HTS US: 3015.XX.XXXX
Description
Heading 3015 covers a range of adhesives and preparations based on polymers, whether natural or synthetic, including those based on rubber. These products are primarily used to bond materials together in industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. The category includes various adhesive types such as water-based, solvent-based, and hot-melt adhesives, formulated for specific uses and substrates.
Products under this heading are usually presented in the form of pastes, liquid adhesives, or prepared glues, ready for application. They may include additives or be mixed with other substances to enhance properties like adhesion, flexibility, or resistance to environmental factors.
Code Hierarchy
- Section VI: Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries (Chapters 28-38)
- Chapter 30: Pharmaceutical products; adhesives based on polymers
- Heading 3015: Adhesives based on polymers and other preparations
- US HTS Code (10-digit):
3015.XX.XXXX– The last digits specify the exact type and chemical composition of the adhesive preparation.
Detailed Breakdown of Subheadings
While no specific sub-codes for 3015 are found in the referenced database, the HTS system typically further distinguishes adhesives by their chemical base, application, and physical state at the 6-digit and 10-digit levels. Typical subheadings may include:
| HS/HTS Code | Description | Examples & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3015.10 | Adhesives based on rubber or plastics | Includes synthetic rubber adhesives and plastic-based glues used in packaging, automotive, and construction industries. |
3015.10.1000 |
Natural rubber-based adhesives | |
3015.10.2000 |
Synthetic rubber-based adhesives (e.g., styrene-butadiene) | |
| 3015.90 | Other adhesive preparations | Adhesives based on other polymers or mixed polymer systems not classified under 3015.10. |
3015.90.1000 |
Water-based polymer adhesives | |
3015.90.9000 |
Solvent-based or hot-melt adhesives |
What is NOT Classified Here?
To avoid misclassification, these products should be excluded from heading 3015:
- Adhesive tapes and labels (classified under Chapters 39 or 48).
- Prepared glues based on gelatin or starch (often classified under heading 3505).
- Pharmaceutical adhesive products (such as transdermal patches), which may fall under Chapter 30 but different headings.
- Paints, varnishes, and similar coatings (classified under Chapter 32).
Notes
- Regulatory Compliance: Adhesives imported into the U.S. must comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous substances.
- Duty Rates: Duty rates for HTS 3015 products vary based on chemical composition and end-use. Many adhesives are subject to ad valorem duties, ranging typically from free to a few percent.
- Import Documentation: Importers must provide detailed chemical composition, safety data sheets (SDS), and may be required to comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Declaration Example
Product: A shipment of synthetic rubber-based adhesive for industrial use.US HTS Code:
3015.10.2000(Synthetic rubber-based adhesives)Unit of Quantity: Kilogram (kg)
General Duty Rate: Check current USHTS (Typically low ad valorem rate)
Additional Requirements: EPA compliance, SDS, and TSCA documentation required.
Related HTS Codes
- HTS 3505: Dextrin and glues based on starches, or other modified starches.
- HTS 3208: Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers).
- HTS 3906: Acrylic polymers in primary forms, used as raw materials for adhesives.
- HTS 3910: Silicones in primary forms, sometimes used in adhesive formulations.











