How to Import Plastics from Germany to the US
Importing Plastics, Polymers & Plastic Articles from Germany
Importing plastics from Germany into the United States carries low compliance risk, with an effective duty rate of 0%–6.5% MFN; no additional surcharges. A Section 232 Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) arrangement applies: steel and aluminum products within quota limits may enter at reduced or zero Section 232 duty, while above-quota imports face the full 25% surcharge.
Plastics imported from Germany to the United States is subject to CBP entry requirements, applicable HTS-based duty rates, and agency compliance clearances. This guide covers the complete import process for 2026.
Germany exports high-performance engineering plastics (BASF, Covestro, Evonik). Standard MFN rates apply. German plastics manufacturers maintain excellent TSCA and REACH compliance documentation.
Get an Exact Duty Estimate
Enter your product value and origin country to get the exact duty stack including MFN, Section 301, Section 232, and applicable FTA rates.
Estimated Landed Cost: Plastics from Germany
Based on a representative $50,000 CIF shipment value. Actual costs vary by HTS code, entry type, and port of entry.
| Cost Component | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Value (CIF) | $50,000.00 | Reference shipment value |
| MFN Base Duty (0.0%) | $0.00 | ITA or preferential rate |
| Merchandise Processing Fee (0.3464%) | $173.20 | Min $31.67 / max $614.35 |
| Harbor Maintenance Fee (0.125%) | $62.50 | Ocean freight only |
| Total Duties & Fees | $235.70 | Effective rate: 0.5% |
| Estimated Landed Cost | $50,235.70 | Cargo + all US duties/fees |
⚠ Section 232 tariffs (25% steel / 10% aluminum) may apply to plastics sub-categories with significant steel or aluminum content. Not included above — verify by specific HTS code.
✓ ITA or preferential rates apply — base duty is 0%. MPF and HMF still apply on all entries.
Excludes freight, insurance, broker fees, warehousing, and AD/CVD duties. Use the Duty Calculator for a precise estimate on your specific shipment.
HTS Codes for Plastics Imports
The following Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes typically apply to plastics imports. Exact classification depends on the specific product — misclassification is one of the most common CBP compliance errors.
| HTS Code | Product Description | MFN Base Duty Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3901 | Polyethylene in Primary Forms (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) | 0%–6.5% MFN |
| 3902 | Polypropylene & Other Propylene Polymers | 0%–6.5% MFN |
| 3907 | Polyacetals, Polyesters & Polycarbonates (PET, PBT) | 0%–6.5% MFN |
| 3920 | Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film (not reinforced) | 3.1%–6.5% MFN |
| 3926 | Other Articles of Plastics (industrial/consumer) | 3.4%–5.3% MFN |
MFN rates reflect base tariff. Additional duties (Section 301, Section 232, AD/CVD) may apply on top of MFN rates. Use the AI classifier to get the exact 10-digit HTS code and all applicable rates for your specific product.
Total Tariff Cost for Germany-Origin Plastics
| Duty Layer | Rate / Status | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Rate | Varies by HTS code | All Germany-origin goods (baseline) |
| Section 301 | Not applicable | Germany-origin goods are not subject to Section 301 |
| Section 232 TRQ | 0% within quota; 25%/10% above | Steel/aluminum within agreed quota volumes |
Get Your Exact Total Duty Rate
Our calculator handles all duty layers — MFN + Section 301 + Section 232 + FTA rates — for any HTS code from any origin country.
US Compliance Requirements for Plastics Imports
Regardless of origin country, plastics imports must satisfy the following US regulatory requirements before or at the time of CBP entry filing:
- TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) compliance — all chemical substances in plastics must appear on the TSCA Inventory; new chemicals require EPA premanufacture notice (PMN)
- FDA Food Contact Notification (FCN) required for plastics intended for food packaging or food-contact applications (21 CFR Parts 174–186)
- CPSC testing requirements for plastic consumer products — lead and phthalate limits for children's products under CPSIA Section 101/108
- California Prop 65 compliance for plastics containing listed chemicals (BPA, phthalates, cadmium, lead)
Run an automated compliance check for your plastics import — identifies all applicable agency requirements, flagging issues before your shipment departs Germany.
Run Compliance Check →Documentation Checklist for Plastics from Germany
Prepare all documents before the shipment departs Germany. Missing or incorrect documents are the #1 cause of CBP holds and customs delays.
Generate Your Document Checklist
Get a customized document checklist based on your specific HTS code, origin country, and product category.
Import Timeline — Plastics from Germany
20–35 days (ocean from Asia); 10–18 days (ocean from Europe); 5–10 days (truck from Mexico/Canada)
FAQs — Importing Plastics from Germany
Free Tools for Plastics Importers
Run these tools before your next shipment from Germany — all free, no account required.
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Import duty rates are sourced from the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and USTR Section 301 lists. Rates reflect current published schedules as of 2026-05-16 and are subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or customs brokerage advice. Verify rates with a licensed customs broker before importing.