Heading 3912

Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, not elsewhere specified or included, in primary forms

8 declarable lines

Heading 3912 covers cellulose and chemical cellulose derivatives in primary forms, such as powders, granules, pellets and solutions. It is split by chemical type: cellulose acetates, cellulose nitrates, cellulose ethers, and other cellulose products. The cellulose acetate and ether groups have further lines based on plasticizer content, CMC purity, or alpha-cellulose form.

Products in this heading

Nonplasticized cellulose acetate molding pellets
Plasticized cellulose acetate powder
Collodion, a cellulose nitrate solution
Cellulose nitrate powder
Carboxymethylcellulose powder with 90% or more CMC
Other carboxymethylcellulose salts
Methyl cellulose ether powder
Microcrystalline cellulose powder

How to choose the right subheading

Identify the chemical form: cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, cellulose ether, or other cellulose product.
For cellulose acetates, determine whether the material is plasticized or nonplasticized.
For cellulose ethers, determine whether the product is carboxymethylcellulose or its salts, and whether it contains not less than 90% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose.
For other cellulose products, check whether the goods are alpha-cellulose in granular, microcrystalline or powdered form.
Confirm the goods are in primary forms such as powder, granules, pellets or solution, not finished sheets, films or articles.

Often confused with

Finished cellulose acetate sheet or film
Once made into plates, sheets, film or strip, it is classified outside primary forms.
Heading 3920
Cellulose nitrate photographic film in rolls
Sensitized photographic film goes to chapter 37, not primary forms.
Heading 3702
Finished paint containing a cellulose ether
A finished paint is classified as paint, not as a primary form polymer.
Cellulose acetate spectacle frames
Finished eyewear frames are articles, not primary forms.
Heading 9003

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for carboxymethylcellulose powder?

For carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, use 3912.31.00.10, general (MFN) 6.4%, when the product contains not less than 90% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose. Otherwise use 3912.31.00.90, general (MFN) 6.4%.

What is the duty on microcrystalline cellulose powder?

Alpha-cellulose in granular, microcrystalline or powdered forms is 3912.90.00.10, general (MFN) 5.2%.

How do I classify cellulose acetate pellets?

Classify nonplasticized cellulose acetate pellets in 3912.11.00.00, general (MFN) 5.6%, and plasticized cellulose acetate pellets in 3912.12.00.00, general (MFN) 5.6%. The plasticizer content decides between the two lines.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.