HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3920.79 – Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of cellulose derivatives n.e.c. in heading no. 3920, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials
HS code 3920.79 is the 6-digit subheading for plastics, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of cellulose derivatives n.e.c. in heading no. 3920, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials. It is used for cellulose nitrate film, ethyl cellulose sheets, cellulose propionate film, regenerated cellulose film (cellophane) and cellulose butyrate sheets.
What HS 3920.79 covers
This 'not elsewhere specified' category encompasses non-cellular sheets, films, and strips made from cellulose derivatives other than cellulose acetate, provided they are not self-adhesive, reinforced, laminated, or combined. These specialized plastics offer unique properties like biodegradability, specific barrier characteristics, and strength, finding applications in niche packaging, medical devices, and specialty coatings. International trade in these materials is driven by manufacturers seeking specific performance characteristics for high-value products. Importers are often specialized converters or end-product manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, food, or electronics. Exporters are typically chemical companies with advanced polymer processing capabilities. The market is influenced by innovation in sustainable materials and the increasing demand for high-performance, environmentally conscious solutions across various industries.
- Covers
- Cellulose nitrate film
- Ethyl cellulose sheets
- Cellulose propionate film
- Regenerated cellulose film (cellophane)
- Cellulose butyrate sheets
- Specialty barrier films
- Biodegradable food wraps
- Examples
- Innovia Films (Cellophane)
- DuPont (specialty films)
- Eastman (various cellulose esters)
- Futamura Chemical (Cellophane)
- Nitto Denko (specialty films)
Codes often confused with 3920.79
Common mistake. Often confused with 392073 (cellulose acetate) if the specific cellulose derivative is not clearly identified, or 392099 (other plastics n.e.c.) if the cellulose derivative nature is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 392079, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 392079 in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 60% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 Austria $241M 60% of world exports
- 2 Germany $72M 18% of world exports
- 3 Japan $19M 4.7% of world exports
World total: $402M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $59M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $30M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $21M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $318M 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 3920.79 2
Brazil splits HS 3920.79 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3920.79.10 Vulcanised fibre sheets, max 1 mm thickDe fibra vulcanizada, de espessura inferior ou igual a 1 mm
- 3920.79.90 Other cellulose derivative plates and sheetsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.20 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3920.79
What is HS code 392079?
HS code 392079 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of cellulose derivatives n.e.c. in heading no. 3920, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials. This 'not elsewhere specified' category encompasses non-cellular sheets, films, and strips made from cellulose derivatives other than cellulose acetate, provided they are not self-adhesive, reinforced, laminated, or combined. These specialized plastics offer unique properties like biodegradability, specific barrier characteristics, and strength, finding applications in niche packaging, medical devices, and specialty coatings. International trade in these materials is driven by manufacturers seeking specific performance characteristics for high-value products. Importers are often specialized converters or end-product manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, food, or electronics. Exporters are typically chemical companies with advanced polymer processing capabilities. The market is influenced by innovation in sustainable materials and the increasing demand for high-performance, environmentally conscious solutions across various industries.
What products fall under HS code 392079?
Cellulose nitrate film, Ethyl cellulose sheets, Cellulose propionate film, Regenerated cellulose film (cellophane), Cellulose butyrate sheets, Specialty barrier films, Biodegradable food wraps
What are common misclassifications for HS code 392079?
Often confused with 392073 (cellulose acetate) if the specific cellulose derivative is not clearly identified, or 392099 (other plastics n.e.c.) if the cellulose derivative nature is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 392079?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 392079 in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($241M, 60% of world exports), Germany ($72M) and Japan ($19M). World exports came to about $402M, 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 392079?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 392079 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($59M, 19% of world imports), France ($30M) and Germany ($21M). World imports came to about $318M, 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 392079 structured?
HS code 392079 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (20) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (79) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 392079?
Brazil splits HS code 392079 into 2 NCM codes: 3920.79.10 (Vulcanised fibre sheets, max 1 mm thick), 3920.79.90 (Other cellulose derivative plates and sheets). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.