HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3901.10 – Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94
HS code 3901.10 is the 6-digit subheading for ethylene polymers, in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94. It is used for LDPE pellets, LDPE granules, film-grade LDPE, injection molding grade LDPE and extrusion coating LDPE.
What HS 3901.10 covers
This code covers low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in primary forms, meaning it's traded as raw material like pellets, granules, or powder. LDPE is characterized by its flexibility, clarity, and good processability, making it a staple in the packaging industry. It's widely used for manufacturing plastic bags, films, agricultural films, and coatings. Major importers and exporters are large petrochemical companies, plastic converters, and distributors serving various manufacturing sectors globally. The trade volume is significant, driven by consumer demand for packaged goods and industrial applications. Key things to know include the specific melt flow index (MFI) and density, which dictate its suitability for different processing methods and end-uses.
- Covers
- LDPE pellets
- LDPE granules
- Film-grade LDPE
- Injection molding grade LDPE
- Extrusion coating LDPE
- Masterbatch carrier LDPE
- Examples
- Dow LDPE
- LyondellBasell Lupolen
- ExxonMobil LDPE
- SABIC LDPE
- Braskem LDPE
Codes often confused with 3901.10
Common mistake. Often confused with LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene, 390140) or HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene, 390120) due to similar applications, but distinguished by its specific gravity and branching structure.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390110, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390110 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $4.3B 17% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $4.2B 17% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.2B 4.9% of world exports
World total: $24.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.8B 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $1.3B 5.2% of world imports
World total: $25.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 3901.10 2
Brazil splits HS 3901.10 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3901.10.20 Polyethylene, density under 0.94, with fillerCom carga
- 3901.10.30 Polyethylene, density under 0.94, without fillerSem carga
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3901.10
What is HS code 390110?
HS code 390110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94. This code covers low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in primary forms, meaning it's traded as raw material like pellets, granules, or powder. LDPE is characterized by its flexibility, clarity, and good processability, making it a staple in the packaging industry. It's widely used for manufacturing plastic bags, films, agricultural films, and coatings. Major importers and exporters are large petrochemical companies, plastic converters, and distributors serving various manufacturing sectors globally. The trade volume is significant, driven by consumer demand for packaged goods and industrial applications. Key things to know include the specific melt flow index (MFI) and density, which dictate its suitability for different processing methods and end-uses.
What products fall under HS code 390110?
LDPE pellets, LDPE granules, film-grade LDPE, injection molding grade LDPE, extrusion coating LDPE, masterbatch carrier LDPE
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390110?
Often confused with LLDPE (Linear Low-Density Polyethylene, 390140) or HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene, 390120) due to similar applications, but distinguished by its specific gravity and branching structure.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390110?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390110 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.3B, 17% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($4.2B) and the Netherlands ($1.2B). World exports came to about $24.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 390110?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390110 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.8B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and Türkiye ($1.3B). World imports came to about $25.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 390110 structured?
HS code 390110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390110?
Brazil splits HS code 390110 into 2 NCM codes: 3901.10.20 (Polyethylene, density under 0.94, with filler), 3901.10.30 (Polyethylene, density under 0.94, without filler). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.