PU Foam Production Scrap
PU foam production scrap consists of irregular off-cuts, trimmings, or ground material generated during the manufacture of polyurethane foam products. The scrap is classified under tariff item 3915.90.00 as 'other plastics' because polyurethane is not specifically named elsewhere in heading 3915, and the material does not meet the purity thresholds for a specific subheading. It is commonly recycled into carpet underlay, acoustic panels, or bonded foam products.
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 polyurethane is in primary forms (e.g., liquid, granules) rather than scrap
Polyurethane in primary forms is classified under heading 3909, not as waste.
If the scrap is predominantly polystyrene, not polyurethane
Polystyrene waste is specifically provided for under tariff item 3915.20.00.
If the foam is in the form of plates, sheets, or film, not scrap
Cellular polyurethane in sheet form falls under heading 3921.
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
• Confirm the scrap is free from adhesives, fabrics, or other contaminants that could trigger classification elsewhere
• Maintain records showing the polyurethane composition and that the material is waste, not a finished article
• Be aware that some provinces regulate the import of foam waste for recycling; check with provincial environmental authorities
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.