HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3915.20 – Styrene polymers; waste, parings and scrap
HS code 3915.20 is the 6-digit subheading for styrene polymers, waste, parings and scrap. It is used for polystyrene (PS) waste, expanded polystyrene (EPS) scrap, high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) regrind, general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) flakes and PS industrial waste.
What HS 3915.20 covers
This HS code pertains to waste, parings, and scrap of styrene polymers, primarily polystyrene (PS) and its copolymers. This material is a crucial input for the plastics recycling industry, facilitating the production of new goods from recycled content. Key importers are countries with significant plastic recycling infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, including Turkey, Malaysia, and Vietnam, which utilize these materials as a more economical alternative to virgin resins. Exporters typically originate from developed economies with established waste management and collection systems, such as the USA, EU countries, and Japan. The trade involves various forms, including expanded polystyrene (EPS) scrap, general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) waste, and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) regrind. Contamination levels and sorting quality are paramount for successful trade and reprocessing. The market is influenced by global plastic demand, recycling policies, and the drive towards sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Covers
- Polystyrene (PS) waste
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) scrap
- High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) regrind
- General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) flakes
- PS industrial waste
- PS packaging scrap
- SAN waste
- Examples
- Recycled PS pellets
- Recycled EPS foam
- Post-consumer PS waste
- HIPS regrind
- PS plastic bales
Codes often confused with 3915.20
Common mistake. This code is for waste/scrap of styrene polymers; it should not be confused with virgin styrene polymers (3903) or waste of other plastics like vinyl chloride polymers (391530) if not correctly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391520 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 22% 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 Spain $43M 21% of world exports
- 2 Japan $39M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $22M 11% of world exports
World total: $206M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $32M 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $14M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $14M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $145M 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 3915.20
Brazil does not split HS 3915.20: its NCM code is 3915.20.00.
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 3915.20
What is HS code 391520?
HS code 391520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Styrene polymers; waste, parings and scrap. This HS code pertains to waste, parings, and scrap of styrene polymers, primarily polystyrene (PS) and its copolymers. This material is a crucial input for the plastics recycling industry, facilitating the production of new goods from recycled content. Key importers are countries with significant plastic recycling infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, including Turkey, Malaysia, and Vietnam, which utilize these materials as a more economical alternative to virgin resins. Exporters typically originate from developed economies with established waste management and collection systems, such as the USA, EU countries, and Japan. The trade involves various forms, including expanded polystyrene (EPS) scrap, general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) waste, and high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) regrind. Contamination levels and sorting quality are paramount for successful trade and reprocessing. The market is influenced by global plastic demand, recycling policies, and the drive towards sustainable manufacturing practices.
What products fall under HS code 391520?
Polystyrene (PS) waste, Expanded polystyrene (EPS) scrap, High-impact polystyrene (HIPS) regrind, General-purpose polystyrene (GPPS) flakes, PS industrial waste, PS packaging scrap, SAN waste
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391520?
This code is for waste/scrap of styrene polymers; it should not be confused with virgin styrene polymers (3903) or waste of other plastics like vinyl chloride polymers (391530) if not correctly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391520 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($43M, 21% of world exports), Japan ($39M) and the United States ($22M). World exports came to about $206M, 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 391520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391520 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($32M, 22% of world imports), Germany ($14M) and Czechia ($14M). World imports came to about $145M, 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 391520 structured?
HS code 391520 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 391520?
In Brazil, HS code 391520 is NCM 3915.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.