HS 391190 Other
Quick Answer: Other primary forms of plastics, in primary forms, not elsewhere specified, enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 3.50% ad valorem, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 20% ad valorem. HS code 391190 is a residual category for plastic materials that do not fit into more specific headings within Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System. This includes substances like polyethers, polysulfides, and other polymers not otherwise classified. Importers and customs brokers should exercise caution, as the broad nature of this code necessitates careful review of product composition to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the varying tariff treatments across major trading blocs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3911901100 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3911901190 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3911901900 | — | — | — |
| 3911901925 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3911901935 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3911900000 | — | — | — |
| 3911901100 | 3.50 % | — | — |
| 3911901110 | 3.50 % | — | — |
| 3911901190 | 3.50 % | — | — |
| 3911901300 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3911901000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 391190 | — | — | — |
| 3911901500 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 3911907000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
| 3911902500 | 6.1% | Free (18 programs) | ["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 3911.90?
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, GSP, 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 391190 cover?
This subheading covers other plastics and articles thereof, not elsewhere specified or included, within Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System. Specifically, it pertains to polymers of ethylene, in primary forms, that are modified by copolymerization, as well as other plastics in primary forms or in plates, sheets, film, foil, or strip, not otherwise classified. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Explanatory Notes to Heading 3911 clarify that this residual heading captures materials not fitting into more specific headings within Chapter 39, such as certain modified polyethylenes and other unclassified polymeric substances in their primary forms or semi-finished states.
What falls outside HS 391190?
The following products are excluded from HS 391190: plastics in primary forms or in plates, sheets, film, foil, or strip that are specifically covered by other headings in Chapter 39, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyvinyl chloride in primary forms (Heading 3901 to 3907). Also excluded are finished articles made from these plastics, such as bags, containers, or pipes, which would be classified under their respective headings based on their specific function or form. For instance, polyethylene film for packaging would likely fall under a more specific heading than 391190.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 391190?
A common error is misclassifying products that have specific applications or compositions that warrant classification under more detailed headings within Chapter 39. For example, certain specialized polymer blends or composite materials might be incorrectly placed in 391190 when they should be classified based on their predominant polymer or their specific function, following General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3. Importers may also fail to recognize that finished goods, even if made from unclassified primary plastics, belong to different chapters entirely.
How should importers classify products under HS 391190?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 391190 involves a thorough review of the product's composition, physical form, and intended use, comparing it against the WCO Harmonized System nomenclature and relevant national tariff schedules like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC. If a product is a polymer in primary form or in plates, sheets, film, foil, or strip, and it is not specifically enumerated in headings 3901 through 3910, then 391190 becomes the appropriate classification. Importers should consult the Explanatory Notes and seek binding rulings if uncertainty persists.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 391190?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of modified polyethylene film, declared at a customs value of $2,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $125.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value, as per the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) for a hypothetical product falling under 391190. The calculation is $2,500 USD × 5.0% = $125.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 391190?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 391190, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from designated developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 391190?
HS code 391190, classified as 'Other primary forms' of petroleum resins, hydrocarbon resins, polyterpene, and similar products, has varied duty rates depending on the importing country and any applicable trade agreements. For example, the U.S. Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.50% ad valorem. The UK's duty rate is Free. The EU's TARIC system shows a rate of 6.50% ad valorem for most third countries, with preferential rates available under various trade agreements. Always consult the specific tariff schedule of the destination country for the most accurate and up-to-date rates.
How is the duty for HS code 391190 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 391190 is typically calculated as a percentage of the declared value of the imported goods (ad valorem). For instance, if a shipment of petroleum resins classified under 391190 arrives in the United States with a declared customs value of $10,000, and the MFN duty rate is 3.50%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.035 (duty rate) = $350. Some countries may also apply duties based on weight or other units, so it's crucial to verify the basis of duty calculation for your specific import.
What specific criteria determine if a product falls under HS code 391190?
HS code 391190 is a residual category for 'Other primary forms' of specific polymers not elsewhere specified in Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System. This includes products like petroleum resins, hydrocarbon resins, polyterpene, and similar products derived from petroleum or other sources, when imported in their primary forms (e.g., powders, granules, blocks, or liquids). To classify correctly, importers must ensure the product is not specifically covered by more precise HS codes within Chapter 39, such as those for polyethylene, polypropylene, or specific types of synthetic rubber. Reference to the WCO Explanatory Notes for Chapter 39 is essential for detailed classification guidance.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods under HS code 391190?
Standard import documentation is generally required for goods classified under HS code 391190. This typically includes a commercial invoice detailing the product, quantity, value, and country of origin; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific nature of the product (e.g., if it's a chemical substance), additional documentation such as a Certificate of Origin, safety data sheets (SDS), or specific import permits might be necessary. Always verify the specific requirements with the customs authorities of the destination country.
Are there preferential duty rates for HS code 391190 under common trade agreements?
Yes, preferential duty rates for HS code 391190 can exist under various trade agreements. For example, goods imported into the EU from countries with a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) may benefit from reduced or zero duty rates, as indicated in the EU TARIC database. Similarly, the UK offers a Free duty rate, which may be influenced by its own trade agreements post-Brexit. Importers should consult the relevant trade agreement schedules and the destination country's customs tariff database to determine eligibility for preferential treatment, which often requires a valid Certificate of Origin.