Analysis
HTS 3901.90.10 covers other: elastomeric under heading 3901 (polymers of ethylene, in primary forms).
Within this group the rate runs from 6.5% to 6.5%. Compared with 3901.90.90 (other: other), which pays 6.5%, a misclassification either way moves the duty by 6.5 percentage points.
The normal trade relations rate here is zero, shared by about 13% of the 236 tariff lines in chapter 39, a useful check when a neighbouring dutiable line is a candidate. Chapter 99 measures such as Section 301 or 232 can still apply on top, depending on where the goods come from.
The other lines in the same group are 3901.90.55 (ethylene copolymers, 6.5%) and 3901.90.90 (other: other, 6.5%).
Goods from countries without normal trade relations pay the column 2 rate of 20% instead of nothing, so origin decides between free entry and a 20% duty.
Census statistics map these goods to NAICS 325212 (Synthetic Rubber Manufacturing), an industry of 153 US establishments employing 11,337 people. That concordance is how imports of this line are compared with US output.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3901.90.55 | Ethylene copolymers | 6.5% |
| 3901.90.90 | Other: other | 6.5% |