Product classification
HS code for Antioxidants for plastics: 3812.39
Anti-oxidising preparations and other compound stabilisers, for rubber or plastics, other than mixtures of oligomers of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ).
Classification of antioxidants for plastics under HS 3812.39
HS code 381239 is designated for anti-oxidising preparations and other compound stabilisers specifically formulated for use with rubber or plastics. This classification is critical for distinguishing these chemical compounds from other additives or raw materials. The "other" in the description signifies that this code encompasses a broad range of antioxidant types, excluding only those that are mixtures of oligomers of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ), which are classified separately under HS 381231. These preparations are essential in the plastics industry to prevent degradation caused by oxidation, extending the lifespan and maintaining the performance characteristics of plastic products by inhibiting reactions with oxygen, heat, and UV radiation.
- Covers
- Hindered phenol antioxidants (e.g., Irganox 1010, Irganox 1076)
- Phosphite antioxidants (e.g., Irgafos 168)
- Thioester antioxidants (e.g., DSTDP, DLTP)
- Synergistic blends of primary and secondary antioxidants for plastics
- UV stabilisers that also provide antioxidant properties for plastic applications
- Also under 3812.39
- Irganox 1010
- Tinuvin 770
- Weston 618
- Songnox 1076
- Doverphos S-9228
Codes often confused with 3812.39
Common mistake. A common point of confusion arises with HS code 381231, which specifically covers anti-oxidising preparations and compound stabilisers for rubber or plastics that are mixtures of oligomers of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ). The key differentiator is the specific chemical composition: 381231 is reserved for TMQ-based products, while 381239 covers all other types of antioxidants for rubber or plastics. Another potential misclassification could be with HS code 381210, which is for accelerators for rubber. While both are chemical additives for rubber, their functions are distinct: accelerators speed up vulcanization, whereas antioxidants prevent material degradation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381239 (the code used for antioxidants for plastics), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381239 (the code used for antioxidants for plastics) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.7% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 381239, not only antioxidants for plastics.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $598M 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $420M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $296M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $3.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $316M 8.7% of world imports
- 2 Germany $252M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 China $239M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 codes for antioxidants for plastics
Brazil splits HS 3812.39 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3812.39.11N-substituted p-phenylenediamines for rubber
- 3812.39.12Phosphite antioxidants for rubber
- 3812.39.19Other rubber antioxidants and stabilisers
- 3812.39.21N-substituted p-phenylenediamines for plastics
- 3812.39.29Other plastics antioxidants and stabilisers
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about antioxidants for plastics
What is the HS code for Antioxidants for plastics?
The HS code for Antioxidants for plastics is 381239 (Anti-oxidising preparations and other compound stabilisers; for rubber or plastics, other than mixtures of oligomers of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ)). The HS code for antioxidants specifically designed for plastics, excluding TMQ-based mixtures, is 381239.
How do I classify Antioxidants for plastics for customs?
Antioxidants for plastics is classified under HS code 381239 — Anti-oxidising preparations and other compound stabilisers; for rubber or plastics, other than mixtures of oligomers of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 381239 and 381231?
The distinction between HS 381239 and 381231 is based on the chemical nature of the antioxidant. HS 381231 is exclusively for anti-oxidising preparations that are mixtures of oligomers of 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (TMQ). Conversely, HS 381239 covers all other anti-oxidising preparations and compound stabilisers for rubber or plastics that do not contain TMQ oligomers.
Which countries are the top exporters of antioxidants for plastics (HS 381239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381239 (the code used for antioxidants for plastics) in UN Comtrade data were China ($598M, 19% of world exports), Germany ($420M) and the United States ($296M). World exports came to about $3.2B, 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 antioxidants for plastics (HS 381239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381239 (the code used for antioxidants for plastics) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($316M, 8.7% of world imports), Germany ($252M) and China ($239M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Antioxidants for plastics the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381239 for Antioxidants for plastics is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for antioxidants for plastics in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381239 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for antioxidants for plastics depends on the product's details: 3812.39.11 (N-substituted p-phenylenediamines for rubber), 3812.39.12 (Phosphite antioxidants for rubber), 3812.39.19 (Other rubber antioxidants and stabilisers), 3812.39.21 (N-substituted p-phenylenediamines for plastics), 3812.39.29 (Other plastics antioxidants and stabilisers).