HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3916.90 – Plastics; monofilament, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3916, cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked
HS code 3916.90 is the 6-digit subheading for plastics, monofilament, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3916, cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked. It is used for nylon rods, acrylic sheets (thick profiles), polycarbonate profiles, ABS rods and PTFE rods.
What HS 3916.90 covers
This HS code serves as a "basket" category for monofilaments, rods, sticks, and profile shapes made from plastics *other than* ethylene or vinyl chloride polymers, provided their cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm. This includes a vast array of engineering plastics and specialty polymers. Importers are diverse, ranging from automotive and aerospace manufacturers to electronics, medical device, and consumer goods industries, all seeking specific material properties like high strength, temperature resistance, or chemical inertness. Exporters are typically specialized plastic compounders and extruders. The trade in these materials is often high-value, driven by specific performance requirements for niche applications. Key considerations include the precise polymer type (e.g., nylon, polycarbonate, acrylic), additives, and dimensional tolerances, as these directly impact the suitability for advanced manufacturing processes.
- Covers
- Nylon rods
- Acrylic sheets (thick profiles)
- Polycarbonate profiles
- ABS rods
- PTFE rods
- POM (Acetal) sticks
- PEEK profiles
- PMMA monofilaments
- Examples
- Delrin (POM) machining stock
- Lexan (PC) structural profiles
- Teflon (PTFE) rods for chemical applications
- Ultem (PEI) aerospace profiles
Codes often confused with 3916.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with other plastic raw forms (e.g., 3901-3914 for primary forms) if not clearly shaped, or with finished plastic articles (e.g., 392690) if the profile is immediately usable.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391690, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391690 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.0% 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 China $1.1B 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $706M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $292M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $274M 9.0% of world imports
- 2 United States $248M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 France $149M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $3.0B 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 codes for 3916.90 2
Brazil splits HS 3916.90 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3916.90.10 Monofilament of other plastics, over 1 mmMonofilamentos
- 3916.90.90 Rods, sticks and profiles of other plasticsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.16 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3916.90
What is HS code 391690?
HS code 391690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Plastics; monofilament, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3916, cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked. This HS code serves as a "basket" category for monofilaments, rods, sticks, and profile shapes made from plastics *other than* ethylene or vinyl chloride polymers, provided their cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm. This includes a vast array of engineering plastics and specialty polymers. Importers are diverse, ranging from automotive and aerospace manufacturers to electronics, medical device, and consumer goods industries, all seeking specific material properties like high strength, temperature resistance, or chemical inertness. Exporters are typically specialized plastic compounders and extruders. The trade in these materials is often high-value, driven by specific performance requirements for niche applications. Key considerations include the precise polymer type (e.g., nylon, polycarbonate, acrylic), additives, and dimensional tolerances, as these directly impact the suitability for advanced manufacturing processes.
What products fall under HS code 391690?
Nylon rods, Acrylic sheets (thick profiles), Polycarbonate profiles, ABS rods, PTFE rods, POM (Acetal) sticks, PEEK profiles, PMMA monofilaments
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391690?
This code is often confused with other plastic raw forms (e.g., 3901-3914 for primary forms) if not clearly shaped, or with finished plastic articles (e.g., 392690) if the profile is immediately usable.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391690?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391690 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 29% of world exports), Germany ($706M) and the United States ($292M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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 391690?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391690 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($274M, 9.0% of world imports), the United States ($248M) and France ($149M). World imports came to about $3.0B, 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 391690 structured?
HS code 391690 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) 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 391690?
Brazil splits HS code 391690 into 2 NCM codes: 3916.90.10 (Monofilament of other plastics, over 1 mm), 3916.90.90 (Rods, sticks and profiles of other plastics). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.