Effective Duty Rate
25% Section 301 (Lists 2/3) + 0%–6.5% MFN = ~25%–31.5% effective
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
High
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
EPA/TSCA, DOT, FDA, OSHA
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Industrial Chemicals & Chemical Products from China
Chemicals imported from China to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
⚠ Key Trade Intelligence — China Origin
Chinese industrial chemicals face 25% Section 301 on Lists 2 and 3. AD/CVD orders exist on specific Chinese chemicals including glycine, saccharin, and chlorinated isocyanurates. TSCA and EPA compliance requirements are stringent regardless of origin.
APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Chemicals Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to chemicals imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code |
Product Description |
MFN Base Duty Rate |
| 2815 |
Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda) & Potassium Hydroxide |
0%–5.5% MFN |
| 2902 |
Cyclic Hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, xylene) |
0%–5.5% MFN |
| 2917 |
Polycarboxylic Acids & Derivatives |
0%–6.5% MFN |
| 3808 |
Insecticides, Herbicides & Disinfectants |
0%–5% MFN |
| 3824 |
Chemical Preparations & Products (not elsewhere classified) |
0%–6.5% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
DUTY STACK — CHINA ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for China-Origin Chemicals
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All China-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty |
7.5%–25% additional |
Most product categories from China |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) |
25% steel / 10% aluminum |
Steel and aluminum imports from China |
COMPLIANCE — EPA/TSCA / DOT / FDA / OSHA
US Compliance Requirements for Chemicals Imports
Regardless of origin country, chemicals imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- TSCA Section 12(b) import certification — all chemical substances must be on the TSCA Inventory; new substances require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN) before importation
- DOT hazardous materials shipping requirements (49 CFR Parts 171–180) — UN hazmat classification, proper shipping name, and hazmat packaging required
- EPA FIFRA registration required for pesticides, herbicides, and antimicrobial products before they can be imported or distributed in the US
- OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200) — Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must accompany all chemical imports and conform to GHS format
Compliance Check Tool
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Chemicals from China
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs China. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with CAS number, chemical name (IUPAC), and concentration
2
Packing List with hazmat classification and UN number
3
Bill of Lading with DOT hazmat declaration (if applicable)
4
TSCA Import Certification (EPA Form 7710-56)
5
Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in GHS format
6
EPA/FIFRA registration number (for pesticides and antimicrobials)
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Chemicals from China
20–40 days (ocean; hazmat routing may add delays); 3–10 days (air for non-hazmat chemicals)
Supplier Preparation
Allow 1–2 weeks for production documentation, certificates, and packing lists
Transit Time
18–35 days ocean from Asia/origin
CBP Clearance
1–3 days standard; 5–15 days if examination or AD/CVD review required
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs — Importing Chemicals from China
What is the effective US tariff rate for importing chemicals from China?
The effective US tariff rate for chemicals from China is: 25% Section 301 (Lists 2/3) + 0%–6.5% MFN = ~25%–31.5% effective. Chinese industrial chemicals face 25% Section 301 on Lists 2 and 3. AD/CVD orders exist on specific Chinese chemicals including glycine, saccharin, and chlorinated isocyanurates. TSCA and EPA compliance requirements are stringent regardless of origin.
What compliance agencies regulate chemicals imports from China?
Chemicals imports require compliance with: EPA/TSCA, DOT, FDA, OSHA. Specific requirements include: TSCA Section 12(b) import certification — all chemical substances must be on the TSCA Inventory; new substances require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN) before importation and DOT hazardous materials shipping requirements (49 CFR Parts 171–180) — UN hazmat classification, proper shipping name, and hazmat packaging required.
What documents are required to import chemicals from China?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with CAS number, chemical name (IUPAC), and concentration; Packing List with hazmat classification and UN number; Bill of Lading with DOT hazmat declaration (if applicable); TSCA Import Certification (EPA Form 7710-56). Additional: Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in GHS format; EPA/FIFRA registration number (for pesticides and antimicrobials). Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs China.
How long does customs clearance take for chemicals from China?
Typical timeline: 20–40 days (ocean; hazmat routing may add delays); 3–10 days (air for non-hazmat chemicals). CBP clearance typically takes 1–3 business days for compliant entries. Complex entries (AD/CVD, formal entry review, or examination) may require 5–15 additional business days.
Are there Section 301 or Section 232 tariffs on chemicals from China?
Yes. China-origin chemicals is subject to Section 301 additional tariffs (7.5%–25% depending on HTS code and List). Section 232 duties also apply: 25% on steel products, 10% on aluminum. Total effective duty is substantially higher than the base MFN rate.
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RELATED IMPORT GUIDES
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Other Products from China?
Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-04-06 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.