Cellulose and its chemical derivatives — HTS 3912
Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, not elsewhere specified or included, in primary forms
Chapter 39 › Heading 3912
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 3912 is a broad product category for cellulose and certain chemically modified cellulose materials presented in “primary forms.” Primary forms generally means the material is supplied as a basic input—such as a powder, solution, flakes, or other bulk form—rather than as a finished article made from it. The heading applies only when the product is not more specifically covered elsewhere in the tariff schedule.
To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, start by identifying the material’s chemical identity and form. The subheadings generally separate products by type of cellulose or cellulose derivative, such as cellulose itself, cellulose nitrates, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, or other specified derivatives. The product’s composition, degree of chemical modification, physical presentation, and any applicable exclusions help determine the final classification. Confirm the complete product description against the current HTSUS and, when the chemistry or classification is uncertain, obtain customs-broker or binding-ruling guidance.
What to check
- Review the supplier’s technical data sheet, safety data sheet, and certificate of analysis for the exact cellulose or derivative name, composition, and physical form.
- Determine whether the product is unmodified cellulose or a named chemical derivative, and identify the relevant type or family of derivative.
- Confirm that the goods are in a primary form and are not a finished product, preparation, or article classified under another heading.
- Read every subheading and legal note under heading 3912 before selecting the 8-digit code; do not rely only on a product’s trade name.
- Keep records supporting the classification and ask a customs broker or request a binding ruling if the material’s chemical identity or tariff treatment is unclear.
HTS heading 3912 summary
Cellulose and its chemical derivatives is a 4-digit product category containing 4 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3912.11.00.00 👉 | Nonplasticized | 5.6% | Free | 73.5% |
| 3912.12.00.00 👉 | Plasticized | 5.6% | Free | 73.5% |
| 3912.20.00.00 👉 | Cellulose nitrates (including collodions) | 5.2% | Free | 34.5% |
| 3912.90.00 👉 | Other | 5.2% | Free | 34.5% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 3912?
Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, not elsewhere specified or included, in primary forms. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.