The U.S. recently adjusted import duties on plastic goods—including key materials used in custom thermoformed blister packaging. For international buyers sourcing from China, these changes could affect your project budgets. Here’s what you need to know to optimize costs.

Key Updates Affecting Blister Packaging

As of June 2024, notable adjustments include:

• PVC blister sheets: Duty increase from 6.5% to 8.2% (HTS 3920.49.00)

• PETG materials: Reduced from 7.3% to 6.1% for medical-grade clear blister trays

• Finished packaging: New 3.7% surcharge on clamshells exceeding 12" length

3 Smart Strategies to Offset Costs

1. Material substitution: Switching to recycled PETG blister packaging avoids 2.1% green tariff penalties

2. Duty optimization: Modular designs that ship as flat blister cards (classified as 3923.90.00) save 1.8% vs pre-assembled units

3. Bulk ordering: Consolidating multiple custom blister cavity designs in single shipments reduces per-unit fees

We’re proactively helping clients navigate these changes with:

• Duty-paid shipping programs

• Customs classification audits for existing designs

• Alternative material samples to compare landed costs