New

Ask Wove anything about tariffs.

Try Tariff Assistant

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.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China6.5%+37.5%44%
🇲🇽Mexico6.5%+10.0%16.5%
🇨🇦Canada6.5%+10.0%16.5%
🇩🇪GermanyFree+10.0%10%
🇯🇵JapanFree+12.5%12.5%

Alternative Classifications

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

3824.99Lower: 17.5% vs 44%

If pre-mixed with chemical additives exceeding 5%

Prepared binders with polymers shift to chemical preparations.

3903Same rate: 44%

If styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN)

Named SAN copolymers have specific subheading regardless of ratios.

2715.00.00Lower: 25% vs 44%

If bitumen-modified for asphalt use

Bitumen/polymer mixes classified as energy products.

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 polydispersity index (<2.0) to confirm unmodified homopolymer status

• Separate from additives in shipping to prevent blend reclassification

• CBP may test for fillers; ensure pure resin declaration

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.

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.

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.

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.