分析
🧪 Polyethylene (PE) – The Backbone of Modern Plastics
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for PE Importers
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Polyethylene"?
Polyethylene (PE) is the most widely produced plastic in the world, used everywhere from grocery bags to high-pressure pipes. In international trade, it is strictly categorized based on Specific Gravity (Density) and Relative Viscosity, which dictate its physical properties and final applications.
According to the provided , there are two primary classifications for Polyethylene with a Relative Viscosity of 1.44 or more:
- Low-Density PE (LDPE/LLDPE range): Specific Gravity < 0.94.
- Characteristics: Flexible, transparent, low melting point. Used for films, bags, squeezable bottles.
- High-Density PE (HDPE range): Specific Gravity ≥ 0.94.
- Characteristics: Rigid, opaque, high chemical resistance. Used for bottles, crates, pipes, toys.
⚠️ Critical Distinction Point:
- If Specific Gravity < 0.94 AND Relative Viscosity ≥ 1.44 →归类 to 3901.10.10.00
- If Specific Gravity ≥ 0.94 AND Relative Viscosity ≥ 1.44 → 归类 to 3901.20.10.00
- Note: Relative viscosity is a measure of molecular weight. If the viscosity is < 1.44, these codes do NOT apply (they would fall under other subheadings not listed in ).
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff对照)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Criteria | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
3901.10.10.00 |
Polymers of ethylene: PE with Specific Gravity < 0.94, Relative Viscosity ≥ 1.44 | Low Density (<0.94) | Plastic films, grocery bags, shrink wrap, agricultural films |
3901.20.10.00 |
Polymers of ethylene: PE with Specific Gravity ≥ 0.94, Relative Viscosity ≥ 1.44 | High Density (≥0.94) | Milk jugs, detergent bottles, pipes, geomembranes, industrial crates |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- Both codes require Relative Viscosity ≥ 1.44. This is a crucial technical parameter often found in the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the manufacturer. - Do not confuse these with LLDPE or LDPE varieties with lower viscosity, which have different HS codes. - The description explicitly states "Primary Forms," meaning resins, pellets, or powders, not pre-formed articles.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025/2026 Period
🎯 1. 3901.10.10.00 – Polyethylene (Specific Gravity < 0.94, Viscosity ≥ 1.44)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | ✅ Yes (Standard $800 threshold applies, subject to CBP discretion) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3901.10.10.00 → USITC:301_Exclusion_Applicable |
📌 Explanation:
- Unlike electronics or steel, many basic polymer resins have been excluded from or never subjected to the aggressive Section 301 tariffs. - Total Cost Impact: Zero additional tariff cost for customs duties. - Strategic Advantage: This makes China a highly competitive source for PE resins entering the US market, provided other regulations (environmental, safety) are met.
🎯 2. 3901.20.10.00 – Polyethylene (Specific Gravity ≥ 0.94, Viscosity ≥ 1.44)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | ✅ Yes (Standard $800 threshold applies, subject to CBP discretion) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3901.20.10.00 → USITC:301_Exclusion_Applicable |
📌 Note:
- Similar to LDPE/LLDPE, HDPE resins with high viscosity are currently duty-free from China. - This applies to both general-purpose HDPE and specific high-viscosity grades. - No Surcharge: Unlike some metal products, plastic raw materials in this category enjoy a 0% total tax rate.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Certificate of Analysis (COA) | ✔️ YES | CRITICAL: Must explicitly state Specific Gravity (density) and Relative Viscosity. Without this, Customs cannot distinguish between 3901.10 and 3901.20, or if it falls outside the 1.44 threshold. |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must clearly describe goods as "Polyethylene Resin, Primary Form," specifying the grade. |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Net weight and gross weight. |
| ✅ Bill of Lading/Air Waybill | ✔️ | Standard shipping document. |
| ✅ Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | ✔️ | Required for chemical safety compliance (DOT/OSHA). PE is generally non-hazardous, but SDS is standard. |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin | ✔️ | To prove origin as China (though tariffs are 0%, origin is still recorded). |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
🔥 "Viscosity is King, Density is Queen! Get both or get rejected!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Error to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| LDPE/LLDPE (<0.94 SG, Visc≥1.44) | 3901.10.10.00 |
Misclassifying as HDPE → Audit risk |
| HDPE (≥0.94 SG, Visc≥1.44) | 3901.20.10.00 |
Misclassifying as LDPE → Audit risk |
| Viscosity < 1.44 | DO NOT USE THESE CODES | Using 3901.10/20 when viscosity is low → Incorrect Classification |
| Pre-formed Plastic Parts | NOT 3901 | These are articles (e.g., bottles), not primary forms. They go to Chapter 39 other sections. |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Grades in One Shipment | Declare each grade separately with its own HS Code. Do not average them. |
| Private Label/White Label PE | Ensure the supplier's COA matches the product description. Brand name does not change HS code. |
| Recycled PE | ❗ Warning: If the material is recycled post-consumer, it may fall under 3902.30 or other subheadings, NOT the virgin polymer codes in . Ensure the product is "Virgin" or "Primary Form" resin. |
| Additives Present | If PE is mixed with other polymers (e.g., PP/PE blend), the code may change. Pure PE is required for 3901 codes. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3901.10.10.00 / 3901.20.10.00 |
0.0% | No Section 301 tariff for these specific PE grades. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3901.10 / 3901.20 | 0% (Import into China) | Standard import procedures. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3901.10 / 3901.20 | ~0% - 1.5% | REACH compliance required for chemical registration. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 3901.10 / 3901.20 | ~0% - 1.5% | Post-Brexit tariffs may vary slightly; check UK Trade Tariff. |
📌 Conclusion:
- The US offers a significant tariff advantage (0%) for these specific high-viscosity PE grades from China. - However, technical accuracy is paramount. Misdeclaration of Specific Gravity or Viscosity can lead to severe penalties and back-taxes if reclassified.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Failing to provide Specific Gravity and Relative Viscosity on the COA.
👉 Consequence: Customs will detain the shipment for reclassification. Possible misclassification penalties.
❌ Error 2: Classifying Recycled PE Pellets as Virgin Resin (3901).
👉 Consequence: Recycled plastics often have different HS codes (e.g., 3902.30). This is considered fraud if intentional, or negligence if not.
❌ Error 3: Assuming all "Plastic Granules" are the same.
👉 Consequence: PP (Polypropylene) is 3902, not 3901. Confusing PE with PP leads to wrong HS codes.
❌ Error 4: Ignoring the "Relative Viscosity < 1.44" threshold.
👉 Consequence: If viscosity is low, 3901.10/20 are incorrect. Must find the correct subheading for lower viscosity grades.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Polyethylene Resin, Virgin, HDPE, Specific Gravity: 0.952, Relative Viscosity: 2.1, Primary Form, Grade: XXXX"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification, Zero Cost in Tariffs
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Viscosity ≥ 1.44, Density Rules All. <0.94 is .10, ≥0.94 is .20. Zero Tax if Done Right!"
🔹 "COA is your Best Friend. No Viscosity Data, No Clearance!"
📌 Pro Tip:
Even though tariffs are 0%, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasingly scrutinizing chemical declarations.
- Ensure your Supplier's Technical Data Sheet (TDS) and Certificate of Analysis (COA) are consistent.
- Keep records of the Specific Gravity and Relative Viscosity test results for at least 5 years.
- If you are importing recycled content, consult a customs broker immediately, as different rules may apply.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify Technical Specs with Supplier: Confirm Specific Gravity and Relative Viscosity.
📄 Prepare COA: Ensure it matches the HS Code criteria exactly.
🚀 Clearance Strategy: Leverage the 0% tariff but maintain strict documentation compliance to avoid delays.
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Data!
💼 Your Cost Savings: $0 Duty, But High Value in Compliance!
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关于 HS 编码归类
协调制度（HS）是由世界海关组织（WCO）制定的国际贸易商品分类标准。全球 200 多个国家采用 HS 系统作为海关关税、贸易统计和进出口监管的基础。
每个 HS 编码遵循以下层级结构：
- 章（2 位）——商品大类（例如：第 84 章：机器和机械设备）
- 品目（4 位）——章内的更具体分类
- 子目（6 位）——国际通用细分，所有 WCO 成员国统一使用
- 本国细分（8-10 位）——各国自行扩展的细分编码，如美国 HTSUS 10 位编码
正确的 HS 编码归类对于顺利通关、准确缴纳关税和遵守贸易法规至关重要。错误归类可能导致海关延误、多缴关税或罚款。
从CN进口到US时，适用的关税税率可能包括：
- 最惠国（MFN）税率——适用于 WTO 成员国的标准关税税率
- 普通税率——适用于无贸易协定国家
- 贸易救济关税——附加关税，如 301 条款（反倾销）、232 条款（国家安全）或反补贴税
本页内容仅供参考。如需正式归类，请咨询当地海关或持牌报关代理。