HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 39.24 – Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics
What HS 39.24 covers
Heading 3924 is a broadly encompassing classification within the Harmonized System, covering 'Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics.' This heading is dedicated to a vast array of finished plastic products used in domestic settings, making it highly relevant for consumer goods trade. Its scope extends from items used in dining and food preparation to general household utility and personal hygiene articles, all characterized by their primary material being plastics. The boundaries are critical: it excludes plastic sanitary ware (3922) which are fixed installations, and general plastic articles not specifically for household or hygienic use (3926). Key sub-categories include plastic plates, cups, food storage containers, laundry baskets, dustbins, and various brushes and combs. This classification is paramount for trade compliance, as it impacts import duties, consumer product safety standards (e.g., BPA-free regulations), and potential anti-dumping measures. The historical evolution of plastics has made these items ubiquitous in homes worldwide, reflecting their affordability, durability, and versatility. As a key segment of Chapter 39, this heading underscores the widespread application of plastics in creating functional and accessible articles for everyday living, directly serving the consumer market.
- Covers
- Plastic plates
- Plastic cups
- Plastic bowls
- Plastic cutlery
- Plastic serving dishes
- Plastic food storage containers
- Plastic cutting boards
- Plastic colanders
- Plastic dish racks
- Plastic dustbins
- Plastic laundry baskets
- Plastic clothes hangers
- Plastic brooms
- Plastic mops
- Plastic toilet brushes
- Plastic soap dishes
- Plastic toothbrush holders
- Plastic combs
- Plastic hairbrushes
- Plastic flower pots
- Plastic watering cans
- Plastic pet bowls
- Plastic waste paper baskets
- Plastic storage boxes for household use
- Plastic bath mats
- Plastic shower caddies
- Plastic toilet roll holders (non-fixed type)
- Plastic sponges (with plastic handles).
- Examples
A Vietnamese manufacturer exports large volumes of plastic food storage containers to major big-box retailers across the United States and Canada, navigating complex logistics across the Pacific. A Turkish company imports a diverse range of plastic kitchen utensils, such as spatulas and ladles, from China to supply its domestic and regional European markets. An Indian exporter ships various plastic household cleaning items, including buckets and mops, to distributors in African and Middle Eastern countries, catering to growing consumer demand in these regions.
Subheadings under 39.24 2
Codes often confused with 39.24
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for 3924 include confusing it with plastic packaging (3923) if the 'container' aspect is overemphasized, when the primary function is household storage or serving. For example, a plastic lunchbox is 3924, not 3923. Another error is classifying fixed plastic sanitary ware (3922) here, despite 3924 covering 'hygienic or toilet articles,' which refers to movable items like toilet brushes, not fixed installations. Lastly, general plastic articles (3926) might be mistakenly placed here if they are not strictly 'household' or 'tableware/kitchenware,' such as plastic decorative figurines or industrial plastic components. The distinction lies in the intended specific household or hygienic use.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 3924, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 3924 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% 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 $14.6B 56% of world exports
- 2 Germany $974M 3.8% of world exports
- 3 United States $909M 3.5% of world exports
World total: $25.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $7.6B 31% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 5.6% of world imports
- 3 France $876M 3.6% of world imports
World total: $24.5B 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.
Questions about HS 39.24
What is HS code 3924?
HS code 3924 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics. Heading 3924 is a broadly encompassing classification within the Harmonized System, covering 'Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics.' This heading is dedicated to a vast array of finished plastic products used in domestic settings, making it highly relevant for consumer goods trade. Its scope extends from items used in dining and food preparation to general household utility and personal hygiene articles, all characterized by their primary material being plastics. The boundaries are critical: it excludes plastic sanitary ware (3922) which are fixed installations, and general plastic articles not specifically for household or hygienic use (3926). Key sub-categories include plastic plates, cups, food storage containers, laundry baskets, dustbins, and various brushes and combs. This classification is paramount for trade compliance, as it impacts import duties, consumer product safety standards (e.g., BPA-free regulations), and potential anti-dumping measures. The historical evolution of plastics has made these items ubiquitous in homes worldwide, reflecting their affordability, durability, and versatility. As a key segment of Chapter 39, this heading underscores the widespread application of plastics in creating functional and accessible articles for everyday living, directly serving the consumer market.
What products fall under HS code 3924?
Plastic plates, plastic cups, plastic bowls, plastic cutlery, plastic serving dishes, plastic food storage containers, plastic cutting boards, plastic colanders, plastic dish racks, plastic dustbins, plastic laundry baskets, plastic clothes hangers, plastic brooms, plastic mops, plastic toilet brushes, plastic soap dishes, plastic toothbrush holders, plastic combs, plastic hairbrushes, plastic flower pots, plastic watering cans, plastic pet bowls, plastic waste paper baskets, plastic storage boxes for household use, plastic bath mats, plastic shower caddies, plastic toilet roll holders (non-fixed type), plastic sponges (with plastic handles).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 3924?
Common misclassifications for 3924 include confusing it with plastic packaging (3923) if the 'container' aspect is overemphasized, when the primary function is household storage or serving. For example, a plastic lunchbox is 3924, not 3923. Another error is classifying fixed plastic sanitary ware (3922) here, despite 3924 covering 'hygienic or toilet articles,' which refers to movable items like toilet brushes, not fixed installations. Lastly, general plastic articles (3926) might be mistakenly placed here if they are not strictly 'household' or 'tableware/kitchenware,' such as plastic decorative figurines or industrial plastic components. The distinction lies in the intended specific household or hygienic use.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 3924?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3924 in UN Comtrade data were China ($14.6B, 56% of world exports), Germany ($974M) and the United States ($909M). World exports came to about $25.8B, 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 3924?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3924 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($7.6B, 31% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and France ($876M). World imports came to about $24.5B, 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.
How is HS code 3924 structured?
HS code 3924 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (24) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.