Expandable Glass Microspheres K15/250
Pre-expanded borosilicate glass microspheres ranging from 10 to 250 microns in their delivered state, used as fillers in thermoplastics. These microspheres are under 1 mm in diameter and are not further worked, making them classifiable under tariff item 7018.20.00.
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 microspheres are mixed with epoxy resins or other plastics as a compound
If the microspheres are pre-mixed with a polymer matrix, the mixture could be classified as a plastic product, but as standalone microspheres they remain in 7018.
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
• Declare the microspheres in their delivered state, not the unexpanded form, to ensure the diameter is accurately assessed
• Include a product specification sheet showing the particle size range
• Be aware that if the microspheres contain a blowing agent, it may affect classification, so provide full composition details
Related Products under Tariff item 7018.20.00
Aluminosilicate Glass Microspheres for Shot Peening
Precision-graded aluminosilicate glass microspheres ranging from 45 to 90 microns in diameter, used for shot peening aerospace turbine blades. These microspheres are under 1 mm in diameter and are not worked beyond the annealing stage, making them classifiable under tariff item 7018.20.00.
Borosilicate Hollow Glass Microspheres Type A
Hollow borosilicate glass microspheres averaging 30 to 120 microns in diameter, used as lightweight fillers in syntactic foams for aerospace composites. These microspheres are under 1 mm and are not further worked, qualifying for tariff item 7018.20.00.
Conductive Silver-Coated Glass Microspheres
Glass microspheres with a vacuum-deposited silver coating, ranging from 40 to 80 microns, used in conductive adhesives and electronics. The silver coating does not change the primary glass microsphere classification, and the diameter is under 1 mm, so they fall under tariff item 7018.20.00.
Fluorescent Glass Microspheres for Tracers
Polystyrene-core glass microspheres with fluorescent doping, ranging from 10 to 50 microns, used for flow visualization in scientific research. Despite the polystyrene core, the outer glass layer and the under-1-mm diameter place them under tariff item 7018.20.00.
High-Index Glass Microspheres for Reflective Paint
Spherical glass microspheres with a refractive index greater than 1.9, ranging from 100 to 300 microns, used for retroreflective highway markings. These microspheres are under 1 mm in diameter and are not coated with a reflecting layer as defined in chapter note 2, so they fall under tariff item 7018.20.00.
Lead Glass Microspheres for Radiation Shielding
High-density lead glass microspheres with a lead monoxide content of at least 24%, ranging from 20 to 200 microns, used in medical radiation shielding compounds. These microspheres are under 1 mm in diameter and are not prosthetic articles, so they fall under tariff item 7018.20.00.