HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3903.19 – Styrene polymers; (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms
HS code 3903.19 is the 6-digit subheading for styrene polymers, (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms. It is used for general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) pellets, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) granules, crystal polystyrene, transparent polystyrene and food-grade polystyrene.
What HS 3903.19 covers
This category encompasses general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) in primary forms (pellets, granules). These materials are widely traded due to their versatility, ease of processing, and cost-effectiveness. GPPS is known for its clarity and rigidity, while HIPS offers improved toughness and impact resistance. Major petrochemical companies are key exporters, supplying manufacturers of consumer goods, food packaging, electronics housings, and household appliances globally. Key trade considerations include fluctuating styrene monomer prices, the push for increased recycled content and circular economy initiatives, and intense competition from other commodity plastics in various applications.
- Covers
- General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) pellets
- High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) granules
- Crystal polystyrene
- Transparent polystyrene
- Food-grade polystyrene
- Injection molding grade polystyrene
- Extrusion grade polystyrene
- Examples
- INEOS Styrolution GPPS
- Trinseo HIPS
- SABIC PS
- LG Chem PS
- Chi Mei Polylac PS
Codes often confused with 3903.19
Common mistake. Frequently confused with 390311 (expansible polystyrene) if the specific type of polystyrene isn't clearly identified, or with 390320 (SAN copolymers) if the presence of acrylonitrile is missed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390319, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390319 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($112M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 25% of its imports here ($51M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $429M 13% of world exports
- 2 France $326M 9.5% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$315M 9.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($112M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $3.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $456M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $249M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Italy $184M 4.5% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 25% of its imports here ($51M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $4.1B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 3903.19
Brazil does not split HS 3903.19: its NCM code is 3903.19.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3903.19
What is HS code 390319?
HS code 390319 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Styrene polymers; (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms. This category encompasses general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) in primary forms (pellets, granules). These materials are widely traded due to their versatility, ease of processing, and cost-effectiveness. GPPS is known for its clarity and rigidity, while HIPS offers improved toughness and impact resistance. Major petrochemical companies are key exporters, supplying manufacturers of consumer goods, food packaging, electronics housings, and household appliances globally. Key trade considerations include fluctuating styrene monomer prices, the push for increased recycled content and circular economy initiatives, and intense competition from other commodity plastics in various applications.
What products fall under HS code 390319?
General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) pellets, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) granules, crystal polystyrene, transparent polystyrene, food-grade polystyrene, injection molding grade polystyrene, extrusion grade polystyrene
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390319?
Frequently confused with 390311 (expansible polystyrene) if the specific type of polystyrene isn't clearly identified, or with 390320 (SAN copolymers) if the presence of acrylonitrile is missed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390319?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390319 in UN Comtrade data were China ($429M, 13% of world exports), France ($326M) and Taiwan (about $315M). World exports came to about $3.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($112M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 390319?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390319 in UN Comtrade data were China ($456M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($249M) and Italy ($184M). World imports came to about $4.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 25% of its imports here ($51M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 390319 structured?
HS code 390319 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (19) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390319?
In Brazil, HS code 390319 is NCM 3903.19.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.