Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) Resin
Cross-linked polyethylene resin undergoes chemical modification for enhanced heat resistance, used in plumbing pipes. It falls under 3901.90.90.00 per subheading note (a)(3) as chemically modified polymers classified in 'Other' unless more specific. Primary form pellets distinguish it from finished PEX tubing.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 6.5% | +37.5% | 44% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 6.5% | +10.0% | 16.5% |
| 🇨🇦Canada | 6.5% | +10.0% | 16.5% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | +10.0% | 10% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | +12.5% | 12.5% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If imported as finished flexible tubing of plastics
Processed PEX pipe/tubing with fittings classifies under tubes/pipes (3917), not primary polymers.
If pre-cross-linked LLDPE base resin
Unmodified base resin may qualify as linear low density under 3901.10 if meeting density/comonomer specs.
If in sheet/plate form >38.1cm width
Semi-processed sheets/plates from PEX resin shift to 3921 other plates/sheets/profile shapes.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Document cross-linking process details to justify 'chemically modified' under note (a)(3) placement in 'Other'
• Avoid shipping as pre-cross-linked tubing to prevent reclassification to 3917.31 (flexible tubes)
Related Products under HTS 3901.90.90.00
Medium-Density Polyethylene (MDPE) Pellets
Medium-density polyethylene pellets have a density range of 0.926-0.941 g/cm³, used for pipe and film production. Classified in 3901.90.90.00 as 'other' ethylene polymers not qualifying for specific density-based subheadings like LDPE or HDPE. Subheading notes dictate classification by predominant monomer when not fitting named polymers.
Ethylene-Propylene Copolymer Resin
Random ethylene-propylene copolymer resin with 98% ethylene for injection molding. Falls in 3901.90.90.00 'other' as propylene comonomer minor (<5%); note (a)(1) prefix 'poly' requires 95%+ named monomer.
UV-Stabilized Ethylene Polymer Pellets
Ethylene homopolymer pellets with <1% UV stabilizers for outdoor applications. Chemically modified per note (a)(3) thus 3901.90.90.00 'Other'; base ethylene >95% retains polymer identity.
Metallocene Polyethylene Resin
Metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene resin with uniform molecular weight for high-clarity films. 3901.90.90.00 as 'other' ethylene polymer; catalyst process doesn't create separate subheading.
Antistatic Ethylene Copolymer Pellets
Ethylene copolymer with antistatic agents (<2%) for electronics packaging resin. Note (a)(3) chemically modified to 3901.90.90.00 'Other'; retains ethylene polymer status.
Flame-Retardant Polyethylene Resin
PE resin compounded with halogen-free flame retardants (<3%) for wire insulation. 3901.90.90.00 per modification note (a)(3); primary form classification.