Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and is a core chapter in the HS classification organized by material properties. This chapter includes polymers in primary forms (such as resins, granules, powders, etc.), as well as semi-finished and finished products. Note, however, that this chapter does not include rubber (Chapter 40), man-made filament yarns (Chapter 54), etc. Primary forms refer to unprocessed forms such as liquids, pastes, blocks, powders, and granules. As specialty plastics, fluoropolymers must be classified based on a comprehensive assessment of their chemical structure, physical form, and use. Heading 3904 covers polymers of vinyl chloride or other halogenated olefins in primary forms. Among these, 'polymers of other halogenated olefins' includes fluoropolymers, i.e., olefin polymers containing fluorine atoms, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), etc. This heading does not include halogenated rubber (Chapter 40) or simple mixtures of halogenated hydrocarbons. Due to their chemical resistance, high-temperature resistance, and other properties, fluoropolymers are widely used in seals, coatings, electronic components, etc. The first 2 digits '39' represent Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof). The 3rd-4th digits '04' represent heading 3904 (Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms). The 5th-6th digits '69' represent subheading 3904.69 (Other fluoropolymers, in primary forms). Note that 3904.10 is polyvinyl chloride, 3904.21/22 are unmixed vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, etc., 3904.30 is vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, 3904.40 is other vinyl chloride copolymers, 3904.50 is vinylidene chloride polymers, 3904.61 is polytetrafluoroethylene, and 3904.69 is other fluoropolymers. Therefore, 390469 specifically refers to fluoropolymers other than polytetrafluoroethylene, such as PVDF, FEP, PFA, etc. The product is a fluoropolymer, which belongs to halogenated olefin polymers, and is in primary form, so it is classified under 3904. Since it is a fluoropolymer rather than a vinyl chloride polymer, and is not polytetrafluoroethylene (3904.61), it is classified under 3904.69. If it were polytetrafluoroethylene, it would be classified under 3904.61; if it were fluoro rubber, it would be classified under Chapter 40; if it were an article of fluoropolymer, it would be classified under other headings of Chapter 39 or according to its use.
Chapter
Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and is a core chapter in the HS classification organized by material properties. This chapter includes polymers in primary forms (such as resins, granules, powders, etc.), as well as semi-finished and finished products. Note, however, that this chapter does not include rubber (Chapter 40), man-made filament yarns (Chapter 54), etc. Primary forms refer to unprocessed forms such as liquids, pastes, blocks, powders, and granules. As specialty plastics, fluoropolymers must be classified based on a comprehensive assessment of their chemical structure, physical form, and use.
Heading
Heading 3904 covers polymers of vinyl chloride or other halogenated olefins in primary forms. Among these, 'polymers of other halogenated olefins' includes fluoropolymers, i.e., olefin polymers containing fluorine atoms, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), etc. This heading does not include halogenated rubber (Chapter 40) or simple mixtures of halogenated hydrocarbons. Due to their chemical resistance, high-temperature resistance, and other properties, fluoropolymers are widely used in seals, coatings, electronic components, etc.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits '39' represent Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof). The 3rd-4th digits '04' represent heading 3904 (Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms). The 5th-6th digits '69' represent subheading 3904.69 (Other fluoropolymers, in primary forms). Note that 3904.10 is polyvinyl chloride, 3904.21/22 are unmixed vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, etc., 3904.30 is vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, 3904.40 is other vinyl chloride copolymers, 3904.50 is vinylidene chloride polymers, 3904.61 is polytetrafluoroethylene, and 3904.69 is other fluoropolymers. Therefore, 390469 specifically refers to fluoropolymers other than polytetrafluoroethylene, such as PVDF, FEP, PFA, etc.
Classification Basis
The product is a fluoropolymer, which belongs to halogenated olefin polymers, and is in primary form, so it is classified under 3904. Since it is a fluoropolymer rather than a vinyl chloride polymer, and is not polytetrafluoroethylene (3904.61), it is classified under 3904.69. If it were polytetrafluoroethylene, it would be classified under 3904.61; if it were fluoro rubber, it would be classified under Chapter 40; if it were an article of fluoropolymer, it would be classified under other headings of Chapter 39 or according to its use.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Fill in the standard name of the product, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), and avoid using common names or brand names. Appearance: Describe the specific form of the primary shape, such as powder, granules, emulsion, blocks, etc., and indicate the color. Composition and Content: Indicate the chemical name and content percentage of the main components, such as polyvinylidene fluoride ≥99%, additives ≤1%. Types and Proportions of Monomer Units: For copolymers, indicate the types and molar ratio or weight ratio of each monomer unit, such as vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene copolymer. Brand: Fill in the brand name of the manufacturer or trader; if there is no brand, fill in 'None'. Model: Fill in the specific model or grade of the product, such as PVDF 6010. Use: Explain the final use of the product, such as for coatings, lithium battery binders, pipes, etc. Manufacturer: Fill in the name of the manufacturing enterprise, which must be consistent with the invoice and contract. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
Appearance: White powder
Composition and Content: Polyvinylidene fluoride 99.5%, additives 0.5%
Monomer Units: Vinylidene fluoride 100%
Brand: Solvay
Model: Solef 6010
Use: Used as binder for lithium battery electrodes
Manufacturer: Solvay Specialty Polymers Mistakenly classifying polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) under 390469, when it should actually be classified under 390461. Failing to distinguish between primary forms and articles; if it is a semi-finished product such as rods or sheets, it may be classified under other headings. Copolymers not providing monomer proportions, leading to classification disputes.
Product Name
Fill in the standard name of the product, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) or fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), and avoid using common names or brand names.
⚠️ Writing only 'fluoropolymer' is too general, or mistakenly writing 'Teflon' (a brand name).
Appearance
Describe the specific form of the primary shape, such as powder, granules, emulsion, blocks, etc., and indicate the color.
⚠️ Omitting the form description, or incorrectly describing it as 'liquid' when it is actually solid.
Composition and Content
Indicate the chemical name and content percentage of the main components, such as polyvinylidene fluoride ≥99%, additives ≤1%.
⚠️ Failing to list additives or content, or inaccurate component names.
Types and Proportions of Monomer Units
For copolymers, indicate the types and molar ratio or weight ratio of each monomer unit, such as vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene copolymer.
⚠️ Ignoring copolymer monomer information, or unclear proportions.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the manufacturer or trader; if there is no brand, fill in 'None'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or incomplete filling.
Model
Fill in the specific model or grade of the product, such as PVDF 6010.
⚠️ Incorrect or missing model.
Use
Explain the final use of the product, such as for coatings, lithium battery binders, pipes, etc.
⚠️ Use description is too broad, such as 'industrial use'.
Manufacturer
Fill in the name of the manufacturing enterprise, which must be consistent with the invoice and contract.
⚠️ Filling in the trader instead of the manufacturer, or misspelling the name.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
Appearance: White powder
Composition and Content: Polyvinylidene fluoride 99.5%, additives 0.5%
Monomer Units: Vinylidene fluoride 100%
Brand: Solvay
Model: Solef 6010
Use: Used as binder for lithium battery electrodes
Manufacturer: Solvay Specialty Polymers
Common Mistakes:
Mistakenly classifying polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) under 390469, when it should actually be classified under 390461.
Failing to distinguish between primary forms and articles; if it is a semi-finished product such as rods or sheets, it may be classified under other headings.
Copolymers not providing monomer proportions, leading to classification disputes.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification basis: First confirm that the product is a fluoropolymer in primary form, i.e., in its original form without further processing (such as molding, extrusion, etc.). Second, confirm that its chemical structure is a homopolymer or copolymer of fluorine-containing olefins, and that it is not polytetrafluoroethylene (3904.61). If it is polytetrafluoroethylene, it is classified under 3904.61; if it is fluoro rubber, it is classified under Chapter 40; if it is an article of fluoropolymer, it is classified according to its use or material under other headings of Chapter 39 or Chapters 84, 85, etc. 390461 Polytetrafluoroethylene, in primary forms: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a type of fluoropolymer, but subheading 390461 specifically lists it, while 390469 is for other fluoropolymers, such as PVDF, FEP, etc. 390469 Other fluoropolymers, in primary forms: This code is the current code, and care must be taken to distinguish it from 390461. 390450 Vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms: Vinylidene chloride polymers contain chlorine but not fluorine, while fluoropolymers contain fluorine, and their chemical structures are different. 400299 Other synthetic rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip: Fluoro rubber is a synthetic rubber and is classified under Chapter 40, while fluoropolymer plastics are classified under Chapter 39. 390190 Other polymers of ethylene, in primary forms: Ethylene polymers do not contain halogen, while fluoropolymers contain fluorine and belong to halogenated olefin polymers. Is it indeed in primary form? Does it contain fluorine? Is it polytetrafluoroethylene? Is monomer unit information provided? Is it confused with rubber?
Basis
Core classification basis: First confirm that the product is a fluoropolymer in primary form, i.e., in its original form without further processing (such as molding, extrusion, etc.). Second, confirm that its chemical structure is a homopolymer or copolymer of fluorine-containing olefins, and that it is not polytetrafluoroethylene (3904.61). If it is polytetrafluoroethylene, it is classified under 3904.61; if it is fluoro rubber, it is classified under Chapter 40; if it is an article of fluoropolymer, it is classified according to its use or material under other headings of Chapter 39 or Chapters 84, 85, etc.
Confused Codes:
390461 - Polytetrafluoroethylene, in primary forms
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a type of fluoropolymer, but subheading 390461 specifically lists it, while 390469 is for other fluoropolymers, such as PVDF, FEP, etc.
390469 - Other fluoropolymers, in primary forms
This code is the current code, and care must be taken to distinguish it from 390461.
390450 - Vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms
Vinylidene chloride polymers contain chlorine but not fluorine, while fluoropolymers contain fluorine, and their chemical structures are different.
400299 - Other synthetic rubber in primary forms or in plates, sheets or strip
Fluoro rubber is a synthetic rubber and is classified under Chapter 40, while fluoropolymer plastics are classified under Chapter 39.
390190 - Other polymers of ethylene, in primary forms
Ethylene polymers do not contain halogen, while fluoropolymers contain fluorine and belong to halogenated olefin polymers.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it indeed in primary form?
✓ Does it contain fluorine?
✓ Is it polytetrafluoroethylene?
✓ Is monomer unit information provided?
✓ Is it confused with rubber?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 390469? You can check the latest tariff rates through the General Administration of Customs website or the China International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 390469, select the country of origin and trade mode, and the system will display the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and it is recommended to rely on official real-time data. What is the difference between 390469 and 390461? 390461 specifically refers to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in primary forms, while 390469 covers other fluoropolymers, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), soluble polytetrafluoroethylene (PFA), etc. When classifying, the specific chemical composition must be confirmed. Are fluoropolymer powders and granules both classified under 390469? Yes, as long as they are in primary forms (powder, granules, emulsion, etc.) and are other fluoropolymers, they are classified under 390469. However, if they have been further processed, such as made into plates, sheets, rods, etc., they may be classified under other headings. How should the composition and content be filled in during declaration? Fill in the chemical names and content percentages of the main components, such as polyvinylidene fluoride ≥99%, and indicate the names and contents of additives. If it is a copolymer, the proportions of each monomer unit must also be provided. How to distinguish between fluoropolymers and fluoro rubber? Fluoropolymers are plastics and are classified under Chapter 39; fluoro rubber is synthetic rubber and is classified under Chapter 40. The main difference lies in material properties: fluoro rubber has high elasticity, while fluoropolymers are usually rigid or semi-rigid. For details, refer to the product technical parameters. What is the export tax rebate for 390469? The export tax rebate rate must be checked according to the latest regulations of the State Taxation Administration. Usually, it can be checked through the electronic tax bureau or the Single Window. Note that the rebate rate may be adjusted, and it is recommended to rely on official announcements. If the product is an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer, is it classified under 390469? Yes, aqueous dispersions are in primary forms, and if they are other fluoropolymers, they are classified under 390469. However, note that if the dispersion contains other components, it may affect classification. What are the regulatory conditions for 390469? Regulatory conditions vary depending on the specific use and composition of the product, and may involve import licenses, hazardous chemical registration, etc. It is recommended to check the General Administration of Customs' 'Table of Regulatory Condition Codes' or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 390469?
A: You can check the latest tariff rates through the General Administration of Customs website or the China International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 390469, select the country of origin and trade mode, and the system will display the MFN rate, general rate, VAT rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy changes, and it is recommended to rely on official real-time data.
Q: What is the difference between 390469 and 390461?
A: 390461 specifically refers to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in primary forms, while 390469 covers other fluoropolymers, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer (FEP), soluble polytetrafluoroethylene (PFA), etc. When classifying, the specific chemical composition must be confirmed.
Q: Are fluoropolymer powders and granules both classified under 390469?
A: Yes, as long as they are in primary forms (powder, granules, emulsion, etc.) and are other fluoropolymers, they are classified under 390469. However, if they have been further processed, such as made into plates, sheets, rods, etc., they may be classified under other headings.
Q: How should the composition and content be filled in during declaration?
A: Fill in the chemical names and content percentages of the main components, such as polyvinylidene fluoride ≥99%, and indicate the names and contents of additives. If it is a copolymer, the proportions of each monomer unit must also be provided.
Q: How to distinguish between fluoropolymers and fluoro rubber?
A: Fluoropolymers are plastics and are classified under Chapter 39; fluoro rubber is synthetic rubber and is classified under Chapter 40. The main difference lies in material properties: fluoro rubber has high elasticity, while fluoropolymers are usually rigid or semi-rigid. For details, refer to the product technical parameters.
Q: What is the export tax rebate for 390469?
A: The export tax rebate rate must be checked according to the latest regulations of the State Taxation Administration. Usually, it can be checked through the electronic tax bureau or the Single Window. Note that the rebate rate may be adjusted, and it is recommended to rely on official announcements.
Q: If the product is an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer, is it classified under 390469?
A: Yes, aqueous dispersions are in primary forms, and if they are other fluoropolymers, they are classified under 390469. However, note that if the dispersion contains other components, it may affect classification.
Q: What are the regulatory conditions for 390469?
A: Regulatory conditions vary depending on the specific use and composition of the product, and may involve import licenses, hazardous chemical registration, etc. It is recommended to check the General Administration of Customs' 'Table of Regulatory Condition Codes' or consult a professional customs broker.
⚠️ 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.