HS Code 39.15 – Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics

HS code 3915 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Waste, parings and scrap, of plastics. Heading 3915 specifically covers waste, parings, and scrap of plastics. This classification is critically important in the circular economy and global recycling industry, addressing materials that are no longer usable in their original form but can be reprocessed into new plastic products. The scope of this heading is precise: it includes plastic materials that are clearly identifiable as waste, parings, or scrap, typically generated during manufacturing processes (post-industrial) or from end-of-life products (post-consumer). These materials are unsuitable for their original use without further processing, such as grinding, melting, or compounding. Examples include plastic bottles that have been crushed or flaked, offcuts from plastic sheet manufacturing, rejected plastic parts, and spent plastic films. The key is that these are raw materials for recycling, not finished products or prime plastics. The heading covers all types of plastics, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), among others. Accurate classification under 3915 is essential for navigating complex international regulations concerning waste trade, such as the Basel Convention, and for determining applicable environmental levies or import restrictions. It differentiates genuine waste for recycling from virgin plastic materials (3901-3914) and from articles made of plastic (3916-3926). Given the increasing global focus on sustainability and waste management, this heading plays a crucial role in facilitating the legitimate trade of recyclable plastic resources, contributing to reduced environmental impact and resource conservation.

PET bottle flakes, HDPE regrind, LDPE film scrap, PVC window profile offcuts, PP injection molding waste, ABS plastic purgings, PS foam scrap, Nylon 6 waste yarn, Polycarbonate sheet trimmings, Acrylic offcuts, Mixed plastic waste bales, Crushed plastic drums, Plastic pipe remnants, Polyurethane foam scrap, Plastic car bumper scrap, E-waste plastic housing, Recycled plastic pellets (if still considered scrap for reprocessing), Film rolls of plastic waste, Scrap plastic containers, Shredded plastic packaging, Used plastic strapping, Plastic bag waste, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, High-density polyethylene (HDPE) scrap, Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) waste

A common mistake is classifying plastic waste that has been highly processed (e.g., compounded with additives, colored, or pelletized to a uniform specification) as waste under 3915, when it might actually qualify as primary forms of plastic (e.g., 3901-3911) if it's ready for direct molding without further significant processing. Conversely, some traders might incorrectly classify actual prime plastic pellets or virgin resins as waste to avoid duties, which is a significant compliance risk. Another error is classifying articles made from recycled plastic under 3915, when they should be classified as finished articles in other headings of Chapter 39 or elsewhere.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3915 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($322M, 11% of world exports), the Netherlands ($227M) and Japan ($226M). World exports came to about $2.9B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3915 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($243M, 9.3% of world imports), the Netherlands ($207M) and the United States ($198M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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.

HS code 3915 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (15) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.