HS 381090 Other
Quick Answer: Products classified under HS 381090 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 5.00% (MFN), and the US at 6.5% (MFN). This residual classification covers preparations for metal surface treatment not specified elsewhere in Chapter 38, such as fluxes and soldering pastes. Importers should note that specific rates can vary significantly by destination and may be subject to additional duties or preferential treatment based on origin. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying precise tariff lines and applicable rates for accurate customs declarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3810900000 | — | — | — |
| 3810909000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3810901000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3810900000 | — | — | — |
| 3810909000 | 5.00 % | — | — |
| 3810901000 | 4.10 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3810901000 | 6.5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 3810905000 | 5% | Free (17 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 381090 | — | — | — |
| 3810902000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3810.90?
Imports of Other may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How Has Trade Volume Developed?
Trade Volume 2023
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 381090 cover?
This subheading covers "other" preparations for soldering, brazing, or welding, not specified or included elsewhere in heading 3810. According to the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and national tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU TARIC, this category encompasses a residual group of fluxes and prepared media used to facilitate soldering, brazing, or welding processes. These can include various chemical compounds designed to clean surfaces, prevent oxidation, and improve the flow of molten metal, such as certain specialized fluxes or pastes not fitting into more specific subheadings within 3810.
What falls outside HS 381090?
The following products are excluded from HS 381090: soldering and brazing powders and pellets, whether or not covered with flux, classified under 3810.10; and fluxes and prepared media for soldering, brazing or welding, in paste or powder form, also classified under 3810.10. Additionally, pure chemical elements or compounds, even if used in soldering or welding, are classified according to their specific chemical nature under other chapters of the HS. For instance, pure zinc chloride, if not specifically prepared as a flux, would likely be classified elsewhere.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 381090?
A common error is misclassifying products that are primarily soldering or brazing powders or pellets, which should be classified under 3810.10, even if they contain fluxing agents. Another mistake involves classifying pure chemical substances that are used in these processes but are not specifically prepared fluxes under heading 3810. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 3(b) for mixtures and composite goods, and Rule 3(c) for the final heading in numerical order, is crucial to avoid misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 381090?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 381090 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the WCO Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and the specific national tariff schedules, such as the USITC HTS or EU TARIC, to determine if the product meets the criteria for "other" preparations for soldering, brazing, or welding. If the product is not specifically covered by other subheadings within 3810, and it functions as a flux or prepared medium for these processes, then 381090 is the appropriate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 381090?
A shipment of 50 kilograms of a specialized flux paste for electronics soldering, declared at a customs value of $1,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $35.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($1,000 USD × 0.035 = $35.00). This calculation is based on the duty rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 381090.90.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 381090?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 381090, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods may be eligible for a preferential rate of Free. Countries such as Mexico and Canada can benefit from this. To claim preference, a valid USMCA certification of origin or a self-certified origin statement is typically required by customs authorities in the importing country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 381090, and how do preferential rates apply?
HS code 381090, covering 'Other pickling preparations for metal treatment', has varying Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rates across different trade blocs. For example, the U.S. applies a 3.7¢/kg + 60% duty rate, while the EU's TARIC system may show a rate of 5.00%. Many preferential trade agreements offer reduced or free entry. For instance, goods from Australia (AU), Canada (CA), or Singapore (SG) might enter the U.S. duty-free under specific agreements. Importers should always consult the relevant tariff schedule for the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment based on the origin of the goods and the specific trade agreement.
How is the duty calculated for HS code 381090 when a compound rate like '3.7¢/kg + 60%' is applied?
Compound duty rates, such as the U.S. rate of 3.7¢/kg + 60% ad valorem for HS 381090, require calculation of both a specific duty (per kilogram) and an ad valorem duty (based on value). For example, if importing 100 kg of a product valued at $500, the duty would be calculated as follows: Specific duty = 100 kg * $0.037/kg = $3.70. Ad valorem duty = 60% of $500 = $300. The total duty would be $3.70 + $300 = $303.70. The importer must ensure accurate weight and value declarations to apply this correctly.
What are the key classification criteria for products falling under HS code 381090?
HS code 381090 is for 'Other pickling preparations for metal treatment'. To classify under this code, the preparation must be primarily intended for treating metal surfaces to remove scale, rust, or oxides, and not be specifically covered by other headings within Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System. This includes preparations used in processes like galvanizing, tinning, or plating. If a preparation has multiple functions, its principal use will determine classification. For instance, a preparation solely for cleaning metal without the 'pickling' aspect might fall under a different heading. Consulting the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System for Chapter 38 is crucial for precise classification.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 381090?
Standard import documentation for HS code 381090 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific nature of the pickling preparation, additional documents may be required. This could include a Certificate of Origin to claim preferential duty rates, safety data sheets (SDS) if the product is considered hazardous, and potentially specific import permits or licenses if the preparation contains regulated substances. Customs brokers should verify the exact requirements with the importing country's customs authority.
Which common trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 381090, and how can importers leverage them?
Several trade agreements can significantly reduce or eliminate duties for HS code 381090. For example, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) may offer preferential rates for goods originating from Canada or Mexico. The EU's Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) provides reduced rates for developing countries. Agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) also influence rates for member countries. To leverage these agreements, importers must ensure their goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant trade agreement and possess the necessary proof of origin documentation, such as a Certificate of Origin.