HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3917.21 – Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene
HS code 3917.21 is the 6-digit subheading for plastics, tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene. It is used for HDPE water pipes, MDPE gas pipes, LDPE irrigation tubing, polyethylene conduit and PE drainage pipes.
What HS 3917.21 covers
This HS code covers rigid tubes, pipes, and hoses made from ethylene polymers, primarily polyethylene (PE). These products are fundamental to infrastructure and industrial applications due to their excellent chemical resistance, flexibility (before installation), and durability. Importers are typically construction companies, utility providers (water, gas), agricultural enterprises, and industrial manufacturers requiring robust fluid conveyance systems. Exporters are large-scale plastic pipe manufacturers. The trade in these goods is significant, driven by global urbanization, agricultural development, and industrial expansion. Key considerations include pressure ratings, diameter, wall thickness, and specific PE grades (e.g., HDPE, MDPE, LDPE) tailored for different applications like potable water, gas distribution, or irrigation. Their long lifespan and resistance to corrosion make them a preferred choice over traditional materials in many sectors.
- Covers
- HDPE water pipes
- MDPE gas pipes
- LDPE irrigation tubing
- Polyethylene conduit
- PE drainage pipes
- Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes (rigid forms)
- Geothermal PE pipes
- Sub-duct PE pipes
- Examples
- Uponor PEX pipes (rigid)
- Wavin HDPE pipes
- JM Eagle PE pipes
- Georg Fischer PE piping systems
Codes often confused with 3917.21
Common mistake. This code might be confused with flexible ethylene polymer tubes/hoses (e.g., 391731 if meeting burst pressure, or 391739 otherwise) or with other rigid plastic pipes (e.g., 391722 for propylene, 391723 for vinyl chloride).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391721, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391721 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 $358M 13% of world exports
- 2 Germany $336M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $251M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $283M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $181M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $114M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 3917.21
Brazil does not split HS 3917.21: its NCM code is 3917.21.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.17 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3917.21
What is HS code 391721?
HS code 391721 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene. This HS code covers rigid tubes, pipes, and hoses made from ethylene polymers, primarily polyethylene (PE). These products are fundamental to infrastructure and industrial applications due to their excellent chemical resistance, flexibility (before installation), and durability. Importers are typically construction companies, utility providers (water, gas), agricultural enterprises, and industrial manufacturers requiring robust fluid conveyance systems. Exporters are large-scale plastic pipe manufacturers. The trade in these goods is significant, driven by global urbanization, agricultural development, and industrial expansion. Key considerations include pressure ratings, diameter, wall thickness, and specific PE grades (e.g., HDPE, MDPE, LDPE) tailored for different applications like potable water, gas distribution, or irrigation. Their long lifespan and resistance to corrosion make them a preferred choice over traditional materials in many sectors.
What products fall under HS code 391721?
HDPE water pipes, MDPE gas pipes, LDPE irrigation tubing, Polyethylene conduit, PE drainage pipes, Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes (rigid forms), Geothermal PE pipes, Sub-duct PE pipes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391721?
This code might be confused with flexible ethylene polymer tubes/hoses (e.g., 391731 if meeting burst pressure, or 391739 otherwise) or with other rigid plastic pipes (e.g., 391722 for propylene, 391723 for vinyl chloride).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391721?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391721 in UN Comtrade data were China ($358M, 13% of world exports), Germany ($336M) and Italy ($251M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 391721?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391721 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($283M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($181M) and the Netherlands ($114M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 391721 structured?
HS code 391721 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (17) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 391721?
In Brazil, HS code 391721 is NCM 3917.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.