3901.30 - Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers:

This HTS category, 3901.30, specifically classifies ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers when presented in their primary forms. These are polymers where ethylene and vinyl acetate are the primary monomers, forming a flexible and versatile plastic material. The presence and proportion of vinyl acetate influence the copolymer's properties, such as its flexibility, tack, and solubility, differentiating it from homopolymers of ethylene.

Within the broader group of polymers of ethylene (3901), this category is distinct from polyethylene resins classified under 3901.10 and 3901.20, which are solely based on ethylene monomer. It also differs from ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers (3901.40), which involve a different comonomer. The defining characteristic here is the incorporation of vinyl acetate.

Category 3901.30 is further subdivided to account for variations in composition and structure that impact classification. The subcategory 3901.30.20.00 addresses vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride-ethylene terpolymers, which have a more complex monomeric structure and a specific limitation on vinyl acetate content unless polymerized from aromatic monomers. The residual category, 3901.30.60.00, captures all other ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers not meeting the specific criteria of the terpolymer subcategory.