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HS-4 · Heading

3903Polymers of styrene, in primary forms

Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof

Plain-language overview

Use HS-4 3903 when importing or exporting polymers of styrene in primary forms, such as a shipment of polystyrene sheets for packaging. This heading includes various types of styrene polymers, which are crucial for many manufacturing processes.

When deciding between the subheadings under HS-4 3903, consider the specific type of styrene polymer. For example, if you're dealing with expansible polystyrene used in insulation, classify it under HS-6 390311. If it’s a different form of styrene polymer, such as a standard polystyrene, you would use HS-6 390319 instead.

If your product is a copolymer, you’ll need to look at HS-6 390320 for styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) or HS-6 390330 for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). These distinctions are important as they affect the duties and regulations applicable to your shipment.

For any styrene polymer not specifically covered by the other subheadings, you can use HS-6 390390. This is for items that are not elsewhere classified in heading 3903, ensuring that you have a code for less common types of styrene polymers.

Keywords & topics

Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-4 heading.

HS-4 3903 · styrene polymers · expansible polystyrene · styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers · acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene · primary forms · import classification · export classification · polystyrene sheets · styrene polymer types

Examples

Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.

  • Polystyrene sheets for packaging (HS-6 390319)
  • Expansible polystyrene beads for insulation (HS-6 390311)
  • Styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer used in automotive parts (HS-6 390320)
  • Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer for consumer electronics (HS-6 390330)
  • Other styrene polymers not specified elsewhere (HS-6 390390)

Common questions

Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.

What is HS-4 3903 used for?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to classify styrene polymers 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 3903?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

Differences between HS-6 390311 and HS-6 390319?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

What is the duty rate for styrene polymers?

Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.

How to determine the correct HS code for ABS copolymers?

Match the product to the legal wording, then verify the final pick in your country tariff schedule before filing.

Related topics

Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.

how to classify styrene polymers in trade

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

understanding HS-4 3903 and its subheadings

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

importing polystyrene sheets under HS-4 3903

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers classification

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

expansible polystyrene import regulations

Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.

choosing the right HS code for styrene polymers

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

duty rates for styrene polymers in primary forms

Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.

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 3903?
HS-4 3903 covers various styrene polymers, including polystyrene, expansible polystyrene, and copolymers like SAN and ABS.
How do I choose between HS-6 390311 and HS-6 390319?
Use HS-6 390311 for expansible polystyrene products and HS-6 390319 for standard polystyrene products.
What is the difference between SAN and ABS copolymers?
SAN copolymers (HS-6 390320) are used for applications requiring clarity and strength, while ABS copolymers (HS-6 390330) are known for their toughness and impact resistance.
What does n.e.c. mean in HS-6 390390?
n.e.c. stands for 'not elsewhere classified,' meaning this code is for styrene polymers that don't fit into the other specified subheadings.
Are there any specific import regulations for styrene polymers?
Yes, regulations may vary by country, so it's important to check local import rules and any applicable tariffs for styrene polymers.

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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 390300 (first line of this block).

HS-6 subheadings (5)

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