HS Code Chapter

Plastics and articles thereof

39 Chapter
Section VII — Plastics and articles thereof; rubber and articles thereof

About HS Code 39

Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, titled "Plastics and articles thereof," is a cornerstone classification for a vast array of goods in international trade, encompassing synthetic and artificial organic polymers, their primary forms, semi-manufactures, and finished articles. This chapter primarily covers materials commonly known as plastics, characterized by their ability to be molded or extruded into various shapes. Its scope is broad, ranging from raw plastic resins (polymers in primary forms like pellets, powders, and liquids) to sheets, films, tubes, pipes, and an almost endless variety of finished plastic products. It is crucial to distinguish plastics from rubber (Chapter 40) and articles where plastic is merely a component of a product specifically classified elsewhere (e.g., plastic parts of machinery in Section XVI, plastic toys in Chapter 95, plastic furniture in Chapter 94). The chapter is divided into two main parts: the first dealing with plastics in primary forms (headings 39.01 to 39.14) and plastic waste (heading 39.15), and the second covering semi-manufactures and articles of plastics (headings 39.16 to 39.26). Correct classification under Chapter 39 is paramount for trade compliance, as it directly impacts applicable duties, taxes, import/export restrictions, product safety standards, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. The historical significance of plastics, from their early invention to their current ubiquitous presence, underscores their critical role in virtually every industry, from packaging and construction to automotive, electronics, and medical devices, making this one of the most frequently utilized and economically significant chapters in global trade.

Products Under This Code

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pellets, Polypropylene (PP) granules, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powder, High-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets, Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film rolls, Polystyrene (PS) foam insulation boards, Acrylic (PMMA) transparent sheets, Nylon (PA) fishing lines, Polycarbonate (PC) safety helmets, PVC pipes for plumbing, Plastic storage containers with lids, Disposable plastic cutlery sets, Plastic bottle caps, Automotive interior trim panels made of ABS plastic, Medical-grade plastic syringes, Plastic shopping bags, Stretch film for pallet wrapping, Plastic garden furniture, PVC window frames, Polyurethane (PU) foam, Plastic electrical conduit, Synthetic resin adhesives in primary forms, Plastic laboratory beakers, Plastic flooring tiles, Plastic protective eyewear.

Real World Examples

A Saudi Arabian petrochemical company regularly exports large volumes of polyethylene (PE) resin pellets (HS 39.01) to plastic manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Thailand, where they are processed into various films and packaging materials. This trade route is vital for global supply chains, leveraging cost-effective raw material production. In another scenario, a German manufacturer of specialized engineering plastics ships high-grade polycarbonate sheets (HS 39.20) to an automotive plant in Mexico, where they are used for vehicle interior components, often under NAFTA/USMCA tariff preferences. Furthermore, a Chinese factory produces millions of plastic household articles, such as storage boxes and kitchenware (HS 39.24), which are then shipped via ocean freight to major retail chains across Europe and North America, necessitating strict adherence to consumer product safety regulations and packaging directives.

Common Misclassification

A common mistake is confusing articles of plastic with those of rubber (Chapter 40), as both are polymers. The key distinction lies in the material's elastic properties; Chapter 39 covers plastics, which can be molded but typically lack the high elasticity of rubber. For instance, a plastic hose (39) vs. a rubber hose (40). Another pitfall involves composite articles, where plastic is combined with other materials like paper (Chapter 48) or textiles (Section XI). Classification depends on which material imparts the essential character. Lastly, many functional articles made of plastic are specifically classified in later chapters based on their use (e.g., plastic medical instruments in Chapter 90, plastic toys in Chapter 95, plastic furniture in Chapter 94). Traders often incorrectly default to Chapter 39 for these specialized plastic goods.

Headings in This Chapter 26

39.01 Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms 39.02 Polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in primary forms 39.03 Polymers of styrene, in primary forms 39.04 Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms 39.05 Polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters, in primary forms; other vinyl polymers in primary forms 39.06 Acrylic polymers in primary forms 39.07 Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms 39.08 Polyamides in primary forms 39.09 Amino-resins, phenolic resins and polyurethanes, in primary forms 39.10 Silicones in primary forms 39.11 Petroleum resins, coumarone-indene resins, polyterpenes, polysulphides, polysulphones and similar products of chemical synthesis n.e.c. in chapter 39, in primary forms 39.12 Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms 39.13 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 39.14 Ion-exchangers; based on polymers of heading no. 3901 to 3913, in primary forms 39.15 Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics 39.16 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 39.17 Tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings thereof (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics 39.18 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 39.19 Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls 39.20 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 39.21 Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip n.e.c. in chapter 39 39.22 Sanitary ware; baths, shower-baths, sinks, wash-basins, bidets, lavatory pans, seats and covers, flushing cisterns and sanitary ware, of plastics 39.23 Plastic articles for the conveyance or packing of goods; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures of plastics 39.24 Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics 39.25 Plastics; builders' wares n.e.c. or included 39.26 Articles of plastics and articles of other materials of heading no. 3901 to 3914, n.e.c. in chapter 39

Industry

This code belongs to the Plastics & Rubber industry.

Trade Overview

China is the undisputed global leader in both the export and import of plastics and articles thereof, driving massive trade volumes. Other major exporters include Germany, the United States, South Korea, and Japan, known for specialized and engineering plastics, while Saudi Arabia is a significant exporter of primary plastic forms due to its petrochemical industry. Key importers, beyond China's processing needs, include the United States, Germany, Mexico, and Vietnam, often for manufacturing or consumption. Tariff rates for plastics vary widely by product type and degree of processing. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like USMCA, EU-Vietnam FTA, and RCEP play a crucial role in reducing or eliminating duties. However, environmental regulations, such as bans on single-use plastics or restrictions on plastic waste imports, are increasingly influencing trade policies and classification requirements across many nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 39?

HS code 39 is a 2-digit chapter in the Harmonized System that covers: Plastics and articles thereof. Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, titled "Plastics and articles thereof," is a cornerstone classification for a vast array of goods in international trade, encompassing synthetic and artificial organic polymers, their primary forms, semi-manufactures, and finished articles. This chapter primarily covers materials commonly known as plastics, characterized by their ability to be molded or extruded into various shapes. Its scope is broad, ranging from raw plastic resins (polymers in primary forms like pellets, powders, and liquids) to sheets, films, tubes, pipes, and an almost endless variety of finished plastic products. It is crucial to distinguish plastics from rubber (Chapter 40) and articles where plastic is merely a component of a product specifically classified elsewhere (e.g., plastic parts of machinery in Section XVI, plastic toys in Chapter 95, plastic furniture in Chapter 94). The chapter is divided into two main parts: the first dealing with plastics in primary forms (headings 39.01 to 39.14) and plastic waste (heading 39.15), and the second covering semi-manufactures and articles of plastics (headings 39.16 to 39.26). Correct classification under Chapter 39 is paramount for trade compliance, as it directly impacts applicable duties, taxes, import/export restrictions, product safety standards, and eligibility for preferential trade agreements. The historical significance of plastics, from their early invention to their current ubiquitous presence, underscores their critical role in virtually every industry, from packaging and construction to automotive, electronics, and medical devices, making this one of the most frequently utilized and economically significant chapters in global trade.

What products fall under HS code 39?

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pellets, Polypropylene (PP) granules, Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) powder, High-density polyethylene (HDPE) sheets, Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film rolls, Polystyrene (PS) foam insulation boards, Acrylic (PMMA) transparent sheets, Nylon (PA) fishing lines, Polycarbonate (PC) safety helmets, PVC pipes for plumbing, Plastic storage containers with lids, Disposable plastic cutlery sets, Plastic bottle caps, Automotive interior trim panels made of ABS plastic, Medical-grade plastic syringes, Plastic shopping bags, Stretch film for pallet wrapping, Plastic garden furniture, PVC window frames, Polyurethane (PU) foam, Plastic electrical conduit, Synthetic resin adhesives in primary forms, Plastic laboratory beakers, Plastic flooring tiles, Plastic protective eyewear.

What are common misclassifications for HS code 39?

A common mistake is confusing articles of plastic with those of rubber (Chapter 40), as both are polymers. The key distinction lies in the material's elastic properties; Chapter 39 covers plastics, which can be molded but typically lack the high elasticity of rubber. For instance, a plastic hose (39) vs. a rubber hose (40). Another pitfall involves composite articles, where plastic is combined with other materials like paper (Chapter 48) or textiles (Section XI). Classification depends on which material imparts the essential character. Lastly, many functional articles made of plastic are specifically classified in later chapters based on their use (e.g., plastic medical instruments in Chapter 90, plastic toys in Chapter 95, plastic furniture in Chapter 94). Traders often incorrectly default to Chapter 39 for these specialized plastic goods.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 39?

China is the undisputed global leader in both the export and import of plastics and articles thereof, driving massive trade volumes. Other major exporters include Germany, the United States, South Korea, and Japan, known for specialized and engineering plastics, while Saudi Arabia is a significant exporter of primary plastic forms due to its petrochemical industry. Key importers, beyond China's processing needs, include the United States, Germany, Mexico, and Vietnam, often for manufacturing or consumption. Tariff rates for plastics vary widely by product type and degree of processing. Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) like USMCA, EU-Vietnam FTA, and RCEP play a crucial role in reducing or eliminating duties. However, environmental regulations, such as bans on single-use plastics or restrictions on plastic waste imports, are increasingly influencing trade policies and classification requirements across many nations.

How is HS code 39 structured?

HS code 39 is a 2-digit chapter code in the Harmonized System maintained by the World Customs Organization. It represents a broad category of goods and contains multiple 4-digit headings and 6-digit subheadings for more specific classifications.