3906 - Acrylic polymers in primary forms:

This HTS category, 3906, encompasses acrylic polymers in their primary forms. These are synthetic polymers derived from acrylic acid or methacrylic acid and their derivatives. They are typically encountered as powders, granules, pellets, or viscous liquids before being further processed into manufactured articles. This classification is specifically for the raw polymer material itself, not for finished goods made from it.

Section VII of the HTS, dedicated to plastics and articles thereof, provides the overarching framework for this classification. Within Chapter 39, which broadly covers plastics and their articles, HTS 3906 focuses on a specific group of polymers characterized by their acrylic chemical structure. It is important to distinguish this category from other broad polymer classifications within Chapter 39, such as polyolefins (Chapter 3901) or vinyl polymers (Chapter 3904), based on the distinct chemical composition and resulting properties of acrylic polymers.

The subcategories within 3906 serve to further refine the classification based on the specific type of acrylic polymer. Subheading 3906.10.00.00 specifically designates poly(methyl methacrylate), a widely recognized and used acrylic polymer. The residual subheading, 3906.90, covers all other acrylic polymers not specifically enumerated in 3906.10, providing a catch-all for diverse acrylic polymer compositions encountered in trade.