What is HS-4 3912 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
3912 — Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms
Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 3912 when importing cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms, such as cellulose acetate used in film production. Understanding the specific subheading is crucial for compliance and accurate duty assessment.
When deciding between 391211 for non-plasticised cellulose acetates and 391212 for plasticised versions, consider the product's end-use. Non-plasticised forms are often used in coatings, while plasticised types are common in flexible films.
For cellulose nitrates, use 391220 if your product is a collodion or similar. This line is distinct from cellulose ethers, which fall under 391231 for carboxymethylcellulose or 391239 for other cellulose ethers, often used in food and pharmaceutical applications.
If your product doesn't fit neatly into the other categories, 391290 covers miscellaneous cellulose derivatives. This is useful for unique formulations not specifically listed elsewhere.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
cellulose import codes · cellulose acetate · plasticised cellulose · cellulose nitrate · carboxymethylcellulose · cellulose ethers · HS-4 3912 · primary forms cellulose · chemical derivatives cellulose · HS-6 subheadings cellulose
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Cellulose acetate for photographic film (HS-6 391211)
- Plasticised cellulose acetate for flexible packaging (HS-6 391212)
- Cellulose nitrate for coatings and adhesives (HS-6 391220)
- Carboxymethylcellulose for food thickening (HS-6 391231)
- Other cellulose ethers used in pharmaceuticals (HS-6 391239)
- Miscellaneous cellulose derivatives not elsewhere specified (HS-6 391290)
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify cellulose acetate for import?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
What are the differences between cellulose nitrates and ethers?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Which HS-6 code for plasticised cellulose?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to determine the right cellulose derivative code?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What products fall under HS-4 3912?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
how to classify cellulose derivatives for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
differences between cellulose acetate and cellulose nitrate
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
importing cellulose ethers for food applications
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
choosing the right HS-6 code for cellulose
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
cellulose acetate uses in manufacturing
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
guidelines for importing cellulose in primary forms
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
understanding cellulose HS codes for trade
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
cellulose derivatives not elsewhere classified
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of cellulose are covered under HS-4 3912?
- HS-4 3912 includes cellulose acetates, cellulose nitrates, and cellulose ethers, each with specific subheadings based on their chemical properties and uses.
- How do I choose between HS-6 391211 and 391212?
- Choose HS-6 391211 for non-plasticised cellulose acetates used in rigid applications, and HS-6 391212 for plasticised versions used in flexible products.
- What is the significance of HS-6 391220?
- HS-6 391220 is specifically for cellulose nitrates, which are used in applications like coatings and adhesives, and differ from cellulose ethers.
- What should I do if my cellulose product doesn’t fit any specific HS-6 code?
- If your cellulose product doesn't match any specific subheading, use HS-6 391290, which covers miscellaneous cellulose derivatives not classified elsewhere.
- Are there any special regulations for importing cellulose products?
- Yes, importing cellulose products may be subject to specific regulations, including safety and environmental standards, depending on the country of import.
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HS-6 subheadings (6)
- 391211Cellulose acetates; non-plasticised, in primary forms
- 391212Cellulose acetates; plasticised, in primary forms
- 391220Cellulose nitrates (including collodions); in primary forms
- 391231Cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms
- 391239Cellulose ethers; (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms
- 391290Cellulose and its chemical derivatives; n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms