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.

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

Short phrases that describe this HS-4 heading when you're searching or filtering schedules.

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

How people often phrase their search when they're trying to classify goods like yours.

What is HS-4 3912 used for?
How to classify cellulose acetate for import?
What are the differences between cellulose nitrates and ethers?
Which HS-6 code for plasticised cellulose?
How to determine the right cellulose derivative code?
What products fall under HS-4 3912?

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.

Continue classification

Parent context

HS code directory Chapter 39

Nearby siblings

Previous HS-4 3911 Next HS-4 3913

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HS-6 subheadings (6)

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