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.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Rate | Ch.99 Surcharges | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | 6.5% | +25.0% | 31.5% |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | 6.5% | — | 6.5% |
| 🇨🇦Canada | 6.5% | — | 6.5% |
| 🇩🇪Germany | 6.5% | — | 6.5% |
| 🇯🇵Japan | 6.5% | — | 6.5% |
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If density falls at lower end (0.917-0.930 g/cm³)
Overlaps with LDPE range; Customs may classify toward 3901.20 if closer to low-density specs.
If processed into flexible plastic tubing articles
Once extruded into finished tubes/pipes/hoses, moves from primary polymers (39.01) to plates/sheets/tubular articles (39.29).
If vinyl chloride-ethylene copolymer
If vinyl chloride monomer predominates over ethylene, classifies under PVC copolymers in 3904.10.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Include density test certificates (ASTM D1505) to distinguish from 3901.20 LDPE during Customs review
• Ensure declaration specifies 'primary forms only' to prevent confusion with finished goods in 3921-3926
• Watch for copolymer content; if >5% comonomer predominates, reclassify per note (a)(4)
Related Products under HTS 3901.90.90.00
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.
Blow Molding Grade PE Pellets
Specialty polyethylene pellets optimized for blow molding bottles, ethylene >97%. General 'other' classification 3901.90.90.00 as not density-specific.