HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3915.90 – Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915; waste, parings and scrap
HS code 3915.90 is the 6-digit subheading for plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915, waste, parings and scrap. It is used for mixed plastic scrap, PVC waste, PET bottle flakes, HDPE regrind and PP film scrap.
What HS 3915.90 covers
This HS code covers plastic waste, parings, and scrap that aren't specifically categorized elsewhere within HS 3915. It's a crucial category in the circular economy, representing materials destined for recycling and reprocessing rather than landfill. Importers are typically recycling facilities, plastic manufacturers looking for cost-effective raw materials, or companies specializing in waste management and material recovery. Exporters include industrial manufacturers generating plastic by-products, waste collection companies, and material recovery facilities. The trade in these materials is heavily influenced by environmental regulations, global demand for recycled content, and fluctuating virgin plastic prices. Key considerations include contamination levels, material type segregation, and international waste shipment regulations like the Basel Convention, which can impact cross-border movement. The global push for sustainability means this trade is growing, with a focus on high-quality, sorted plastic waste.
- Covers
- Mixed plastic scrap
- PVC waste
- PET bottle flakes
- HDPE regrind
- PP film scrap
- ABS waste
- Nylon fiber waste
- Polycarbonate sheet offcuts
- Examples
- Recycled PET flakes from Coca-Cola bottles
- HDPE regrind from milk jugs
- PVC window profile offcuts
- Automotive bumper scrap (mixed plastics)
Codes often confused with 3915.90
Common mistake. This code can be confused with virgin plastic raw materials (e.g., 3901-3914) if the waste is highly processed into pellets, or with general non-plastic waste (e.g., 392690) if not clearly identifiable as plastic.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391590, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391590 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 8.9% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 $135M 8.9% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $119M 7.8% of world exports
- 3 United States $118M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $136M 10% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $104M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $89M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 3915.90
Brazil does not split HS 3915.90: its NCM code is 3915.90.00.
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 3915.90
What is HS code 391590?
HS code 391590 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915; waste, parings and scrap. This HS code covers plastic waste, parings, and scrap that aren't specifically categorized elsewhere within HS 3915. It's a crucial category in the circular economy, representing materials destined for recycling and reprocessing rather than landfill. Importers are typically recycling facilities, plastic manufacturers looking for cost-effective raw materials, or companies specializing in waste management and material recovery. Exporters include industrial manufacturers generating plastic by-products, waste collection companies, and material recovery facilities. The trade in these materials is heavily influenced by environmental regulations, global demand for recycled content, and fluctuating virgin plastic prices. Key considerations include contamination levels, material type segregation, and international waste shipment regulations like the Basel Convention, which can impact cross-border movement. The global push for sustainability means this trade is growing, with a focus on high-quality, sorted plastic waste.
What products fall under HS code 391590?
Mixed plastic scrap, PVC waste, PET bottle flakes, HDPE regrind, PP film scrap, ABS waste, Nylon fiber waste, Polycarbonate sheet offcuts
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391590?
This code can be confused with virgin plastic raw materials (e.g., 3901-3914) if the waste is highly processed into pellets, or with general non-plastic waste (e.g., 392690) if not clearly identifiable as plastic.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391590?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391590 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($135M, 8.9% of world exports), the Netherlands ($119M) and the United States ($118M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 391590?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391590 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($136M, 10% of world imports), the Netherlands ($104M) and Germany ($89M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 391590 structured?
HS code 391590 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 391590?
In Brazil, HS code 391590 is NCM 3915.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.