HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3904.50 – Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers; vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms
HS code 3904.50 is the 6-digit subheading for vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers, vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms. It is used for PVDC resin for food packaging, PVDC resin for pharmaceutical packaging, PVDC resin for barrier films, PVDC resin for chemical resistant coatings and PVDC resin for textile coatings.
What HS 3904.50 covers
This HS code specifically covers polymers of vinylidene chloride, often in copolymer form, in their primary, raw states. These materials are highly valued for their exceptional barrier properties against gases and moisture, making them indispensable in specialized packaging and protective coatings. Major importers are typically countries with advanced food packaging industries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and chemical processing, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Exporters include chemical companies in the US, Europe, and Asia that specialize in high-performance polymers. Key considerations in trading these polymers include their specific barrier performance characteristics, processing requirements, and compliance with food contact regulations. The global demand for extended shelf-life products and protective materials drives the trade in these specialized primary forms, making them a niche but critical component of international commerce.
- Covers
- PVDC resin for food packaging
- PVDC resin for pharmaceutical packaging
- PVDC resin for barrier films
- PVDC resin for chemical resistant coatings
- PVDC resin for textile coatings
- PVDC resin for shrink wrap
- PVDC resin for multi-layer films
- Examples
- Dow Saran
- Asahi Kasei Saran
- Kureha Kurehalon
- Solvay Solef PVDC
- SK Chemicals PVDC
Codes often confused with 3904.50
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other vinyl chloride polymers (e.g., 390421, 390422) if the "vinylidene" aspect is overlooked, or with other barrier polymers like EVOH (390599) if the specific chemical composition isn't carefully checked. The key is the vinylidene chloride monomer.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390450, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390450 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 72% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 France $213M 72% of world exports
- 2 Japan $39M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $22M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $295M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $61M 18% of world imports
- 2 India $43M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $37M 11% of world imports
World total: $342M 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 3904.50 2
Brazil splits HS 3904.50 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3904.50.10 PVDC copolymers without emulsifier or plasticiserCopolímeros de cloreto de vinilideno, sem emulsionante nem plastificante
- 3904.50.90 Other vinylidene chloride polymersOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3904.50
What is HS code 390450?
HS code 390450 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers; vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms. This HS code specifically covers polymers of vinylidene chloride, often in copolymer form, in their primary, raw states. These materials are highly valued for their exceptional barrier properties against gases and moisture, making them indispensable in specialized packaging and protective coatings. Major importers are typically countries with advanced food packaging industries, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and chemical processing, such as the United States, Germany, and Japan. Exporters include chemical companies in the US, Europe, and Asia that specialize in high-performance polymers. Key considerations in trading these polymers include their specific barrier performance characteristics, processing requirements, and compliance with food contact regulations. The global demand for extended shelf-life products and protective materials drives the trade in these specialized primary forms, making them a niche but critical component of international commerce.
What products fall under HS code 390450?
PVDC resin for food packaging, PVDC resin for pharmaceutical packaging, PVDC resin for barrier films, PVDC resin for chemical resistant coatings, PVDC resin for textile coatings, PVDC resin for shrink wrap, PVDC resin for multi-layer films
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390450?
This code can be confused with other vinyl chloride polymers (e.g., 390421, 390422) if the "vinylidene" aspect is overlooked, or with other barrier polymers like EVOH (390599) if the specific chemical composition isn't carefully checked. The key is the vinylidene chloride monomer.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390450?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390450 in UN Comtrade data were France ($213M, 72% of world exports), Japan ($39M) and China ($22M). World exports came to about $295M, 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 390450?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390450 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($61M, 18% of world imports), India ($43M) and Germany ($37M). World imports came to about $342M, 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 390450 structured?
HS code 390450 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390450?
Brazil splits HS code 390450 into 2 NCM codes: 3904.50.10 (PVDC copolymers without emulsifier or plasticiser), 3904.50.90 (Other vinylidene chloride polymers). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.