Skip to main content

Not sure about the classification?

Intelligent search
39

Tariff Chapter 39

Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms

What does heading 3907 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 3907 covers polyacetals, other polyethers, epoxy resins in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters in primary forms. This heading includes granules, powders, liquids, pastes, blocks and other primary forms of polyethers, epoxy resins, PET, polycarbonates, alkyd resins. Plastics in primary forms are raw materials for further processing in the plastics processing industry. Customs duty rates are generally 6.5%. Import of plastics in primary forms requires REACH compliance declaration. Plastics intended for food contact must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Heading 3907 is part of Chapter 39 (plastics and rubber) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 3907 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 3907 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 3907

Customs duty rates are generally 6.5%. Import of plastics in primary forms requires REACH compliance declaration. Plastics for food contact require compliance with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. Import requires REACH declaration and SDS for hazardous substances. Check whether the plastic contains restricted substances (e.g. phthalates, BPA) in consumer products. Correct classification under heading 3907 requires identification of polymer type and product form. When importing goods under heading 3907 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 3907 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 3907 are subject to product safety compliance controls. Required documentation includes: EN standard conformity certificates, REACH documentation, food contact declarations. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Classification of goods under heading 3907 — key considerations

Heading 3907 covers polyacetals, other polyethers, epoxy resins in primary forms; polycarb. Polymers in primary forms (granules, powder, liquid, paste): 3907. Finished plastics articles (tubes: 3917, film: 3920, household: 3924, other: 3926) classify under 3916-3926, not 3907. Plastics waste: 3915. Key distinction: 3907 = polymer in PRIMARY form, 3916-3926 = finished semi-products and articles.

Frequently asked questions

What customs duty rates apply to polymers under heading 3907 (PET, polycarbonates, epoxy resins)?
Duty rates for polymers under heading 3907 range from 0% to 6.5% in the EU customs tariff. The standard rate for most subheadings is 6.5%. Bottle-grade PET (IV >0.72 dl/g) is imported in large volumes mainly from Asia. Polycarbonates, epoxy resins, and alkyd resins have varying rates depending on form (granules, liquid, powder) and end use. Correct classification requires determining the polymer type and primary form. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What documents are required for importing plastics of heading 3907 into the EU?
Importing polymers in primary forms under heading 3907 requires REACH compliance declaration and ECHA registration for substances imported above 1 tonne per year. Plastics intended for food contact must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 (FCM) — a declaration of compliance and migration test results are required. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is mandatory. For bottle-grade PET, additional quality certificates may be needed confirming intrinsic viscosity specifications. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.
What practical considerations apply when importing PET, polycarbonates, and epoxy resins?
When importing polymers under heading 3907, correctly identifying the polymer type is crucial as this heading covers a very broad range of plastics. Bottle-grade PET requires intrinsic viscosity (IV) verification. Epoxy resins may contain bisphenol A, subject to EU restrictions. Polycarbonates for optical applications require special transport and storage conditions. Check availability of preferential duty rates under trade agreements with the country of origin. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Classification follows the Combined Nomenclature (CN) of the European Union.