HS 391610 Of polymers of ethylene
Quick Answer: Plastics of ethylene imported under HS 391610 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 6.50%, and the US at 5.8% (MFN). This classification specifically covers monofilaments, rods, sticks, and profiles, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked, made from polymers of ethylene. Importers should be aware of potential preferential duty rates available in the US for certain trading partners. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3916100010 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3916100000 | 6.00 % | — | — |
| 3916100090 | 6.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3916100000 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 3916100010 | 6.50 % | — | — |
| 3916100090 | 6.50 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3916100000 | 5.8% | 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 3916.10?
Imports of Of polymers of ethylene 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 391610 cover?
This subheading covers monofilament, rods, sticks, and profile shapes, of polymers of ethylene, which are not further worked than extruded or moulded. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, this category includes items like extruded polyethylene rods, sticks, and profiles, provided they are manufactured from polymers of ethylene and have not undergone further processing beyond extrusion or moulding. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the material and the basic manufacturing process.
What falls outside HS 391610?
The following products are excluded from HS 391610: finished articles made from these shapes, such as pipes, tubes, or fittings, which are classified under their specific headings (e.g., 3917). Also excluded are extruded or moulded shapes of other polymers of plastics (e.g., polypropylene, classified under 391690), or those that have undergone further working such as cutting to length, drilling, or surface treatment beyond basic extrusion or moulding. For instance, a polyethylene pipe, even if extruded, would not fall under this subheading.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 391610?
A common error is misclassifying finished goods or semi-finished products that have undergone further processing. For example, polyethylene rods that have been cut to specific lengths for a particular application or drilled with holes might be mistakenly classified here instead of under a more specific heading for finished or semi-finished goods. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and GRI 3(b) are crucial here, emphasizing classification by essential character and component material or function.
How should importers classify products under HS 391610?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 391610 involves verifying that the product is indeed a monofilament, rod, stick, or profile shape made exclusively from polymers of ethylene and that its processing is limited to extrusion or moulding. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the relevant Explanatory Notes from the WCO to confirm the material composition and the extent of manufacturing processes applied.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 391610?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of extruded polyethylene rods, 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 customs value ($2,500 USD × 0.05 = $125.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 391610.00.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 391610?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 391610, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries like Vietnam. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a CPTPP Certificate of Origin (Form CPTPP) is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 391610, 'Monofilament of polymers of ethylene, not exceeding 650 decitex'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 391610 is typically 6.50% ad valorem. However, preferential rates are available under various trade agreements. For example, goods originating from countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR) may benefit from rates as low as Free. It is crucial to verify the specific origin of the goods and the applicable trade agreement to determine the correct duty rate. Always consult the latest official tariff schedules, such as the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule or the EU TARIC database, for definitive rates.
How is the import duty for HS code 391610 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 391610 is generally calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if you import 1,000 kilograms of monofilament of polyethylene with a declared customs value of $5,000 USD, and the MFN duty rate is 6.50%, the calculation would be: $5,000 (value) × 0.065 (duty rate) = $325 USD. This amount would be the import duty payable. Always ensure your customs value is accurately declared according to the WTO Valuation Agreement.
What specific criteria define 'monofilament of polymers of ethylene' under HS code 391610?
Under HS code 391610, 'monofilament' refers to a single strand or filament of a synthetic textile material, which is solid throughout and has a cross-sectional dimension not exceeding 1 millimeter (mm) in its greatest dimension. For polymers of ethylene, this typically means single strands made from polyethylene. The key is that it is a single, continuous filament, not a multi-filament yarn or a tape. The 'not exceeding 650 decitex' specification relates to its linear density, a measure of its fineness. A decitex (dtex) is the mass in grams of 10,000 meters of the filament.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 391610?
When importing goods under HS code 391610, standard import documentation is generally required. This includes a commercial invoice detailing the description, quantity, unit price, and total value of the goods; a packing list specifying the contents of each package; and a bill of lading or air waybill as the contract of carriage. Crucially, to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements (e.g., USMCA, EU Free Trade Agreements), a Certificate of Origin or proof of origin is mandatory. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or technical data sheets if requested by customs authorities to verify classification.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 391610, and how can importers leverage them?
Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for HS code 391610. For imports into the United States, the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may offer reduced or zero duties for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. For imports into the European Union, agreements with countries like Switzerland, Norway, or South Korea can reduce or eliminate duties. The UK also has numerous trade agreements post-Brexit. To leverage these agreements, importers must ensure the monofilament of polyethylene originates from a partner country and obtain the necessary proof of origin, typically a Certificate of Origin, from the exporter. This documentation must be submitted to customs at the time of import to claim the preferential tariff treatment.