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ChinaPlastic Products & Articles2026 Rates

US Tariff on Plastic Goods from China 2026

Plastic articles from China (HTS Chapter 39) face a 25% Section 301 tariff (List 3) on top of the standard MFN rate (3.4–6.5% for most plastic articles). The combined effective rate is approximately 28.4–31.5% on declared FOB value. Raw plastic materials (resin pellets) may face different rates than finished articles — confirm your classification.

Key figures at a glance
Product
Plastic Products & Articles
Origin country
China
Typical buyer
Importers, manufacturers, packaging companies, retailers
HTS hint
HTS 3921 (plastic plates/sheets), 3923 (plastic containers/packaging), 3924 (tableware), 3925 (builders plastic), 3926 (other plastic articles)
HTS classification & lookup

Applicable HTS range: HTS 3921 (plastic plates/sheets), 3923 (plastic containers/packaging), 3924 (tableware), 3925 (builders plastic), 3926 (other plastic articles)

Finished plastic articles (HTS 3920–3926) and raw plastics (HTS 3901–3919) have separate Section 301 rate assignments. Enter your 10-digit HTS code to confirm which Section 301 list applies.

Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule, 2026 Revision 2 — hts.usitc.gov

Compliance risk notes
  • 1Antidumping duty orders exist on numerous specific Chinese plastic products: plastic retail bags (HTS 3923.21), certain plastic bags and sacks, and others — check the CBP ADD/CVD portal.
  • 2CPSC regulations on plastics in consumer products (phthalates, lead content, flammability) create parallel compliance requirements separate from customs duties.
  • 3Plastic straws, single-use plastics, and packaging may face state-level regulations (California Prop 65, extended producer responsibility) in addition to federal tariffs.
  • 4De minimis elimination for Chinese-origin goods affects D2C plastic product sellers who previously relied on the $800 per-shipment exemption.
  • 5Section 301 exclusions for certain plastic medical supplies (PPE) granted during COVID have mostly expired — confirm current exclusion status.
FAQ: What is the tariff on plastic goods imported from China?

Are plastic food containers from China subject to FDA food contact regulations?

Yes. Plastic food contact materials must comply with FDA regulations under 21 CFR Parts 174–186 and any applicable food contact notifications (FCNs). These are enforced at entry and are separate from tariff obligations. Non-compliant food contact plastics can be refused entry regardless of duty payment.

What is the Section 301 rate on plastic packaging materials vs. finished plastic goods?

Both plastic packaging (HTS 3923) and finished plastic articles (HTS 3926) from China are on Section 301 List 3 at 25%. Raw plastic resins and polymers (HTS 3901–3919) may be on different Section 301 lists — some face 25% (List 3) and others face 7.5% (List 4A) depending on exact subheading.

Can I reduce tariff costs by importing plastic components and assembling in the US?

Yes — importing plastic components (which may have a lower tariff rate than finished goods) and assembling in the US may reduce duty costs and also qualify the finished product as US-origin for Buy American purposes. However, CBP will scrutinize whether the components are substantially different from the finished product.

Calculate your exact landed cost

This page provides a research overview. For a precise tariff breakdown — including Section 301, Section 232, antidumping, and Merchandise Processing Fee — use the full calculator with your exact HTS code and shipment value.

Disclaimer: Informational estimates based on USITC HTS data, USTR Section 301 schedules, and public CBP ADD/CVD records as of 2026. Not legal or customs brokerage advice.

Verify all rates with a licensed customs broker before making import decisions.