Determining Polyethylene Specific Gravity Thresholds for Tariff Entry
Polyethylene tariff entry requires density testing per ISO 1183-1 Method A on annealed plaques, where crossing 0.940 g/cm³ shifts classification from 3901.10 to 3901.20.
HTS 3901.20
Meaning
International trade registries classify manufactured materials using numerical codes to monitor global commerce. The code hts 3901.20 designates polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more. This classification covers high density polyethylene resins used in injection molding and blow molding.
Density Boundary
Material density separates this category from lower density resins. Resins classified under hts 3901.20 have a density ranging from 0.94 to 0.965 grams per cubic centimeter. This density range is achieved by reducing comonomer incorporation during polymerization.
The resulting resin has higher stiffness and tensile strength than low density resins.
Customs Verification
Importers must provide technical datasheets to prove the specific gravity of the resin to customs. When a shipment is declared under hts 3901.20, customs officers may request a certificate of analysis. If the density is found to be below 0.94, the shipment is reclassified under a different code.
This reclassification can result in higher duty rates and fines.
Supply Chain
Sourcing decisions are affected by the tariffs associated with these harmonized codes. Moulders must monitor the duty rates of resins classified under hts 3901.20 to maintain cost control. If tariffs on high density polyethylene rise, moulders may switch to domestic suppliers or alternative resins.
This shift can require changes to the molding parameters and tooling to accommodate the different shrinkage rates of the new resin.