HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3901.90 – Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3901
HS code 3901.90 is the 6-digit subheading for ethylene polymers, in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3901. It is used for ethylene-propylene copolymers (non-elastomeric), ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, metallocene polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in primary forms and ionomers.
What HS 3901.90 covers
This code serves as a catch-all for 'other' ethylene polymers in primary forms not specifically classified under 390110, 390120, 390130, or 390140. This includes a diverse range of specialized ethylene copolymers or blends designed for niche applications requiring unique performance characteristics. Examples might include ethylene-propylene copolymers (not elastomers), ethylene-acrylate copolymers (other than EVA), or metallocene polyethylenes with specific properties that don't fit other categories. These materials are often used in advanced packaging, automotive components, specialty films, or medical devices. Importers and exporters are typically specialized chemical companies, compounders, and manufacturers of high-performance plastics. Detailed technical specifications are crucial for correct classification and market positioning.
- Covers
- Ethylene-propylene copolymers (non-elastomeric)
- Ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers
- Metallocene polyethylene
- Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in primary forms
- Ionomers
- Examples
- Mitsui Tafmer
- DuPont Elvaloy
- Solvay UHMWPE
- ExxonMobil Exact
- SK Global Chemical Nexlene
Codes often confused with 3901.90
Common mistake. Misclassification often occurs when a specific ethylene polymer could potentially fit into a more general category (e.g., 390110 or 390140) but has unique properties that warrant this 'other' classification. Careful review of the polymer's specific chemical structure and properties is essential.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390190, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390190 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 $914M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $836M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $325M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $5.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $976M 18% of world imports
- 2 India $277M 5.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $260M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $5.4B 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 3901.90 6
Brazil splits HS 3901.90 into 6 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3901.90.10 Ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA)Copolímeros de etileno e ácido acrílico
- 3901.90.20 Ethylene-carboxylic monomer copolymersCopolímeros de etileno e monômeros com radicais carboxílicos, inclusive com metacrilato de metila ou acrilato de metila como terceiro monômero
- 3901.90.30 Chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM)Polietileno clorossulfonado
- 3901.90.40 Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)Polietileno clorado
- 3901.90.50 EMAA copolymers with 60 % or more ethyleneCopolímeros de etileno - ácido metacrílico, com um conteúdo de etileno igual ou superior a 60 %, em peso
- 3901.90.90 Other ethylene polymers in primary formsOutros
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 3901.90
What is HS code 390190?
HS code 390190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3901. This code serves as a catch-all for 'other' ethylene polymers in primary forms not specifically classified under 390110, 390120, 390130, or 390140. This includes a diverse range of specialized ethylene copolymers or blends designed for niche applications requiring unique performance characteristics. Examples might include ethylene-propylene copolymers (not elastomers), ethylene-acrylate copolymers (other than EVA), or metallocene polyethylenes with specific properties that don't fit other categories. These materials are often used in advanced packaging, automotive components, specialty films, or medical devices. Importers and exporters are typically specialized chemical companies, compounders, and manufacturers of high-performance plastics. Detailed technical specifications are crucial for correct classification and market positioning.
What products fall under HS code 390190?
Ethylene-propylene copolymers (non-elastomeric), ethylene-butyl acrylate copolymers, metallocene polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in primary forms, ionomers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390190?
Misclassification often occurs when a specific ethylene polymer could potentially fit into a more general category (e.g., 390110 or 390140) but has unique properties that warrant this 'other' classification. Careful review of the polymer's specific chemical structure and properties is essential.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390190?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390190 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($914M, 18% of world exports), China ($836M) and Germany ($325M). World exports came to about $5.0B, 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 390190?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390190 in UN Comtrade data were China ($976M, 18% of world imports), India ($277M) and Germany ($260M). World imports came to about $5.4B, 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 390190 structured?
HS code 390190 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390190?
Brazil splits HS code 390190 into 6 NCM codes: 3901.90.10 (Ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA)), 3901.90.20 (Ethylene-carboxylic monomer copolymers), 3901.90.30 (Chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM)), 3901.90.40 (Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)), 3901.90.50 (EMAA copolymers with 60 % or more ethylene), 3901.90.90 (Other ethylene polymers in primary forms). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.