3919 - Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls:

This HTS category, 3919, encompasses a broad range of flat plastic articles designed for self-adhesive applications. It includes items such as plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, and strip, all of which possess an adhesive backing. These products are utilized across numerous industries for tasks like sealing, labeling, decorating, protecting surfaces, and providing insulation. The defining characteristic is the inherent adhesive property of the plastic material, distinguishing them from non-adhesive plastic sheeting.

Unlike sibling categories within the broader HTS classification system, such as live animals or agricultural products, this chapter focuses exclusively on manufactured goods derived from plastics. Within Chapter 39 itself, this category is distinct from items like plastic tubes, pipes, and fittings (Chapter 3917) or plastic tableware and kitchenware (Chapter 3924), as it specifically targets flat, self-adhesive forms. The material is definitively plastic, and the key functional aspect is the integrated adhesive.

The subcategories within 3919 provide further specificity based on the presentation and dimensions of the goods. 3919.10 covers those products presented in rolls with a width not exceeding 20 centimeters, a common format for tapes and narrower strips. The residual "Other" category, 3919.90, is for all other self-adhesive plastic articles that do not meet the width criteria for rolls or are presented in other flat shapes like individual sheets or larger foils. This subdivision facilitates more precise customs declarations based on product format.