Calcined Bentonite Clay from China
Bentonite subjected to controlled calcining to enhance adsorption properties for foundry sand bonding, still classifiable as clay under the heading allowing calcined forms. Excluded items like dolomite mixes (3816) do not apply to this pure mineral product.
Duty Rate — China → United States
37.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Provide thermal processing certificates showing calcination temperature below fusion to confirm clay status
• Separate from additives; mixtures with resins could classify as Chapter 38 preparations
• Test for phase changes via XRD to rule out conversion to mullite (also in 2508 but different stats)