HS-2 · Chapter 39
HS chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof
Section VII — Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof
Goods classified under HS-39 include various plastics and articles made from them, such as polyethylene bags and PVC pipes. Understanding the specific types of plastics helps in correctly identifying the HS-4 codes for your shipments.
To determine the appropriate HS-4 code, start by identifying the type of polymer or plastic. For instance, if you're importing polyethylene, you would look at 3901 for polymers of ethylene. Pay attention to the product's primary form and intended use, as these factors guide you to the correct subheading.
Next, consider the specific characteristics of your product. For example, if you're dealing with plastic sheets, you might need to navigate to 3920 or 3921 depending on whether they are self-adhesive or not. Always check the title text and notes for clarifications on exclusions and inclusions.
Finally, if you're unsure about the classification, consult with a customs broker or refer to national rulings. They can provide insights into how similar products have been classified, helping you avoid potential compliance issues.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
plastics import export · HS-39 codes · polymer classification · plastic sheets · PVC products · acrylic polymers · self-adhesive plastics · plastic packaging · household plastic goods · polyethylene bags · plastic pipes · customs broker plastics · plastic articles · trade regulations plastics · HS-4 headings · national rulings plastics
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify plastics for international trade
- understanding HS-39 for plastic products
- choosing the right HS-4 code for polymers
- importing plastic articles and their classifications
- guidelines for plastic waste and scrap codes
- differences between various plastic polymers in HS-39
- navigating the HS codes for household plastic items
- consulting brokers for plastic product classifications
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Polyethylene bags for packaging (HS-3901)
- PVC pipes for plumbing (HS-3917)
- Acrylic sheets for display cases (HS-3906)
- Plastic kitchenware like bowls and utensils (HS-3924)
- Self-adhesive plastic films for labeling (HS-3919)
- Plastic flooring tiles (HS-3918)
- Polyurethane foam for cushioning (HS-3909)
- Plastic caps and closures for bottles (HS-3923)
Common classification questions
- What HS code do I use for plastic bags?
- How to classify PVC pipes for import?
- Are acrylic sheets classified under HS-39?
- What are the primary forms of plastics?
- How do I find the right HS-4 code for my product?
- What is the difference between HS-3918 and HS-3920?
- How do I determine if my plastic product is self-adhesive?
- What should I check in the notes for HS-39?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products fall under HS-39?
- HS-39 includes various plastics and articles made from plastics, such as polymers, sheets, films, and household items.
- How do I determine the right HS-4 code for my plastic product?
- Identify the type of polymer and its primary form, then refer to the relevant HS-4 headings for classification.
- What should I look for in the notes for HS-39?
- Check for exclusions, inclusions, and specific definitions that clarify the classification of your product.
- Can I consult a broker for help with HS-39 classifications?
- Yes, customs brokers can provide valuable insights and help ensure your products are classified correctly.
- What if my product doesn't fit neatly into one HS-4 code?
- If your product has mixed materials or characteristics, consult the notes or a broker for guidance on the appropriate classification.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 39 (26)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 3901 | Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms | |
| 3902 | Polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in primary forms | |
| 3903 | Polymers of styrene, in primary forms | |
| 3904 | Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms | |
| 3905 | Polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters, in primary forms; other vinyl polymers in primary forms | |
| 3906 | Acrylic polymers in primary forms | |
| 3907 | Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms | |
| 3908 | Polyamides in primary forms | |
| 3909 | Amino-resins, phenolic resins and polyurethanes, in primary forms | |
| 3910 | Silicones in primary forms | |
| 3911 | Petroleum resins, coumarone-indene resins, polyterpenes, polysulphides, polysulphones and similar products of chemical synthesis n.e.c. in chapter 39, in primary forms | |
| 3912 | Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms | |
| 3913 | Natural polymers (e.g. alginic acid) and modified natural polymers (e.g. hardened proteins, chemical derivatives of natural rubber), n.e.c. or included, in primary forms | |
| 3914 | Ion-exchangers; based on polymers of heading no. 3901 to 3913, in primary forms | |
| 3915 | Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics | |
| 3916 | Monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked, of plastics | |
| 3917 | Tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings thereof (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics | |
| 3918 | Floor coverings of plastics, self-adhesive or not, in rolls or tiles; wall or ceiling coverings of plastics, in rolls of a width not less than 45cm | |
| 3919 | Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls | |
| 3920 | Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive); non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, n.e.c. in chapter 39 | |
| 3921 | Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip n.e.c. in chapter 39 | |
| 3922 | Sanitary ware; baths, shower-baths, sinks, wash-basins, bidets, lavatory pans, seats and covers, flushing cisterns and sanitary ware, of plastics | |
| 3923 | Plastic articles for the conveyance or packing of goods; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures of plastics | |
| 3924 | Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics | |
| 3925 | Plastics; builders' wares n.e.c. or included | |
| 3926 | Articles of plastics and articles of other materials of heading no. 3901 to 3914, n.e.c. in chapter 39 |
Browse first heading (HS-4 3901)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (3901). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.