HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3915.30 – Vinyl chloride polymers; waste, parings and scrap
HS code 3915.30 is the 6-digit subheading for vinyl chloride polymers, waste, parings and scrap. It is used for PVC pipe scrap, PVC window profile waste, PVC film scrap, PVC cable insulation waste and PVC flooring scrap.
What HS 3915.30 covers
This HS code specifically covers waste, parings, and scrap of vinyl chloride polymers, predominantly polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material is vital for the circular economy, enabling the recycling and reprocessing of PVC into new products, thereby reducing landfill burden and conserving virgin resources. Importers and exporters are typically recycling companies, waste management firms, and manufacturers seeking cost-effective secondary raw materials for applications like pipes, profiles, and flooring. Key considerations in trade include the cleanliness, purity, and segregation of the scrap, as well as the presence of contaminants. Regulatory frameworks governing the international movement of waste, particularly concerning hazardous substances, are also paramount for compliance.
- Covers
- PVC pipe scrap
- PVC window profile waste
- PVC film scrap
- PVC cable insulation waste
- PVC flooring scrap
- Rigid PVC regrind
- Flexible PVC waste
- PVC bottle flakes
- Examples
- Recovinyl (industry initiative)
- Veolia (waste management)
- Suez (waste management)
- local PVC recyclers
- Ecore (recycled flooring)
Codes often confused with 3915.30
Common mistake. Can be confused with 391590 (waste of other plastics) if the specific polymer type isn't accurately identified, or with primary forms of PVC (3904) if the material is mistakenly classified as virgin resin.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391530, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391530 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% 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 Japan $12M 18% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $8.9M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $4.8M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $71M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $17M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $9.9M 11% of world imports
- 3 Poland $9.6M 10% of world imports
World total: $94M 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 3915.30
Brazil does not split HS 3915.30: its NCM code is 3915.30.00.
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 3915.30
What is HS code 391530?
HS code 391530 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vinyl chloride polymers; waste, parings and scrap. This HS code specifically covers waste, parings, and scrap of vinyl chloride polymers, predominantly polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material is vital for the circular economy, enabling the recycling and reprocessing of PVC into new products, thereby reducing landfill burden and conserving virgin resources. Importers and exporters are typically recycling companies, waste management firms, and manufacturers seeking cost-effective secondary raw materials for applications like pipes, profiles, and flooring. Key considerations in trade include the cleanliness, purity, and segregation of the scrap, as well as the presence of contaminants. Regulatory frameworks governing the international movement of waste, particularly concerning hazardous substances, are also paramount for compliance.
What products fall under HS code 391530?
PVC pipe scrap, PVC window profile waste, PVC film scrap, PVC cable insulation waste, PVC flooring scrap, rigid PVC regrind, flexible PVC waste, PVC bottle flakes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391530?
Can be confused with 391590 (waste of other plastics) if the specific polymer type isn't accurately identified, or with primary forms of PVC (3904) if the material is mistakenly classified as virgin resin.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391530?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391530 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($12M, 18% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($8.9M) and Germany ($4.8M). World exports came to about $71M, 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 391530?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391530 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($9.9M) and Poland ($9.6M). World imports came to about $94M, 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 391530 structured?
HS code 391530 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 391530?
In Brazil, HS code 391530 is NCM 3915.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.