Analysis
HTS 3913.90.10 covers chemical derivatives of natural rubber under heading 3913 (natural polymers (for example, alginic acid) and modified natural polymers (for example…).
Rates on the nearby lines range from 5.8% to 6.5%. The costliest confusion would be with 3913.90.50 (other: other) at 6.5%, a difference of 6.5 points on the customs value.
There is no general-rate duty on this line, which puts it with roughly 13% of the 236 tariff lines in chapter 39 that are also free. 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 3913.90.20 (polysaccharides and their derivatives, 5.8%) and 3913.90.50 (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, the industry a domestic producer of these goods reports under.
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3913.90.20 | Polysaccharides and their derivatives | 5.8% |
| 3913.90.50 | Other: other | 6.5% |