Polished Soda Lime Glass Ballotini 3M S22
Precision-polished soda lime glass microspheres, grade S22, approximately 220 microns in diameter, used as grinding media. Polishing before annealing does not constitute 'worked' glass per chapter note 2, and the diameter is under 1 mm, so they fall 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 used as abrasives on a backing
If the microspheres are mounted on a backing for abrasive purposes, they could be classified as abrasive articles, but as loose 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
• Document the manufacturing process to show that polishing occurs before annealing, as this affects whether the glass is considered 'worked'
• Provide the exact grade and diameter specifications to confirm the under-1-mm requirement
• Keep records of the intended use as grinding media to support classification
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.
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.
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.