Polyethylene Shopping Bags from China

Thin-gauge polyethylene bags with handles used for retail shopping and carrying groceries. Classified under HTS 3923.21.00 as sacks and bags made from polymers of ethylene, where ethylene monomers constitute 95% or more by weight. Ideal for lightweight packing and conveyance of consumer goods.

Duty Rate — China → United States

38%

Rate breakdown

9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 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(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)

Import Tips

Verify polymer composition via lab testing to confirm 95% ethylene content per subheading notes; declare as finished bags not components

Common pitfall: misclassifying with paper handles as composites