High-Index Glass Microspheres for Reflective Paint

Spherical glass microspheres (100-300 microns) with refractive index >1.9 for retroreflective highway markings. Classified HTS 7018.20.00.00 as microspheres ≤1 mm, distinct from absorbent/reflecting coated sheets in heading 7005.

Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin

Origin CountryMFN RateCh.99 SurchargesTotal Effective Rate
🇨🇳China5%+35.0%40%
🇲🇽Mexico5%+10.0%15%
🇨🇦Canada5%+10.0%15%
🇩🇪Germany5%+10.0%15%
🇯🇵Japan5%+10.0%15%

Alternative Classifications

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

3208.90.00.00Lower: 38.2% vs 40%

If pre-mixed into paint

Microspheres constitute paint when permanently incorporated, not separable glass articles.

7016.90.50.00Same rate: 40%

If paving block articles

Microspheres embedded in finished paving blocks classify as glass articles for construction.

Not sure which classification is right?

Our AI classifier can analyze your specific product and recommend the correct HTS code with confidence.

Import Tips & Compliance

Provide refractive index test reports; ensure clean/dry bulk packaging; declare highway marking end-use for potential quotas

Related Products under HTS 7018.20.00.00

Soda-Lime Glass Microspheres 50-100 Microns

These solid soda-lime glass microspheres, with diameters between 50 and 100 microns, are used as fillers in paints and additives in cosmetics. They fall under HTS 7018.20.00.00 because they are glass microspheres not exceeding 1 mm in diameter, distinct from imitation jewelry or ornaments.

Borosilicate Hollow Glass Microspheres Type A

Hollow borosilicate glass microspheres averaging 30-120 microns in diameter serve as lightweight fillers in syntactic foams for aerospace composites. Classified under HTS 7018.20.00.00 as glass microspheres ≤1 mm, excluding imitation pearls or lamp-worked ornaments.

Lead Glass Microspheres for Radiation Shielding

High-density lead glass microspheres (20-200 microns) with ≥24% PbO content used in medical radiation shielding compounds. HTS 7018.20.00.00 applies to these microspheres ≤1 mm diameter, separate from prosthetic glass eyes or statuettes.

Conductive Silver-Coated Glass Microspheres

Glass microspheres (40-80 microns) with vacuum-deposited silver coating for conductive adhesives and electronics. Falls under HTS 7018.20.00.00 as base glass microspheres ≤1 mm, with coating not affecting primary glass classification per chapter notes.

Fluorescent Glass Microspheres for Tracers

Polystyrene-core glass microspheres (10-50 microns) with fluorescent doping for flow visualization in scientific research. HTS 7018.20.00.00 covers these ≤1 mm glass microspheres, excluding imitation semiprecious stones.

Silica Glass Microspheres (Fused Quartz)

Synthetic fused silica glass microspheres (1-20 microns) for semiconductor polishing slurries. HTS 7018.20.00.00 includes fused quartz microspheres ≤1 mm per chapter note defining 'glass' inclusively.