General Purpose Polystyrene Pellets (GPPS)

General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) is a homopolymer of styrene in transparent pellet form, classified under HTS 3903.19.00.00 as 'other' polystyrene not specified elsewhere. Used primarily for packaging, disposable cups, and clear plastic cases due to its clarity and rigidity.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China6.5%+35.0%41.5%
🇲🇽Mexico6.5%+10.0%16.5%
🇨🇦Canada6.5%+10.0%16.5%
🇩🇪Germany6.5%+10.0%16.5%
🇯🇵Japan6.5%+10.0%16.5%

Alternative Classifications

This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.

3903.11.00Same rate: 41.5%

If expandable polystyrene beads for foam production

EPS with blowing agents is specifically named, separate from solid GPPS pellets.

3907.99Lower: 16.5% vs 41.5%

If copolymerized with significant acrylic or other monomers

Predominant non-styrene units shift classification to polyesters or other polymers.

3920.99Lower: 15.8% vs 41.5%

If processed into sheets or plates rather than primary pellets

Non-primary forms like sheets move to plates/films in heading 3920.

Not sure which classification is right?

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Import Tips & Compliance

Request detailed technical data sheets confirming homopolymer status to meet 95% styrene monomer requirement

Label shipments clearly as 'primary forms' to prevent confusion with finished articles in 3923

Avoid bulk packaging without ventilation specs, as styrene can off-gas and trigger hazmat declarations

Related Products under HTS 3903.19.00.00

High Impact Polystyrene Resin (HIPS)

High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) is a copolymer of styrene and butadiene, with butadiene content typically under 5% by weight, making it a polystyrene under HTS 3903.19.00.00 as it does not meet specific copolymer subheadings. It is supplied in primary pellet form for injection molding into durable consumer goods like toys and appliance housings.

Syndiotactic Polystyrene Pellets (SPS)

Syndiotactic Polystyrene (SPS) features crystalline structure from stereospecific polymerization, classified in primary pellet form under HTS 3903.19.00.00 as other polystyrene. Used in high-heat engineering applications like automotive parts.

Polystyrene Compounding Base Resin

Narrow molecular weight distribution polystyrene resin designed for compounding, imported in primary form under HTS 3903.19.00.00. Serves as base for custom blends in electronics and packaging industries.

Injection Molding Polystyrene Resin

High flow polystyrene resin for precision injection molding of household items, falling under HTS 3903.19.00.00 as other polystyrene in primary forms. Balanced viscosity for complex thin-wall parts.

Atactic Polystyrene Granules

Atactic Polystyrene is an amorphous, non-crystalline polystyrene variant in granule form, falling under HTS 3903.19.00.00 as other polystyrene in primary forms. It serves as a blend modifier for improving clarity and impact in other plastics.

Crystal Polystyrene Resin

Crystal Polystyrene, a clear GPPS variant, is imported as resin pellets under HTS 3903.19.00.00 for applications requiring optical clarity like CD cases and medical labware. Meets 'other' polystyrene criteria with over 95% styrene monomer units.