Transformer Waste Oil with PCBs from China

Waste oil drained from electrical transformers contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at concentrations of 50 mg/kg or more. This falls under HTS 2710.91.00.10 as it is a waste oil from petroleum sources exceeding the PCB threshold, requiring special hazardous waste handling. It is generated during decommissioning or maintenance of old electrical equipment.

Duty Rate — China → United States

7.5%

Rate breakdown

9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 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(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
9903.03.030%Articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa)(ii) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter

Import Tips

Obtain EPA TSCA import certification prior to shipment; ensure manifests document PCB levels via lab testing

Use licensed hazardous waste transporters and verify destination facility permits

Avoid common pitfalls like incomplete concentration reporting leading to CBP holds