HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3902.20 – Propylene, other olefin polymers; polyisobutylene in primary forms
HS code 3902.20 is the 6-digit subheading for propylene, other olefin polymers, polyisobutylene in primary forms. It is used for PIB pellets, PIB liquid, high molecular weight PIB, low molecular weight PIB and chewing gum grade PIB.
What HS 3902.20 covers
This code covers polyisobutylene (PIB) in primary forms, typically traded as pellets, bales, or viscous liquids. PIB is a synthetic rubber-like polymer known for its exceptional impermeability to gases, flexibility, chemical inertness, and resistance to aging. These unique properties make it invaluable in specialized applications. It is widely used in the production of chewing gum bases, sealants, adhesives, lubricants, and as a key component in tire inner liners and pharmaceutical stoppers. Major importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, tire companies, and specialized adhesive/sealant producers. The trade in PIB is driven by demand for high-performance materials in niche markets. Understanding its molecular weight (low, medium, high) is crucial, as it dictates its viscosity and end-use applications.
- Covers
- PIB pellets
- PIB liquid
- High molecular weight PIB
- Low molecular weight PIB
- Chewing gum grade PIB
- Sealant grade PIB
- Examples
- BASF Oppanol
- ExxonMobil Vistanex
- Lanxess Krynac
- TPC Polybutene
- INEOS Oronite
Codes often confused with 3902.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with other synthetic rubbers or elastomers (Chapter 40) due to its rubber-like properties, or with other polyolefins (Chapter 39) if its specific chemical structure and properties are not recognized.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390220 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 South Korea $329M 28% of world exports
- 2 United States $158M 14% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $156M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $226M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $148M 13% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $130M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 code for 3902.20
Brazil does not split HS 3902.20: its NCM code is 3902.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3902.20
What is HS code 390220?
HS code 390220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Propylene, other olefin polymers; polyisobutylene in primary forms. This code covers polyisobutylene (PIB) in primary forms, typically traded as pellets, bales, or viscous liquids. PIB is a synthetic rubber-like polymer known for its exceptional impermeability to gases, flexibility, chemical inertness, and resistance to aging. These unique properties make it invaluable in specialized applications. It is widely used in the production of chewing gum bases, sealants, adhesives, lubricants, and as a key component in tire inner liners and pharmaceutical stoppers. Major importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, tire companies, and specialized adhesive/sealant producers. The trade in PIB is driven by demand for high-performance materials in niche markets. Understanding its molecular weight (low, medium, high) is crucial, as it dictates its viscosity and end-use applications.
What products fall under HS code 390220?
PIB pellets, PIB liquid, high molecular weight PIB, low molecular weight PIB, chewing gum grade PIB, sealant grade PIB
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390220?
Can be confused with other synthetic rubbers or elastomers (Chapter 40) due to its rubber-like properties, or with other polyolefins (Chapter 39) if its specific chemical structure and properties are not recognized.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390220 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($329M, 28% of world exports), the United States ($158M) and Belgium ($156M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 390220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390220 in UN Comtrade data were China ($226M, 19% of world imports), France ($148M) and Singapore ($130M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 390220 structured?
HS code 390220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) 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 390220?
In Brazil, HS code 390220 is NCM 3902.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.