3901.10 - Polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94:

This HTS category, 3901.10, specifically covers polyethylene resins with a specific gravity of less than 0.94, presented in their primary forms. This means the material is typically in granular, powder, or block form, not yet manufactured into specific articles. Such polyethylene is characterized by its relatively lower density and often exhibits flexibility, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including films, bags, and certain types of containers.

It is crucial to distinguish this category from its siblings. For instance, 3901.20 covers polyethylene with a specific gravity of 0.94 or more, indicating a denser and typically more rigid form of the polymer. Similarly, 3901.30 deals with specific copolymers (ethylene-vinyl acetate), while 3901.40 focuses on ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers also under a specific gravity threshold. Category 3901.90 serves as a catch-all for other ethylene polymers not otherwise specified.

Within the 3901.10 classification, further subcategories exist to refine the classification based on additional technical properties. Subcategory 3901.10.10.00 pertains to polyethylene meeting a specific relative viscosity of 1.44 or more, a measure indicating molecular chain length and processing characteristics. The remaining subcategory, 3901.10.50, encompasses all other polyethylene with a specific gravity less than 0.94 that do not meet the relative viscosity criteria. This hierarchical breakdown allows for precise identification and tariff application.