HS 391400 Aqueous suspension, containing by weight-20 % or more but not more than 30 % of beaded agarose, modified with nitrilotriacetic acid and loaded with divalent nickel ions (CAS RN 1615227-97-8), and-20 % or more but not more than 30 % of ethanol (CAS RN 64-17-5)
Quick Answer: Beaded agarose modified with nitrilotriacetic acid and loaded with divalent nickel ions, suspended in an aqueous solution with ethanol, enters the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.00%, and the US at 3.9% under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This specific formulation, characterized by its composition of 20-30% beaded agarose and 20-30% ethanol, falls under HS code 391400. Importers should note that while the UK and EU offer duty-free entry, the US imposes a 3.9% ad valorem duty for most origins, with certain free trade agreement countries exempt. According to CustomTariffs data, careful consideration of origin is crucial for determining applicable US duties.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3914000010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3914000090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3914000010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 3914000090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3914006000 | 3.9% | Free (18 programs) | ["kg"] |
| 391400 | — | — | — |
| 3914002000 | 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 3914.00?
Imports of Aqueous suspension, containing by weight-20 % or more but not more than 30 % of beaded agarose, modified with nitrilotriacetic acid and loaded with divalent nickel ions (CAS RN 1615227-97-8), and-20 % or more but not more than 30 % of ethanol (CAS RN 64-17-5) 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 to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 391400 cover?
This subheading covers aqueous suspensions containing by weight 20% or more but not more than 30% of beaded agarose, modified with nitrilotriacetic acid and loaded with divalent nickel ions (CAS RN 1615227-97-8), and 20% or more but not more than 30% of ethanol (CAS RN 64-17-5). This specific formulation, often used in chromatography for protein purification, aligns with the descriptive notes for Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System Nomenclature (HSN) established by the World Customs Organization (WCO). Official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database, provide detailed interpretations for such specialized chemical preparations.
What falls outside HS 391400?
The following products are excluded from HS 391400: agarose beads without nitrilotriacetic acid modification or nickel ion loading, ethanol solutions not meeting the specified concentration range, and other chromatography media not based on beaded agarose with the described modifications. For instance, simple ethanol solutions are classified under heading 2207, while unmodified agarose would fall under heading 3912. Products intended for direct pharmaceutical use or diagnostic kits may also be classified elsewhere based on their primary function and composition, as per General Interpretative Rule 3.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 391400?
A common error is misclassifying this product when the concentration of beaded agarose or ethanol falls outside the specified 20-30% range, or when the nitrilotriacetic acid modification or nickel ion loading is absent. Importers may also incorrectly classify it if it is presented as a finished diagnostic kit rather than a raw material for chromatography. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid these mistakes.
How should importers classify products under HS 391400?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 391400 involves a thorough examination of the product's composition, specifically verifying the weight percentages of beaded agarose (modified and loaded) and ethanol. Importers and customs brokers must consult the product's technical data sheet and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm these percentages and the presence of nitrilotriacetic acid modification and nickel ion loading. Cross-referencing this information with the WCO HS Nomenclature and relevant national tariff schedules, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is essential for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 391400?
A consignment of "Nickel-NTA Agarose Beads" weighing 5 kilograms and 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, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 3914.00.00. The calculation is: 5.0% of $2,500 USD = $125.00. This rate applies to goods from countries not covered by preferential trade agreements.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 391400?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 391400, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for certain developing countries. Under USMCA, originating products from Canada or Mexico would likely be Free. For GSP beneficiaries, the preferential rate could be Free or a reduced percentage depending on the specific country and product. To claim these preferences, a valid origin declaration or certificate, such as a USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, is typically required by customs authorities.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 391400, specifically for the described beaded agarose product?
The duty rates for HS code 391400 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the United States Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS), the general Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate is 3.9% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply under various trade agreements. For instance, goods originating from countries with specific trade agreements may enter duty-free. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the product's country of origin to determine the applicable duty rate. The USITC provides detailed tariff information.
How is the import duty for this beaded agarose product calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the declared customs value of a shipment of this beaded agarose product is $10,000 USD and the applicable MFN duty rate is 3.9%, the import duty would be $10,000 USD * 0.039 = $390 USD. Always ensure the customs value is accurately declared according to the importing country's valuation rules.
What specific classification criteria are used for HS code 391400, and how do they apply to the described beaded agarose product?
HS code 391400 covers 'Polymers and artificial resins, in primary forms, of cellulose or of its chemical derivatives, not elsewhere specified or included.' The key classification criteria for this specific product are its composition: it is an aqueous suspension containing beaded agarose modified with nitrilotriacetic acid and loaded with divalent nickel ions, along with ethanol. The presence of these specific chemical modifications and the agarose base, as well as the concentration ranges (20-30% for beaded agarose and 20-30% for ethanol), are critical for its classification under this heading, distinguishing it from simpler agarose or other polymer preparations. The WCO's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide guidance on the classification of modified polymers.
Which common trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for this beaded agarose product, and what documentation is typically required?
Trade agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CAFTA-DR (Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement), and agreements with countries like South Korea (KOR-US FTA) or Australia (AUS-US FTA) could potentially offer preferential duty rates, often resulting in 0.00% duty. To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need to provide a Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin that meets the specific requirements of the relevant trade agreement. This documentation must prove that the product originates from a country that is a party to the agreement and meets its rules of origin criteria. Consult the specific trade agreement and the customs authority of the importing country for precise documentation requirements.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a Certificate of Origin for importing this beaded agarose product under HS code 391400?
Beyond a Certificate of Origin for preferential duty claims, importers should be prepared to provide a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific use of the product, additional documentation might be required. This could include a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the ethanol and nickel ion components, especially if they are considered hazardous materials, or a certificate of analysis (CoA) verifying the product's composition and purity. Customs brokers should verify all necessary permits, licenses, and declarations with the importing country's customs authority and relevant government agencies.