Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, including plastics in primary forms, waste and scrap, semi-manufactures and finished products. The headings of this chapter are divided according to polymer types and product forms, such as 3901 to 3914 for plastics in primary forms, 3915 for waste and scrap, and 3916 to 3926 for semi-manufactures and finished products. Goods in this chapter generally have the characteristics of high polymer polymers, but attention should be paid to distinguishing them from Chapter 28, Chapter 40, etc. Heading 3916 covers monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked, but not otherwise worked beyond that specified in other headings. It includes monofilament made of materials such as polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and polyester, commonly used in textiles, brushes, fishing nets, zippers, etc. The first 2 digits 39 represent Chapter 39, plastics and articles thereof; digits 3-4, 16, represent heading 3916, i.e., monofilament of plastics (cross-sectional dimension > 1 mm), rods, sticks and profile shapes; digits 5-6, 90, are a subheading meaning "other", i.e., monofilament of plastics other than 3916.10 (of polymers of ethylene), 3916.20 (of polymers of vinyl chloride), and 3916.90. Subheading 90 covers monofilament of materials such as polyamide, polyester, and polypropylene. This product is monofilament of plastics with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm, which conforms to the description of heading 3916. If the cross-sectional dimension is ≤ 1 mm, it belongs to man-made filament yarns (Chapter 54); if it is in the form of plates, sheets, etc., it is classified under 3920; if it is other finished articles, it is classified under 3926. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension and monofilament form are the key to classification under 3916.90.
Chapter
Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, including plastics in primary forms, waste and scrap, semi-manufactures and finished products. The headings of this chapter are divided according to polymer types and product forms, such as 3901 to 3914 for plastics in primary forms, 3915 for waste and scrap, and 3916 to 3926 for semi-manufactures and finished products. Goods in this chapter generally have the characteristics of high polymer polymers, but attention should be paid to distinguishing them from Chapter 28, Chapter 40, etc.
Heading
Heading 3916 covers monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked, but not otherwise worked beyond that specified in other headings. It includes monofilament made of materials such as polyvinyl chloride, polyamide, and polyester, commonly used in textiles, brushes, fishing nets, zippers, etc.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 39 represent Chapter 39, plastics and articles thereof; digits 3-4, 16, represent heading 3916, i.e., monofilament of plastics (cross-sectional dimension > 1 mm), rods, sticks and profile shapes; digits 5-6, 90, are a subheading meaning "other", i.e., monofilament of plastics other than 3916.10 (of polymers of ethylene), 3916.20 (of polymers of vinyl chloride), and 3916.90. Subheading 90 covers monofilament of materials such as polyamide, polyester, and polypropylene.
Classification Basis
This product is monofilament of plastics with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm, which conforms to the description of heading 3916. If the cross-sectional dimension is ≤ 1 mm, it belongs to man-made filament yarns (Chapter 54); if it is in the form of plates, sheets, etc., it is classified under 3920; if it is other finished articles, it is classified under 3926. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension and monofilament form are the key to classification under 3916.90.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "polyamide monofilament" or "polyester monofilament", which must be consistent with the material. Material: Fill in the specific type of plastic, such as polyamide-6, polyethylene terephthalate, etc., and it must comply with the customs standardized declaration catalog. Appearance: Describe the color, shape (such as round, irregular), whether wound, etc. of the monofilament. Cross-sectional dimension: Accurately fill in the cross-sectional diameter of the monofilament in millimeters, and it must be greater than 1 mm. Length: Fill in the length of the monofilament or whether it is continuously wound, in meters or kilograms. Use: Explain the main use of the monofilament, such as for textiles, brushes, fishing nets, etc. Brand: Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none". Model: Fill in the product model or specification, such as "PA6-1.2mm". Product name: Polyamide-6 monofilament; Material: Polyamide-6; Appearance: white round, wound; Cross-sectional dimension: 1.5 mm; Length: 1000 m/roll; Use: for manufacturing fishing nets; Brand: none; Model: PA6-1.5. The cross-sectional dimension is not indicated or is less than 1 mm, which may lead to classification under Chapter 54. The material is not filled in specifically, such as only writing "plastic", which is likely to be rejected by customs. The use description is vague, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to 3916.90.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "polyamide monofilament" or "polyester monofilament", which must be consistent with the material.
⚠️ Writing only "plastic monofilament" without indicating the specific polymer type.
Material
Fill in the specific type of plastic, such as polyamide-6, polyethylene terephthalate, etc., and it must comply with the customs standardized declaration catalog.
⚠️ Filling in the material vaguely as "plastic" without specifying the exact polymer.
Appearance
Describe the color, shape (such as round, irregular), whether wound, etc. of the monofilament.
⚠️ Omitting color or shape description, leading to classification disputes.
Cross-sectional dimension
Accurately fill in the cross-sectional diameter of the monofilament in millimeters, and it must be greater than 1 mm.
⚠️ Failing to provide the diameter or using the wrong unit, such as mistakenly filling in centimeters.
Length
Fill in the length of the monofilament or whether it is continuously wound, in meters or kilograms.
⚠️ Failing to indicate whether it is fixed length or continuous, affecting classification.
Use
Explain the main use of the monofilament, such as for textiles, brushes, fishing nets, etc.
⚠️ The use description is too broad, such as "industrial use".
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer or brand name; if there is no brand, fill in "none".
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or filling in incompletely.
Model
Fill in the product model or specification, such as "PA6-1.2mm".
⚠️ The model duplicates the material, or is not filled in.
The cross-sectional dimension is not indicated or is less than 1 mm, which may lead to classification under Chapter 54.
The material is not filled in specifically, such as only writing "plastic", which is likely to be rejected by customs.
The use description is vague, making it impossible to determine whether it belongs to 3916.90.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material is plastic; 2) the form is monofilament, rods, sticks or profile shapes; 3) the cross-sectional dimension of the monofilament exceeds 1 mm; 4) it has not been further worked beyond that specified in other headings. If the cross-sectional dimension is ≤ 1 mm, it is classified under Chapter 54 as man-made filament yarn; if it is in the form of plates, sheets, etc., it is classified under 3920; if it is other finished articles, it is classified under 3926. 391610 Monofilament of polymers of ethylene: The material is polymers of ethylene, while 391690 is other plastics, such as polyamide, polyester, etc. 391620 Monofilament of polymers of vinyl chloride: The material is polymers of vinyl chloride, while 391690 is other plastics. 540419 Other synthetic filament yarn: The cross-sectional dimension is ≤ 1 mm, belonging to man-made filament yarn, while 391690 requires > 1 mm. 392690 Other articles of plastics: 392690 is other articles of plastics not elsewhere specified, while 391690 specifically refers to monofilament, rods, sticks, profile shapes, etc. Is the material plastic? Is the cross-sectional dimension greater than 1 mm? Has it not been further worked? Does it belong to monofilament, rods, sticks or profile shapes? Has Chapter 54 man-made filament yarn been excluded?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the material is plastic; 2) the form is monofilament, rods, sticks or profile shapes; 3) the cross-sectional dimension of the monofilament exceeds 1 mm; 4) it has not been further worked beyond that specified in other headings. If the cross-sectional dimension is ≤ 1 mm, it is classified under Chapter 54 as man-made filament yarn; if it is in the form of plates, sheets, etc., it is classified under 3920; if it is other finished articles, it is classified under 3926.
Confused Codes:
391610 - Monofilament of polymers of ethylene
The material is polymers of ethylene, while 391690 is other plastics, such as polyamide, polyester, etc.
391620 - Monofilament of polymers of vinyl chloride
The material is polymers of vinyl chloride, while 391690 is other plastics.
540419 - Other synthetic filament yarn
The cross-sectional dimension is ≤ 1 mm, belonging to man-made filament yarn, while 391690 requires > 1 mm.
392690 - Other articles of plastics
392690 is other articles of plastics not elsewhere specified, while 391690 specifically refers to monofilament, rods, sticks, profile shapes, etc.
Self-Check:
✓ Is the material plastic?
✓ Is the cross-sectional dimension greater than 1 mm?
✓ Has it not been further worked?
✓ Does it belong to monofilament, rods, sticks or profile shapes?
✓ Has Chapter 54 man-made filament yarn been excluded?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 391690? You can check the most-favored-nation tariff rate, interim tariff rate, or agreement tariff rate through the General Administration of Customs official website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms by entering HS code 391690 and according to the country of origin and trade agreement. Note that tariff rates may change, and the latest announcement shall prevail. If the cross-sectional dimension is exactly 1 mm, should it be classified under 391690 or 540419? According to the tariff schedule notes, monofilament with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm is classified under 3916, and 1 mm or less is classified under Chapter 54. Therefore, exactly 1 mm should be classified under 540419, and only more than 1 mm (such as 1.01 mm) is classified under 391690. Can polyester monofilament used for 3D printing be classified under 391690? Yes, as long as the cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm and it has not been further worked. Polyester monofilament for 3D printing usually has a diameter of 1.75 mm or 3 mm, which conforms to 391690. However, if it has been wound on a printing spool, it is still classified under 391690. How to distinguish 391690 from 392690? 391690 specifically refers to monofilament, rods, sticks and profile shapes of plastics, while 392690 is other articles of plastics not elsewhere specified. If the monofilament has been processed into a specific article (such as a brush), it is classified under the corresponding article heading; if it remains in monofilament form, it is classified under 391690. How should the material be filled in during declaration? The specific polymer name must be filled in, such as polyamide-6, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, etc., and it is not acceptable to write only "plastic". Reference may be made to the material requirements in the Customs Standardized Declaration Catalog and the Tariff Schedule Notes. Can the monofilament of 391690 undergo surface treatment? Yes, heading 3916 includes monofilament that has been surface-worked (such as coated or dyed), but not otherwise worked beyond that specified in other headings. If the monofilament has been cut into short segments or made into brushes, etc., it is no longer classified under 391690. Is there an additional tariff when importing 391690 from the United States? It is necessary to check the list of additional tariffs imposed in the China-US trade friction to confirm whether 391690 is within the scope of additional tariffs. This can be verified through announcements of the Tariff Commission of the State Council or the customs query system, and attention should be paid to the additional tariff rate and exclusions. What is the export tax rebate for 391690? The export tax rebate rate must be checked in the export tax rebate rate library issued by the State Taxation Administration, and determined according to commodity code 391690 and the latest policy. Generally, the tax rebate rate for plastic products is relatively high, but the official data shall prevail.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 391690?
A: You can check the most-favored-nation tariff rate, interim tariff rate, or agreement tariff rate through the General Administration of Customs official website, China International Trade Single Window, or third-party query platforms by entering HS code 391690 and according to the country of origin and trade agreement. Note that tariff rates may change, and the latest announcement shall prevail.
Q: If the cross-sectional dimension is exactly 1 mm, should it be classified under 391690 or 540419?
A: According to the tariff schedule notes, monofilament with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm is classified under 3916, and 1 mm or less is classified under Chapter 54. Therefore, exactly 1 mm should be classified under 540419, and only more than 1 mm (such as 1.01 mm) is classified under 391690.
Q: Can polyester monofilament used for 3D printing be classified under 391690?
A: Yes, as long as the cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm and it has not been further worked. Polyester monofilament for 3D printing usually has a diameter of 1.75 mm or 3 mm, which conforms to 391690. However, if it has been wound on a printing spool, it is still classified under 391690.
Q: How to distinguish 391690 from 392690?
A: 391690 specifically refers to monofilament, rods, sticks and profile shapes of plastics, while 392690 is other articles of plastics not elsewhere specified. If the monofilament has been processed into a specific article (such as a brush), it is classified under the corresponding article heading; if it remains in monofilament form, it is classified under 391690.
Q: How should the material be filled in during declaration?
A: The specific polymer name must be filled in, such as polyamide-6, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, etc., and it is not acceptable to write only "plastic". Reference may be made to the material requirements in the Customs Standardized Declaration Catalog and the Tariff Schedule Notes.
Q: Can the monofilament of 391690 undergo surface treatment?
A: Yes, heading 3916 includes monofilament that has been surface-worked (such as coated or dyed), but not otherwise worked beyond that specified in other headings. If the monofilament has been cut into short segments or made into brushes, etc., it is no longer classified under 391690.
Q: Is there an additional tariff when importing 391690 from the United States?
A: It is necessary to check the list of additional tariffs imposed in the China-US trade friction to confirm whether 391690 is within the scope of additional tariffs. This can be verified through announcements of the Tariff Commission of the State Council or the customs query system, and attention should be paid to the additional tariff rate and exclusions.
Q: What is the export tax rebate for 391690?
A: The export tax rebate rate must be checked in the export tax rebate rate library issued by the State Taxation Administration, and determined according to commodity code 391690 and the latest policy. Generally, the tax rebate rate for plastic products is relatively high, but the official data shall prevail.
⚠️ 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.