HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3915.10 – Ethylene polymers; waste, parings and scrap
HS code 3915.10 is the 6-digit subheading for ethylene polymers, waste, parings and scrap. It is used for HDPE waste, LDPE film scrap, LLDPE regrind, polyethylene bottle flakes and PE industrial scrap.
What HS 3915.10 covers
This HS code covers waste, parings, and scrap of ethylene polymers, primarily polyethylene (PE). This material is a significant commodity in the global recycling industry, traded extensively for reprocessing into new plastic products. Major importers are countries with large plastic recycling and manufacturing capacities, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Turkey, seeking cost-effective raw materials. Exporters include developed nations with robust waste collection systems, like the USA, EU member states, and Japan. The trade involves various forms, including film scrap, bottle flakes, and regrind, often sorted by type (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) and color. Quality and contamination levels are critical factors influencing trade value and regulatory compliance. The global market is heavily influenced by environmental policies, commodity plastic prices, and the increasing push for circular economy initiatives.
- Covers
- HDPE waste
- LDPE film scrap
- LLDPE regrind
- Polyethylene bottle flakes
- PE industrial scrap
- Post-consumer PE waste
- PE agricultural film scrap
- Examples
- Recycled HDPE pellets
- Recycled LDPE film
- Post-consumer resin (PCR) PE
- Pre-consumer PE scrap
- PE plastic bales
Codes often confused with 3915.10
Common mistake. This code is specifically for waste/scrap of ethylene polymers; it can be confused with virgin ethylene polymers (3901) or waste of other plastics like styrene polymers (391520) if not properly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391510, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391510 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 Germany $226M 22% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $102M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $86M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $130M 12% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $125M 12% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $119M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 3915.10
Brazil does not split HS 3915.10: its NCM code is 3915.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3915.10
What is HS code 391510?
HS code 391510 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ethylene polymers; waste, parings and scrap. This HS code covers waste, parings, and scrap of ethylene polymers, primarily polyethylene (PE). This material is a significant commodity in the global recycling industry, traded extensively for reprocessing into new plastic products. Major importers are countries with large plastic recycling and manufacturing capacities, such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Turkey, seeking cost-effective raw materials. Exporters include developed nations with robust waste collection systems, like the USA, EU member states, and Japan. The trade involves various forms, including film scrap, bottle flakes, and regrind, often sorted by type (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) and color. Quality and contamination levels are critical factors influencing trade value and regulatory compliance. The global market is heavily influenced by environmental policies, commodity plastic prices, and the increasing push for circular economy initiatives.
What products fall under HS code 391510?
HDPE waste, LDPE film scrap, LLDPE regrind, Polyethylene bottle flakes, PE industrial scrap, Post-consumer PE waste, PE agricultural film scrap
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391510?
This code is specifically for waste/scrap of ethylene polymers; it can be confused with virgin ethylene polymers (3901) or waste of other plastics like styrene polymers (391520) if not properly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391510?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391510 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($226M, 22% of world exports), the Netherlands ($102M) and the United Kingdom ($86M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 391510?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391510 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($130M, 12% of world imports), Malaysia ($125M) and Türkiye ($119M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 391510 structured?
HS code 391510 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 391510?
In Brazil, HS code 391510 is NCM 3915.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.