Effective Duty Rate
0%–6.5% MFN; no additional surcharges
Estimate — verify by HTS code
Compliance Risk
Low
Relative to other import corridors
Regulatory Agencies
EPA/TSCA, FDA, CPSC
Primary oversight bodies
OVERVIEW
Importing Plastics, Polymers & Plastic Articles from Taiwan
Importing plastics from Taiwan into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0%–6.5% MFN; no additional surcharges. Section 232 steel and aluminum tariffs (25% / 10%) apply to relevant plastics sub-categories — verify your HTS code against current Section 232 annexes before entry.
Plastics imported from Taiwan 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 — Taiwan Origin
Taiwan produces petrochemical-based plastics (Formosa Plastics) and specialty plastic products. Standard MFN rates apply. No Section 301 or other surcharges. Strong TSCA compliance processes.
SAMPLE LANDED COST — $50,000 SHIPMENT
Estimated Landed Cost: Plastics from Taiwan
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component |
Amount |
Notes |
| Cargo Value (CIF) |
$50,000.00 |
Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (0.0%) |
$0.00 |
ITA or preferential rate |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) |
$173.20 |
Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) |
$62.50 |
Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees |
$235.70 |
Effective rate: 0.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost |
$50,235.70 |
Cargo + all US duties/fees |
⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to plastics sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.
✓ ITA or preferential rates apply — base duty is 0%. MPF and HMF still apply on all entries.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
COMPLIANCE AUDIT
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APPLICABLE HTS CODES
HTS Codes for Plastics Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to plastics 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 |
| 3901 |
Polyethylene in Primary Forms (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) |
0%–6.5% MFN |
| 3902 |
Polypropylene & Other Propylene Polymers |
0%–6.5% MFN |
| 3907 |
Polyacetals, Polyesters & Polycarbonates (PET, PBT) |
0%–6.5% MFN |
| 3920 |
Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film (not reinforced) |
3.1%–6.5% MFN |
| 3926 |
Other Articles of Plastics (industrial/consumer) |
3.4%–5.3% 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 — TAIWAN ORIGIN
Total Tariff Cost for Taiwan-Origin Plastics
| Duty Layer |
Rate / Status |
Applies To |
| MFN Base Rate |
Varies by HTS code |
All Taiwan-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 |
Not applicable |
Taiwan-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) |
25% steel / 10% aluminum |
Steel and aluminum imports from Taiwan |
COMPLIANCE — EPA/TSCA / FDA / CPSC
US Compliance Requirements for Plastics Imports
Regardless of origin country, plastics imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) compliance — all chemical substances in plastics must appear on the TSCA Inventory; new chemicals require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN)
- FDA Food Contact Notification (FCN) required for plastics intended for food packaging or food-contact applications (21 CFR Parts 174–186)
- CPSC testing requirements for plastic consumer products — lead and phthalate limits for children's products under CPSIA Section 101/108
- California Prop 65 compliance for plastics containing listed chemicals (BPA, phthalates, cadmium, lead)
Compliance Check Tool
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REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Documentation Checklist for Plastics from Taiwan
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Taiwan. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
1
Commercial Invoice with polymer type, grade, and end-use application
4
TSCA Certification (EPA Form 7710-56) — required for all chemical imports
5
FDA food-contact compliance documentation (if applicable)
6
Country of Origin Declaration
ESTIMATED TIMELINE
Import Timeline — Plastics from Taiwan
20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 10–18 days (ocean from Europe); 5–10 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)
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 Plastics from Taiwan
What are the current US import tariffs on apparel from Vietnam in 2026?
The effective US tariff rate for plastics from Taiwan is: 0%–6.5% MFN; no additional surcharges. Taiwan produces petrochemical-based plastics (Formosa Plastics) and specialty plastic products. Standard MFN rates apply. No Section 301 or other surcharges. Strong TSCA compliance processes.
What compliance agencies regulate plastics imports from Taiwan?
Plastics imports require compliance with: EPA/TSCA, FDA, CPSC. Specific requirements include: TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) compliance — all chemical substances in plastics must appear on the TSCA Inventory; new chemicals require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN) and FDA Food Contact Notification (FCN) required for plastics intended for food packaging or food-contact applications (21 CFR Parts 174–186).
What documents are required to import plastics from Taiwan?
Required documents include: Commercial Invoice with polymer type, grade, and end-use application; Packing List; Bill of Lading; TSCA Certification (EPA Form 7710-56) — required for all chemical imports. Additional: FDA food-contact compliance documentation (if applicable); Country of Origin Declaration. Ensure all documents are prepared before the shipment departs Taiwan.
How long does customs clearance take for plastics from Taiwan?
Typical timeline: 20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 10–18 days (ocean from Europe); 5–10 days (truck from Mexico/Canada). 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 plastics from Taiwan?
No Section 301 tariffs apply to Taiwan-origin goods. Section 232 applies: 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum products from Taiwan.
What is the effective total landed duty rate for importing plastics from Taiwan in 2026?
0%–6.5% MFN; no additional surcharges. This reflects the combined rate including base MFN rate plus Section 232 tariff.
What is the most critical compliance issue for importing plastics from Taiwan that most buyers overlook?
Section 232 steel/aluminum applicability. Products with significant steel or aluminum content from Taiwan face 25% and 10% additional duties respectively. Confirm whether your specific HTS code falls within the Section 232 product scope before importing — misclassification can result in customs penalties and back-duty assessments.
What HTS codes and duty rates apply to plastic goods imports?
Plastics are classified under HTS Chapters 39 (plastics and articles thereof). Raw plastic materials (resins, polymers): HTS 3901–3914, typically 3.4%–6.5% MFN. Plastic articles: HTS 3916–3926, varying from 0% to 6.5% MFN. Plastic bags and film (3923–3924) face 3%–6.5% MFN. China-origin plastics add 25% Section 301 for most HS codes. Anti-dumping orders exist on certain plastic bags from China and Vietnam — verify via CBP ADD/CVD portal before importing packaging products.
What TSCA and EPA regulations apply to imported plastic products?
TSCA Section 13 requires that imported chemical substances, including plastic resins, comply with TSCA regulations — importers must certify compliance or non-coverage at entry. EPA restricts certain chemical substances in plastics, including phthalate plasticizers in children's products (CPSC/TSCA). California Prop 65 requires warnings for plastics containing listed chemicals (lead, phthalates, bisphenol A). Single-use plastics may face state-level restrictions. Maintain SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and chemical composition records for all imported plastic products.
How does Section 301 affect plastics importers sourcing from China?
Most plastic articles from China are subject to 25% Section 301 tariffs under List 3 or 4A (many List 4A products at 7.5%). This stacks on MFN base rates of 3.4%–6.5%, creating effective duties of 10.4%–31.5% on Chinese plastics. Importers have responded by shifting sourcing to Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Mexico. However, CBP enforces anti-circumvention rules — plastic goods with Chinese-origin resin that undergo only minor processing in a third country may still be classified as Chinese origin.
Does Taiwan have a free trade agreement with the United States?
No. Taiwan and the US do not have a formal FTA. The US-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade (launched 2022) covers trade facilitation, digital trade, and labor standards but does not provide tariff preferences. Taiwanese goods pay standard MFN rates. Despite no FTA, Taiwan is a top-10 US trading partner — ITA zero rates cover most semiconductor and electronics trade, offsetting the absence of FTA access.
Are Taiwanese semiconductors and electronics subject to any additional US tariffs?
Taiwan is not subject to Section 301 tariffs. Section 232 applies to Taiwanese steel and aluminum. Semiconductors and most electronics from Taiwan benefit from ITA zero rates. The US CHIPS Act incentivizes US domestic semiconductor manufacturing but does not create tariff restrictions on Taiwanese imports — the strategic US-Taiwan trade relationship remains strong and tariff conditions stable as of 2026.
What compliance documentation is required to import semiconductors from Taiwan?
TSMC and other Taiwan-origin semiconductors require: correct Schedule B/HTS classification (HTS 8542.31–8542.39 for ICs), EAR classification for advanced chips with potential dual-use applications, FCC Part 15 compliance for finished electronic devices, and end-use/end-user certifications for advanced AI chips or high-bandwidth memory subject to export control. Maintain full technical specifications for CBP classification review.
TRADE INTELLIGENCE TOOLS
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-07-05 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.