HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3901.20 – Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more
HS code 3901.20 is the 6-digit subheading for ethylene polymers, in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more. It is used for HDPE pellets, HDPE granules, blow molding grade HDPE, pipe grade HDPE and film grade HDPE.
What HS 3901.20 covers
This code pertains to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in primary forms, such as pellets, granules, or powder. HDPE is known for its high strength-to-density ratio, rigidity, chemical resistance, and impermeability, making it ideal for durable applications. It's extensively used in manufacturing bottles (milk, detergent), pipes, geomembranes, crates, and toys. Major players in this trade include global petrochemical giants and plastic product manufacturers. The market for HDPE is robust, driven by infrastructure development, packaging needs, and consumer goods production. Traders should be aware of different grades (e.g., blow molding, injection molding, pipe grade) and their specific properties, as these influence pricing and application.
- Covers
- HDPE pellets
- HDPE granules
- Blow molding grade HDPE
- Pipe grade HDPE
- Film grade HDPE
- Injection molding grade HDPE
- Examples
- SABIC HDPE
- Braskem HDPE
- INEOS Rigidex
- Chevron Phillips Marlex
- LyondellBasell Hostalen
Codes often confused with 3901.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with LDPE (390110) or LLDPE (390140) due to being polyethylene, but its higher specific gravity (0.94 or more) is the key distinguishing factor.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390120 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% 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 $5.1B 19% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $3.9B 14% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$2.3B 8.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $27.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $5.0B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 4.9% of world imports
- 3 United States $1.3B 4.6% of world imports
World total: $28.8B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 3901.20 4
Brazil splits HS 3901.20 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3901.20.1 With fillerCom carga Group
- 3901.20.11 Vulcanised filled polyethylene, density over 1.3Vulcanizado, de densidade superior a 1,3
- 3901.20.19 Other filled polyethylene, density 0.94 or moreOutros
- 3901.20.2 Without fillerSem carga Group
- 3901.20.21 Vulcanised unfilled polyethylene, density over 1.3Vulcanizado, de densidade superior a 1,3
- 3901.20.29 Other unfilled polyethylene, density 0.94 or moreOutros
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 3901.20
What is HS code 390120?
HS code 390120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more. This code pertains to high-density polyethylene (HDPE) in primary forms, such as pellets, granules, or powder. HDPE is known for its high strength-to-density ratio, rigidity, chemical resistance, and impermeability, making it ideal for durable applications. It's extensively used in manufacturing bottles (milk, detergent), pipes, geomembranes, crates, and toys. Major players in this trade include global petrochemical giants and plastic product manufacturers. The market for HDPE is robust, driven by infrastructure development, packaging needs, and consumer goods production. Traders should be aware of different grades (e.g., blow molding, injection molding, pipe grade) and their specific properties, as these influence pricing and application.
What products fall under HS code 390120?
HDPE pellets, HDPE granules, blow molding grade HDPE, pipe grade HDPE, film grade HDPE, injection molding grade HDPE
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390120?
Can be confused with LDPE (390110) or LLDPE (390140) due to being polyethylene, but its higher specific gravity (0.94 or more) is the key distinguishing factor.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.1B, 19% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($3.9B) and the United Arab Emirates (about $2.3B). World exports came to about $27.6B, 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 390120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.0B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and the United States ($1.3B). World imports came to about $28.8B, 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.
How is HS code 390120 structured?
HS code 390120 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390120?
Brazil splits HS code 390120 into 4 NCM codes: 3901.20.11 (Vulcanised filled polyethylene, density over 1.3), 3901.20.19 (Other filled polyethylene, density 0.94 or more), 3901.20.21 (Vulcanised unfilled polyethylene, density over 1.3), 3901.20.29 (Other unfilled polyethylene, density 0.94 or more). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.