HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3907.70 – Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms
HS code 3907.70 is the 6-digit subheading for poly(lactic acid), in primary forms. It is used for PLA pellets for packaging, PLA granules for 3D printing, PLA resin for fibers, PLA resin for biomedical applications and PLA resin for compostable bags.
What HS 3907.70 covers
Poly(lactic acid), or PLA, in primary forms (pellets, granules) is a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. Its trade is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Major importers are countries prioritizing green initiatives and sustainable packaging, including those in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Exporters are typically specialized bioplastics manufacturers. Key aspects of PLA trade include its diverse applications in packaging (food containers, films), textiles, biomedical devices, and 3D printing filaments. The market is significantly driven by environmental regulations, evolving consumer preferences for sustainable products, and continuous advancements in bioplastics technology. While challenges include its higher cost compared to conventional plastics and specific processing requirements, its renewability and biodegradability position it as a significant player in the future of plastics.
- Covers
- PLA pellets for packaging
- PLA granules for 3D printing
- PLA resin for fibers
- PLA resin for biomedical applications
- PLA resin for compostable bags
- High heat PLA resin
- Examples
- NatureWorks Ingeo PLA
- TotalEnergies Corbion PLA
- Futerro PLA
- Synbra PLA
- Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials PLA
Codes often confused with 3907.70
Common mistake. PLA can be confused with other biodegradable polymers like PBAT (390799 if polyester) or PHA (390799 if polyester, or other headings if not polyester), but its specific "lactic acid" monomer distinguishes it. It's crucial not to misclassify it as conventional polyesters (390799) due to its unique biodegradable properties.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390770, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390770 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% 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 $180M 34% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $131M 25% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $125M 24% of world exports
World total: $525M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $127M 23% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $80M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $50M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $548M 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 3907.70
Brazil does not split HS 3907.70: its NCM code is 3907.70.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.07 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3907.70
What is HS code 390770?
HS code 390770 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms. Poly(lactic acid), or PLA, in primary forms (pellets, granules) is a biodegradable and compostable thermoplastic polyester derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. Its trade is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing global demand for sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Major importers are countries prioritizing green initiatives and sustainable packaging, including those in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Exporters are typically specialized bioplastics manufacturers. Key aspects of PLA trade include its diverse applications in packaging (food containers, films), textiles, biomedical devices, and 3D printing filaments. The market is significantly driven by environmental regulations, evolving consumer preferences for sustainable products, and continuous advancements in bioplastics technology. While challenges include its higher cost compared to conventional plastics and specific processing requirements, its renewability and biodegradability position it as a significant player in the future of plastics.
What products fall under HS code 390770?
PLA pellets for packaging, PLA granules for 3D printing, PLA resin for fibers, PLA resin for biomedical applications, PLA resin for compostable bags, High heat PLA resin
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390770?
PLA can be confused with other biodegradable polymers like PBAT (390799 if polyester) or PHA (390799 if polyester, or other headings if not polyester), but its specific "lactic acid" monomer distinguishes it. It's crucial not to misclassify it as conventional polyesters (390799) due to its unique biodegradable properties.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390770?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390770 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($180M, 34% of world exports), the Netherlands ($131M) and Thailand ($125M). World exports came to about $525M, 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 390770?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390770 in UN Comtrade data were China ($127M, 23% of world imports), the Netherlands ($80M) and Italy ($50M). World imports came to about $548M, 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 390770 structured?
HS code 390770 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (07) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (70) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390770?
In Brazil, HS code 390770 is NCM 3907.70.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.