Chapter 35 is the category of 'Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes' in the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, covering products ranging from natural animal and vegetable proteins (such as casein, gelatin) to industrial adhesives, enzyme preparations, etc. This chapter includes both edible gelatin, peptones and other food/pharmaceutical raw materials, and non-edible adhesives and enzyme preparations. When classifying, attention must be paid to distinguishing from Chapter 39 (plastics), Chapter 48 (paper), Chapter 15 (fats and oils), etc. The core issue is whether the commodity is based on protein, starch or gelatinous components. Heading 3506 covers 'Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, not elsewhere specified or included', including products suitable for use as adhesives, put up for retail sale, with a net weight not exceeding 1 kg. This heading includes both natural adhesives such as animal glue and starch glue, and adhesives based on synthetic resins, rubber, etc., but only in retail packaging. If in bulk or non-retail packaging, they are generally classified under other headings (such as 3501, 3502, 3503 or Chapter 39). The first 2 digits '35' represent Chapter 35: Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes. The 3rd-4th digits '06' represent heading 3506: Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, not elsewhere specified or included; products suitable for use as adhesives. The 5th-6th digits '10' represent subheading 3506.10: Products suitable for use as adhesives, put up for retail sale, with a net weight not exceeding 1 kg. This subheading emphasizes 'retail packaging' and 'net weight ≤ 1 kg', both of which must be satisfied simultaneously; otherwise, classification should fall under other subheadings or headings. This commodity is classified under 3506.10 rather than 3501 (casein glues), 3502 (animal glues), 3503 (gelatin) or 3505 (dextrin glues) because it belongs to 'prepared glues not elsewhere specified or included' and is sold in retail packaging (net weight ≤ 1 kg). If in bulk or with a net weight exceeding 1 kg, it may be classified under 3506.91 (adhesives with rubber or plastics as the basic component) or 3506.99 (other).
Chapter
Chapter 35 is the category of 'Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes' in the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, covering products ranging from natural animal and vegetable proteins (such as casein, gelatin) to industrial adhesives, enzyme preparations, etc. This chapter includes both edible gelatin, peptones and other food/pharmaceutical raw materials, and non-edible adhesives and enzyme preparations. When classifying, attention must be paid to distinguishing from Chapter 39 (plastics), Chapter 48 (paper), Chapter 15 (fats and oils), etc. The core issue is whether the commodity is based on protein, starch or gelatinous components.
Heading
Heading 3506 covers 'Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, not elsewhere specified or included', including products suitable for use as adhesives, put up for retail sale, with a net weight not exceeding 1 kg. This heading includes both natural adhesives such as animal glue and starch glue, and adhesives based on synthetic resins, rubber, etc., but only in retail packaging. If in bulk or non-retail packaging, they are generally classified under other headings (such as 3501, 3502, 3503 or Chapter 39).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '35' represent Chapter 35: Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes. The 3rd-4th digits '06' represent heading 3506: Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, not elsewhere specified or included; products suitable for use as adhesives. The 5th-6th digits '10' represent subheading 3506.10: Products suitable for use as adhesives, put up for retail sale, with a net weight not exceeding 1 kg. This subheading emphasizes 'retail packaging' and 'net weight ≤ 1 kg', both of which must be satisfied simultaneously; otherwise, classification should fall under other subheadings or headings.
Classification Basis
This commodity is classified under 3506.10 rather than 3501 (casein glues), 3502 (animal glues), 3503 (gelatin) or 3505 (dextrin glues) because it belongs to 'prepared glues not elsewhere specified or included' and is sold in retail packaging (net weight ≤ 1 kg). If in bulk or with a net weight exceeding 1 kg, it may be classified under 3506.91 (adhesives with rubber or plastics as the basic component) or 3506.99 (other).
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'glue', 'adhesive', 'bonding agent', etc., which must be consistent with the commercial invoice and contract. Use: Explain the main use of the commodity, such as 'for bonding paper', 'for wood bonding', 'suitable for DIY crafts', etc. Composition: List the main chemical components and their content, such as 'polyvinyl alcohol 30%, water 60%, additives 10%', which must be consistent with the MSDS. Packaging Specifications: Indicate the retail packaging form and net weight, such as '20 grams per tube, 12 tubes/box', '500 grams per bottle', etc. Brand: Declare the brand of the commodity (such as '3M', 'Deli'); if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Model: Fill in the commodity model or item number, such as 'AD-101', 'Super Glue 2000'. Appearance: Describe the appearance of the commodity, such as 'liquid', 'paste', 'solid', etc. Product Name: Super Glue; Use: for bonding plastics, metals, wood; Composition: ethyl cyanoacrylate 90%, thickener 5%, stabilizer 5%; Packaging Specifications: 3 grams per tube, 12 tubes/box, net weight 36 grams/box; Brand: Loctite; Model: 401; Appearance: transparent liquid. Mistakenly classifying retail-packaged adhesives with a net weight exceeding 1 kg under 3506.10, when they should actually be classified under 3506.91 or 3506.99. Failing to distinguish between retail packaging and non-retail packaging, resulting in incorrect classification under headings such as 3501 or 3502. Incomplete declaration of composition, such as writing only 'resin' without listing the specific chemical name, which may trigger customs scrutiny.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as 'glue', 'adhesive', 'bonding agent', etc., which must be consistent with the commercial invoice and contract.
⚠️ Writing only 'glue' or 'adhesive' without distinguishing the specific use or composition.
Use
Explain the main use of the commodity, such as 'for bonding paper', 'for wood bonding', 'suitable for DIY crafts', etc.
⚠️ Filling in 'bonding' is too general and does not specify the object or scenario.
Composition
List the main chemical components and their content, such as 'polyvinyl alcohol 30%, water 60%, additives 10%', which must be consistent with the MSDS.
⚠️ Writing only 'resin' or 'gelatinous substance' without providing specific chemical names and proportions.
Packaging Specifications
Indicate the retail packaging form and net weight, such as '20 grams per tube, 12 tubes/box', '500 grams per bottle', etc.
⚠️ Failing to indicate net weight or mistakenly writing gross weight, leading to classification errors.
Brand
Declare the brand of the commodity (such as '3M', 'Deli'); if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with trademark, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the commodity model or item number, such as 'AD-101', 'Super Glue 2000'.
⚠️ Confusing model with specifications, or failing to fill it in.
Appearance
Describe the appearance of the commodity, such as 'liquid', 'paste', 'solid', etc.
⚠️ Failing to describe the appearance, affecting classification judgment.
Example: Product Name: Super Glue; Use: for bonding plastics, metals, wood; Composition: ethyl cyanoacrylate 90%, thickener 5%, stabilizer 5%; Packaging Specifications: 3 grams per tube, 12 tubes/box, net weight 36 grams/box; Brand: Loctite; Model: 401; Appearance: transparent liquid.
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying retail-packaged adhesives with a net weight exceeding 1 kg under 3506.10, when they should actually be classified under 3506.91 or 3506.99.
Failing to distinguish between retail packaging and non-retail packaging, resulting in incorrect classification under headings such as 3501 or 3502.
Incomplete declaration of composition, such as writing only 'resin' without listing the specific chemical name, which may trigger customs scrutiny.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core criteria for classification: 1) Whether the commodity is suitable for use as an adhesive; 2) Whether it is in retail packaging (generally referring to small packages sold directly to end users); 3) Whether the net weight does not exceed 1 kg; 4) Whether it belongs to prepared glues not elsewhere specified or included. Reference should also be made to the definition of 'retail packaging' in the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff and the relevant classification decisions of the General Administration of Customs. 3501 Casein glues: 3501 covers casein and its derivatives, including casein glues; 3506.10 covers other prepared glues not elsewhere specified or included, in retail packaging ≤ 1 kg. If it is a casein-based glue but in retail packaging, it should still be classified under 3501, as 3501 takes priority. 3502 Animal glues: 3502 includes bone glue, hide glue and other animal glues; 3506.10 covers other prepared glues. If the product is an animal glue but in retail packaging, it should be classified under 3502, unless it is a mixture not elsewhere specified or included. 3505 Dextrin glues: 3505 covers dextrin and other modified starch glues; 3506.10 covers other prepared glues. If dextrin is the base material, it should be classified under 3505, even in retail packaging. 3506.91 Adhesives with rubber or plastics as the basic component: 3506.91 covers rubber/plastic-based adhesives in bulk or non-retail packaging; 3506.10 covers retail packaging ≤ 1 kg. If in retail packaging ≤ 1 kg, even if the composition is rubber/plastic, it is classified under 3506.10. 3910 Plastic adhesives: 3910 covers plastics in primary forms, used for making glue; 3506.10 covers finished adhesives in retail packaging. If it is a finished product in retail packaging, it is classified under 3506.10. Is the commodity suitable for use as an adhesive? Is it in retail packaging? Is the net weight ≤ 1 kg? Does it belong to prepared glues not elsewhere specified or included? Is the composition clear and consistent with the declaration?
Basis
Core criteria for classification: 1) Whether the commodity is suitable for use as an adhesive; 2) Whether it is in retail packaging (generally referring to small packages sold directly to end users); 3) Whether the net weight does not exceed 1 kg; 4) Whether it belongs to prepared glues not elsewhere specified or included. Reference should also be made to the definition of 'retail packaging' in the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff and the relevant classification decisions of the General Administration of Customs.
Confused Codes:
3501 - Casein glues
3501 covers casein and its derivatives, including casein glues; 3506.10 covers other prepared glues not elsewhere specified or included, in retail packaging ≤ 1 kg. If it is a casein-based glue but in retail packaging, it should still be classified under 3501, as 3501 takes priority.
3502 - Animal glues
3502 includes bone glue, hide glue and other animal glues; 3506.10 covers other prepared glues. If the product is an animal glue but in retail packaging, it should be classified under 3502, unless it is a mixture not elsewhere specified or included.
3505 - Dextrin glues
3505 covers dextrin and other modified starch glues; 3506.10 covers other prepared glues. If dextrin is the base material, it should be classified under 3505, even in retail packaging.
3506.91 - Adhesives with rubber or plastics as the basic component
3506.91 covers rubber/plastic-based adhesives in bulk or non-retail packaging; 3506.10 covers retail packaging ≤ 1 kg. If in retail packaging ≤ 1 kg, even if the composition is rubber/plastic, it is classified under 3506.10.
3910 - Plastic adhesives
3910 covers plastics in primary forms, used for making glue; 3506.10 covers finished adhesives in retail packaging. If it is a finished product in retail packaging, it is classified under 3506.10.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the commodity suitable for use as an adhesive?
✓ Is it in retail packaging?
✓ Is the net weight ≤ 1 kg?
✓ Does it belong to prepared glues not elsewhere specified or included?
✓ Is the composition clear and consistent with the declaration?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether an adhesive belongs to 'retail packaging'? Retail packaging generally refers to small packages sold directly to end users without further repackaging, such as toothpaste tubes, small bottles, syringes, etc. Customs will refer to labels, instructions, brands, etc. on the packaging. If the packaging bears a retail price, barcode, instructions for use, etc., it is generally regarded as retail packaging. If it is an industrial large drum, it is non-retail packaging. Under which code should a retail-packaged adhesive with a net weight exceeding 1 kg be classified? If the net weight exceeds 1 kg, even if it is in retail packaging, it cannot be classified under 3506.10. It should be classified according to its composition under 3506.91 (with rubber or plastics as the basic component) or 3506.99 (other). For example, a 1.5 kg pack of epoxy resin adhesive should be classified under 3506.91. Should cyanoacrylate glue (instant glue) be classified under 3506.10? Yes, if it is in retail packaging and the net weight is ≤ 1 kg, it is generally classified under 3506.10. However, note that if the net weight exceeds 1 kg, it is classified under 3506.91. In addition, if the glue is specified in other headings (such as 3501-3505), those headings take priority. How should the composition be filled in during declaration to avoid classification disputes? The chemical names and content percentages of the main components should be filled in, such as 'polyvinyl alcohol 30%, water 65%, preservative 5%'. Avoid vague terms such as 'resin' or 'gelatinous substance'. If hazardous components are present, it must be consistent with the MSDS. The composition determines the basic classification, so it must be accurate. What is the main difference between 3506.10 and 3506.91? 3506.10 applies to adhesives in retail packaging with a net weight ≤ 1 kg, regardless of composition; 3506.91 applies to adhesives with rubber or plastics as the basic component, but in non-retail packaging or with a net weight > 1 kg. Therefore, the difference lies in packaging and net weight, not composition. If the adhesive is a set (such as AB glue), how should it be classified? If the set is in retail packaging and the total net weight is ≤ 1 kg, it is generally classified as one set under 3506.10. If the total net weight is > 1 kg, it is classified according to the main component under 3506.91 or 3506.99. If the components in the set are goods of different headings, they may need to be classified separately. Do imported adhesives require an MSDS? Yes, if the adhesive is a hazardous chemical, an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and a hazardous properties classification identification report are required. Even if it is non-hazardous, customs may require an MSDS to confirm the composition and classification. It is recommended to prepare in advance. How to check the import tariff rate for 3506.10? It can be checked through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the 'Internet + Customs' platform, or the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China'. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement (such as RCEP), so the latest tariff schedule should be used. In addition, you may consult a professional customs broker or use the customs advance classification service.
Q: How to determine whether an adhesive belongs to 'retail packaging'?
A: Retail packaging generally refers to small packages sold directly to end users without further repackaging, such as toothpaste tubes, small bottles, syringes, etc. Customs will refer to labels, instructions, brands, etc. on the packaging. If the packaging bears a retail price, barcode, instructions for use, etc., it is generally regarded as retail packaging. If it is an industrial large drum, it is non-retail packaging.
Q: Under which code should a retail-packaged adhesive with a net weight exceeding 1 kg be classified?
A: If the net weight exceeds 1 kg, even if it is in retail packaging, it cannot be classified under 3506.10. It should be classified according to its composition under 3506.91 (with rubber or plastics as the basic component) or 3506.99 (other). For example, a 1.5 kg pack of epoxy resin adhesive should be classified under 3506.91.
Q: Should cyanoacrylate glue (instant glue) be classified under 3506.10?
A: Yes, if it is in retail packaging and the net weight is ≤ 1 kg, it is generally classified under 3506.10. However, note that if the net weight exceeds 1 kg, it is classified under 3506.91. In addition, if the glue is specified in other headings (such as 3501-3505), those headings take priority.
Q: How should the composition be filled in during declaration to avoid classification disputes?
A: The chemical names and content percentages of the main components should be filled in, such as 'polyvinyl alcohol 30%, water 65%, preservative 5%'. Avoid vague terms such as 'resin' or 'gelatinous substance'. If hazardous components are present, it must be consistent with the MSDS. The composition determines the basic classification, so it must be accurate.
Q: What is the main difference between 3506.10 and 3506.91?
A: 3506.10 applies to adhesives in retail packaging with a net weight ≤ 1 kg, regardless of composition; 3506.91 applies to adhesives with rubber or plastics as the basic component, but in non-retail packaging or with a net weight > 1 kg. Therefore, the difference lies in packaging and net weight, not composition.
Q: If the adhesive is a set (such as AB glue), how should it be classified?
A: If the set is in retail packaging and the total net weight is ≤ 1 kg, it is generally classified as one set under 3506.10. If the total net weight is > 1 kg, it is classified according to the main component under 3506.91 or 3506.99. If the components in the set are goods of different headings, they may need to be classified separately.
Q: Do imported adhesives require an MSDS?
A: Yes, if the adhesive is a hazardous chemical, an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) and a hazardous properties classification identification report are required. Even if it is non-hazardous, customs may require an MSDS to confirm the composition and classification. It is recommended to prepare in advance.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for 3506.10?
A: It can be checked through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the 'Internet + Customs' platform, or the 'Import and Export Tariff of the People's Republic of China'. Tariff rates vary by country and trade agreement (such as RCEP), so the latest tariff schedule should be used. In addition, you may consult a professional customs broker or use the customs advance classification service.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.