What is HS-4 3901 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-4 · Heading
3901 — Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms
Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof
Plain-language overview
Use HS-4 3901 when importing or exporting polymers of ethylene in primary forms, such as polyethylene sheets or granules. For example, if you have a shipment of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) pellets, this code applies.
Choosing the correct subheading under HS-4 3901 can be tricky. If your product is polyethylene with a specific gravity of less than 0.94, you should use HS-6 390110. In contrast, for polyethylene with a specific gravity of 0.94 or more, opt for HS-6 390120.
If your ethylene polymer is an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, you will need to classify it under HS-6 390130. For other ethylene polymers that don't fit the previous categories, use HS-6 390190 for 'not elsewhere classified' items.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.
HS-4 3901 · ethylene polymers · polyethylene classification · primary forms of polymers · specific gravity polyethylene · ethylene-vinyl acetate · polymer import codes · HS-6 subheadings · plastic resin import · customs classification for plastics
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) granules
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets
- Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer films
- Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers for automotive applications
- Polyethylene packaging materials
- Specialty ethylene polymers for medical devices
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify polyethylene for import?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
What are the subheadings under HS-4 3901?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to determine specific gravity for polyethylene?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What is the difference between HS-6 390110 and 390120?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What does n.e.c. mean in HS-6 390190?
Use n.e.c. only when you have ruled out every more specific line in the same section.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
how to classify ethylene polymers for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
difference between polyethylene with specific gravity
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
importing ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
what to include under HS-4 3901
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
guidelines for polymer classification in trade
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
how to choose between HS-6 subheadings
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
understanding primary forms of polymers
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
customs codes for polyethylene products
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
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-4 3901?
- HS-4 3901 covers various ethylene polymers in primary forms, including polyethylene and copolymers.
- How do I know which HS-6 subheading to use?
- Check the specific gravity of your polyethylene; use 390110 for less than 0.94 and 390120 for 0.94 or more.
- What does n.e.c. mean in HS-6 390190?
- n.e.c. stands for 'not elsewhere classified,' used for ethylene polymers that don't fit other specific categories.
- Can I use HS-4 3901 for recycled polyethylene?
- No, HS-4 3901 is for primary forms only; recycled materials require a different classification.
- Are there any specific import regulations for ethylene polymers?
- Yes, check local regulations as they may vary; some polymers might require additional documentation or compliance.
Continue classification
Parent context
Nearby siblings
Next best action
Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.
Browse this heading in the lookup
Heading-browse mode uses HS-6 390100 (first line of this block).
HS-6 subheadings (5)
- 390110Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94
- 390120Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more
- 390130Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers
- 390140Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94
- 390190Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3901