Post-Consumer PET Bottle Flakes
Post-consumer PET bottle flakes are recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, cleaned and sorted from used beverage bottles. These flakes are classified under tariff item 3915.90.00 as 'other plastics' waste because they consist of blends or contain impurities that prevent classification as a single high-purity polymer. They are used as raw material for manufacturing new plastic products such as strapping, sheet, or fiber.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the flakes are of high-purity PET (polyethylene terephthalate) with no significant blends
High-purity PET in primary forms is classified under heading 3907, not as waste under 3915.
If the waste consists solely of polyethylene, not PET
Polyethylene waste is specifically provided for under tariff item 3915.10.00.
If the flakes are further processed into sheets or film
Once converted into plates, sheets, or film, the product falls under heading 3920.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Ensure the flakes are free of contaminants like metal, paper, or other plastics to avoid CBSA reclassification
• Keep documentation of the recycling process and composition to support the 'other plastics' classification
• Verify whether the flakes qualify for duty-free treatment under free trade agreements, as rates may vary by country of origin
Related Products under Tariff item 3915.90.00
ABS Plastic Regrind Scrap
Granulated regrind scrap from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) manufacturing, derived from injection molding overruns and trimmings. The ABS polymers are predominant, and this scrap is not covered by more specific tariff items, falling under 'other plastics' waste.
Acrylic Fiber Waste Pellets
Pelletized waste from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) acrylic fiber spinning, considered scrap due to off-spec quality. Classified under 3915.90.00 as 'other' plastics where acrylic units predominate but purity is less than 95%.
Acrylic Polymer Trimmings
Trimmings from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) production, classified as other acrylics not meeting specific subheadings. The predominant monomer is acrylic, and this scrap falls under 'other plastics' waste.
Cellulose Acetate Scrap
Scrap from cellulose acetate film and sheet production, a chemically modified polymer. As a chemically modified polymer not specifically covered elsewhere, it is classified as 'other plastics' waste.
EVA Copolymer Waste
Waste from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) film blowing, where the copolymer is not listed under a specific subheading. This scrap falls under 'other plastics' waste.
Fluoropolymer Scrap
Trim scrap from fluorinated plastics like FEP/ETFE, which are not specifically listed in the tariff. This waste falls under 'other plastics' scrap.