HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3901.40 – Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94
HS code 3901.40 is the 6-digit subheading for ethylene polymers, in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94. It is used for LLDPE pellets, LLDPE granules, film grade LLDPE, rotational molding grade LLDPE and stretch film grade LLDPE.
What HS 3901.40 covers
This code specifically covers ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers in primary forms, characterized by a specific gravity of less than 0.94. This category predominantly includes Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), which offers superior tensile strength, puncture resistance, and flexibility compared to traditional LDPE. LLDPE is a critical material for flexible packaging, stretch films, heavy-duty bags, and rotational molding applications. Major importers and exporters are global petrochemical companies and plastic converters serving the packaging, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The trade is influenced by demand for durable and efficient packaging solutions. Traders should note the specific alpha-olefin (e.g., butene, hexene, octene) and its impact on material properties.
- Covers
- LLDPE pellets
- LLDPE granules
- Film grade LLDPE
- Rotational molding grade LLDPE
- Stretch film grade LLDPE
- Geomembrane grade LLDPE
- Examples
- Dow LLDPE
- ExxonMobil Exceed
- LyondellBasell Spherilene
- SABIC LLDPE
- INEOS LLDPE
Codes often confused with 3901.40
Common mistake. Frequently confused with LDPE (390110) due to similar density ranges, but LLDPE has a linear structure with short, uniform branches, giving it distinct mechanical properties. Also, other ethylene copolymers in 390190.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390140, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390140 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 $5.9B 31% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $2.5B 13% of world exports
- 3 Canada $1.8B 9.8% of world exports
World total: $18.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $5.7B 29% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.4B 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$1.0B 5.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $19.6B 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 code for 3901.40
Brazil does not split HS 3901.40: its NCM code is 3901.40.00.
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 3901.40
What is HS code 390140?
HS code 390140 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94. This code specifically covers ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers in primary forms, characterized by a specific gravity of less than 0.94. This category predominantly includes Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), which offers superior tensile strength, puncture resistance, and flexibility compared to traditional LDPE. LLDPE is a critical material for flexible packaging, stretch films, heavy-duty bags, and rotational molding applications. Major importers and exporters are global petrochemical companies and plastic converters serving the packaging, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The trade is influenced by demand for durable and efficient packaging solutions. Traders should note the specific alpha-olefin (e.g., butene, hexene, octene) and its impact on material properties.
What products fall under HS code 390140?
LLDPE pellets, LLDPE granules, film grade LLDPE, rotational molding grade LLDPE, stretch film grade LLDPE, geomembrane grade LLDPE
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390140?
Frequently confused with LDPE (390110) due to similar density ranges, but LLDPE has a linear structure with short, uniform branches, giving it distinct mechanical properties. Also, other ethylene copolymers in 390190.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390140?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390140 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.9B, 31% of world exports), Singapore ($2.5B) and Canada ($1.8B). World exports came to about $18.8B, 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 390140?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390140 in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.7B, 29% of world imports), the United States ($1.4B) and Vietnam (about $1.0B). World imports came to about $19.6B, 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.
How is HS code 390140 structured?
HS code 390140 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390140?
In Brazil, HS code 390140 is NCM 3901.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.