Chemicals & Plastics HTS Classifier — USTradeStack

Q: Does Section 301 apply to plastics and chemicals from China?

Yes — many plastics and chemical products from China are subject to Section 301 List 3 tariffs at 25%. This includes a broad range of HTS Chapter 28, 29, and 39 products. However, not every chemical is covered — some are excluded by USTR exclusion orders. The Section 301 applicability depends on the exact 8-digit HTS subheading, not just the chapter. Section 301 + base MFN rate + Section 122 (15%, active through Jul 24, 2026) can stack to create effective duty rates of 40%–55% for Chinese chemicals, making non-Chinese sourcing economically critical.

Q: What are the REACH requirements for chemical imports into the US?

REACH is a European Union regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) — it applies to chemicals manufactured or imported INTO the EU, not into the US. The US equivalent is TSCA (EPA). When importing chemicals from EU into the US, REACH compliance is irrelevant for US customs purposes — what matters is TSCA certification. However, if you are also selling products containing the imported chemical into EU markets, REACH compliance for those substances is required under EU law, separately from US import requirements.

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HTS Classifier

HTS Classifier for Chemicals & Plastics — Chapters 28–40

Classifying chemicals and plastic products requires navigating HTS Chapters 28–40 — and getting the right 10-digit code matters more here than almost anywhere else. EPA TSCA certification is required for every entry. AD/CVD orders on Chinese chemicals and plastics are pervasive, with rates reaching 300%+. Section 301 stacks on top. Use this classifier to get the correct code, EPA status, and AD/CVD risk flag before your shipment clears.

HTS Chapters Covered

28–40

Inorganic chem, organic chem, plastics, rubber

EPA TSCA Review

Required

Most new chemicals require TSCA review

AD/CVD Prevalence

High

Common on Chinese chemicals and plastics

Duty Range

0%–7.5%

Varies; AD/CVD can add 50%–300%+

Chemicals & Plastics HTS Classifier (Pre-filled)

Pre-loaded for HTS Chapters 28–40 · Returns EPA TSCA status, AD/CVD flags, and Section 301 applicability

Chemicals & Plastics HTS Chapters — Regulatory Quick Reference (2026)

Category	HTS Chapter	Duty Range	EPA TSCA	AD/CVD Risk
Inorganic chemicals	Chapter 28	0%–5.5%	Likely	Moderate
Organic chemicals	Chapter 29	0%–6.5%	Likely	High (China)
Pharmaceutical intermediates	Chapter 29	0%–3.7%	Likely	Low
Plastics (primary forms)	Chapter 39	0%–6.5%	Yes	High (China)
Plastic articles	Chapter 39	0%–6.5%	Yes	Moderate
Rubber, natural	Chapter 40	0%	No	Low
Rubber, synthetic	Chapter 40	0%–3.5%	Yes	Moderate
Fertilizers	Chapter 31	0%–0.6¢/kg	No	High (specific)
Essential oils / cosmetic ingredients	Chapter 33	0%–4.9%	Yes	Low

EPA TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) review required for most chemical imports not on the TSCA Inventory. AD/CVD orders are extensive for Chinese-origin chemicals and plastics — verify AD/CVD case status for your specific HTS code before sourcing. Rates based on USITC HTS 2026.

Key Regulatory Context for Chemicals & Plastics HTS Classification (2026)

EPA TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act): The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) governs the import of chemical substances into the US. Most organic and inorganic chemicals NOT on the TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory (70,000+ substances) require a TSCA Section 5 New Chemicals review before import. The importer of record must certify compliance (TSCA positive or negative certification) on every customs entry. Incorrect certifications can result in seizure and civil penalties up to $37,500/day.
AD/CVD Orders on Chemicals from China: Antidumping and countervailing duty orders are pervasive in chemicals and plastics — particularly for Chinese-origin products. Major active orders include: glycine, citric acid, PET resin, phosphate fertilizers, polyethylene terephthalate film, vinyl floor covering, melamine, and dozens more. AD/CVD rates on chemicals from China range from 0% to 300%+. Search the ITC USITC Trade Remedy Database for active orders on your specific HTS code.
Section 301 on Chinese Chemicals: Many chemical and plastic products from China are subject to Section 301 tariffs at 25% (List 3). This stacks on top of base MFN rates and any applicable AD/CVD. The effective duty burden on some Chinese chemicals can exceed 50% before freight and MPF. HTS classification accuracy is critical — misclassification can result in either overpayment or underreported duties.
Dangerous Goods (IMDG/IATA): Hazardous chemicals shipped by sea must comply with IMDG Code (International Maritime Dangerous Goods). Flammable, corrosive, or toxic substances require proper UN classification, packaging, labeling, and IMDG declaration on shipping documents. CBP and freight carriers enforce these requirements separately from duty compliance.
Plastics Recyclability and EPR Compliance: While not a federal import requirement, several US states have Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws requiring plastics importers to register and pay fees based on plastic packaging tonnage. California's EPR program (SB 54) and others affect plastic packaging importers' total cost of market entry.

Frequently Asked Questions — Chemicals & Plastics HTS Classification

What HTS chapters cover chemicals and plastics? +

Chemicals and plastics span HTS Chapters 28–40: Chapter 28 (inorganic chemicals), Chapter 29 (organic chemicals), Chapter 30 (pharmaceuticals), Chapter 31 (fertilizers), Chapter 32 (dyes/pigments/inks), Chapter 33 (essential oils/cosmetics), Chapter 34 (soaps/waxes), Chapter 35 (albumins/starches/enzymes), Chapter 36 (explosives), Chapter 37 (photographic), Chapter 38 (miscellaneous chemicals), Chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof), Chapter 40 (rubber). The classification of a substance as "chemical" vs. "prepared" vs. "article of plastics" significantly affects the HTS code and duty rate.

What is EPA TSCA certification and is it required for all chemical imports? +

TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) certification is required for all chemical imports into the US. Importers must certify either: (A) "TSCA Positive" — the chemical is on the TSCA Inventory and complies with all TSCA rules; or (B) "TSCA Negative" — the chemical is not subject to TSCA (e.g., food, drugs, cosmetics, pesticides, which are regulated under other statutes). The certification is filed electronically with CBP. Incorrect certification is a federal violation. For new chemicals not on the TSCA Inventory, a Section 5 Pre-Manufacture Notice (PMN) must be filed with EPA and reviewed before import.

How common are antidumping duties on chemicals and plastics from China? +

Very common. The US has over 50 active AD/CVD orders covering chemical and plastic products from China. Examples: glycine (AD rates 155%–330%), citric acid (AD 229%), PET resin (AD/CVD 45%–226%), melamine (AD 114%), polyvinyl alcohol (AD 100%), phosphate fertilizers (AD/CVD 19%–123%), amino acids (multiple orders). The USITC maintains a searchable Trade Remedy database — always check your specific 10-digit HTS code before sourcing Chinese chemicals. AD/CVD rates change annually through administrative reviews.

What is the HTS code for polyethylene resin from China? +

Polyethylene resins are classified in HTS Chapter 39 based on density and form: HTS 3901.10 (polyethylene with specific gravity <0.94 — LDPE/LLDPE in primary forms); 3901.20 (polyethylene with specific gravity ≥0.94 — HDPE in primary forms); 3901.30 (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers); 3901.90 (other polyethylene). The base MFN rate is typically 6.5%. China-origin polyethylene may be subject to Section 301 (25%) and applicable AD/CVD orders. Use the USTradeStack classifier to confirm the exact 10-digit code, Section 301 status, and AD/CVD case applicability.

Does Section 301 apply to plastics and chemicals from China? +

Yes — many plastics and chemical products from China are subject to Section 301 List 3 tariffs at 25%. This includes a broad range of HTS Chapter 28, 29, and 39 products. However, not every chemical is covered — some are excluded by USTR exclusion orders. The Section 301 applicability depends on the exact 8-digit HTS subheading, not just the chapter. Section 301 + base MFN rate + Section 122 (15%, active through Jul 24, 2026) can stack to create effective duty rates of 40%–55% for Chinese chemicals, making non-Chinese sourcing economically critical.

What are the REACH requirements for chemical imports into the US? +

REACH is a European Union regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) — it applies to chemicals manufactured or imported INTO the EU, not into the US. The US equivalent is TSCA (EPA). When importing chemicals from EU into the US, REACH compliance is irrelevant for US customs purposes — what matters is TSCA certification. However, if you are also selling products containing the imported chemical into EU markets, REACH compliance for those substances is required under EU law, separately from US import requirements.

Get Weekly Chemical & Plastics Trade Updates

EPA TSCA changes, AD/CVD order updates, Section 301 exclusions, and chemical duty rate changes — weekly intel for chemical importers.

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Disclaimer: HTS classifications, duty rates, and regulatory requirements shown on this page are provided for informational and educational purposes only. The correct HTS code for any given chemical or plastic product depends on its precise chemical composition, form, intended use, and applicable General Rules of Interpretation. EPA TSCA requirements depend on the specific substance's TSCA Inventory status, which is subject to change. AD/CVD rates are updated annually through DOC administrative reviews and may differ from rates shown. This tool does not constitute legal, customs brokerage, regulatory compliance, or tax advice. Classification determinations must be made by a licensed customs broker or trade attorney with knowledge of the specific product. USTradeStack is not liable for misclassifications or duties assessed based on classifications from this tool.