HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3921.11 – Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene, cellular
HS code 3921.11 is the 6-digit subheading for plastics, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene, cellular. It is used for expanded polystyrene (EPS) sheets, extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation boards, polystyrene foam panels, geofoam blocks and insulated packaging inserts.
What HS 3921.11 covers
This HS code covers cellular plastics made from polymers of styrene, typically known as polystyrene foam, in the form of plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip. These materials are widely traded for their excellent thermal insulation properties, lightweight nature, and shock absorption capabilities. This includes both expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). International trade is heavily influenced by the construction industry, where these materials are used for insulation in walls, roofs, and floors, as well as in packaging for protecting goods during transit. Major importers are construction companies, packaging manufacturers, and appliance producers. Exporters are typically large chemical companies and specialized foam manufacturers. The market is driven by energy efficiency regulations, global construction activity, and the continuous growth of e-commerce requiring protective packaging.
- Covers
- Expanded polystyrene (EPS) sheets
- Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation boards
- Polystyrene foam panels
- Geofoam blocks
- Insulated packaging inserts
- Decorative foam sheets
- Cold chain packaging
- Examples
- Dow Styrofoam (XPS)
- BASF Neopor (EPS)
- Knauf Insulation (EPS/XPS)
- Owens Corning Foamular (XPS)
- Kingspan (insulation panels)
Codes often confused with 3921.11
Common mistake. Can be confused with 392112 (cellular PVC) or 392113 (cellular polyurethanes) if the specific polymer type is not identified, or 392321 (bags, sacks, etc., of polymers of ethylene) if used as finished packaging.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 392111, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 392111 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 Germany $312M 20% of world exports
- 2 China $124M 7.9% of world exports
- 3 United States $117M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $166M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $129M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 France $91M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 3921.11
Brazil does not split HS 3921.11: its NCM code is 3921.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.21 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3921.11
What is HS code 392111?
HS code 392111 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene, cellular. This HS code covers cellular plastics made from polymers of styrene, typically known as polystyrene foam, in the form of plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip. These materials are widely traded for their excellent thermal insulation properties, lightweight nature, and shock absorption capabilities. This includes both expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS). International trade is heavily influenced by the construction industry, where these materials are used for insulation in walls, roofs, and floors, as well as in packaging for protecting goods during transit. Major importers are construction companies, packaging manufacturers, and appliance producers. Exporters are typically large chemical companies and specialized foam manufacturers. The market is driven by energy efficiency regulations, global construction activity, and the continuous growth of e-commerce requiring protective packaging.
What products fall under HS code 392111?
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) sheets, Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation boards, Polystyrene foam panels, Geofoam blocks, Insulated packaging inserts, Decorative foam sheets, Cold chain packaging
What are common misclassifications for HS code 392111?
Can be confused with 392112 (cellular PVC) or 392113 (cellular polyurethanes) if the specific polymer type is not identified, or 392321 (bags, sacks, etc., of polymers of ethylene) if used as finished packaging.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 392111?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 392111 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($312M, 20% of world exports), China ($124M) and the United States ($117M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 392111?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 392111 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($166M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($129M) and France ($91M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 392111 structured?
HS code 392111 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (21) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 392111?
In Brazil, HS code 392111 is NCM 3921.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.