The tariff classification of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) from Japan

N355070
October 30, 2025
CLA-2-39:OT:RR:NC:N5:137
CATEGORY: Classification
TARIFF NO.: 3913.90.5000, 9903.01.32
Maureen Thorson Wiley Rein LLP 2050 M Street NW Washington, DC 20036 RE: The tariff classification of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) from Japan Dear Ms. Thorson: In your letter dated October 21, 2025, you requested a tariff classification ruling. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) CAS# 147398-31-0 is a biodegradable polymer produced by bacterial fermentation of palm and similar plant oils. The applicable subheading for the poly(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) will be 3913.90.5000, Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), which provides for natural polymers (for example, alginic acid) and modified natural polymers (for example, hardened proteins, chemical derivatives of natural rubber), not elsewhere specified or included, in primary forms: other: other. The general rate of duty will be 6.5 percent ad valorem. Effective April 5, 2025, Executive Orders implemented “Reciprocal Tariffs.” All imported merchandise must be reported with either the Chapter 99 provision under which the reciprocal tariff applies or one of the Chapter 99 provisions covering exceptions to the reciprocal tariffs. At this time, products of Japan with an ad valorem (or ad valorem equivalent) rate of duty under column 1-General less than 15 percent will be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 15 percent minus the column 1-General duty rate. Your product falls within an excepted subheading. At the time of entry, you must report the Chapter 99 heading applicable to your product classification, i.e. 9903.01.32, in addition to subheading 3913.90.5000, HTSUS, listed above. The tariffs and additional duties cited above are current as of this ruling’s issuance. Duty rates are provided for your convenience and are subject to change. The text of the most recent HTSUS and the accompanying duty rates are provided at https://hts.usitc.gov/. The holding set forth above applies only to the specific factual situation and merchandise description as identified in the ruling request. This position is clearly set forth in Title 19, Code of Federal Regulations

(CFR), Section 177.9(b)(1). This section states that a ruling letter is issued on the assumption that all of the information furnished in the ruling letter, whether directly, by reference, or by implication, is accurate and complete in every material respect. In the event that the facts are modified in any way, or if the goods do not conform to these facts at time of importation, you should bring this to the attention of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and submit a request for a new ruling in accordance with 19 CFR 177.2. Additionally, we note that the material facts described in the foregoing ruling may be subject to periodic verification by CBP. This ruling is being issued under the provisions of Part 177 of the Customs and Border Protection Regulations (19 C.F.R. 177). A copy of the ruling or the control number indicated above should be provided with the entry documents filed at the time this merchandise is imported. If you have any questions regarding the ruling, please contact National Import Specialist Christina Allen at [email protected].
Sincerely,
(for) Evan Conceicao Designated Official Performing the Duties of the Division Director National Commodity Specialist Division