Product classification

HS code for EPS beads: 3903.11

Styrene polymers, expansible polystyrene, in primary forms.

Classification of EPS beads under HS 3903.11

Expansible Polystyrene (EPS) beads are classified under HS code 3903.11 because they represent a specific primary form of styrene polymer. The "expansible" designation is the critical factor for this classification; these beads contain a blowing agent, typically a volatile hydrocarbon like pentane, which allows the material to expand significantly when exposed to heat, usually in the form of steam. This physical property distinguishes them from standard polystyrene resins. Under Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, which governs plastics and articles thereof, polymers of styrene are grouped under heading 3903. Subheading 3903.11 is reserved exclusively for the expansible variety in primary forms such as granules, pellets, or beads. The classification is based on the chemical composition—where styrene units must predominate by weight—and the specific functional characteristic of being heat-expandable for the production of cellular plastics used in insulation and packaging.

Covers
  • Raw expansible polystyrene resin beads
  • Flame-retardant grade EPS beads
  • High-density expansible polystyrene granules
  • Food-grade EPS beads for protective packaging
  • Modified EPS beads for lightweight concrete applications
Also under 3903.11
  • BASF Styropor
  • Versalis Edistir
  • Sunpor EPS
  • TotalEnergies Styrenics EPS
  • Synthos EPS

Codes often confused with 3903.11

Common mistake. EPS beads are often confused with HS code 3903.19, which covers "other" polystyrene in primary forms, such as General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) or High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) that are not expansible. Another major misclassification occurs with 3921.11, which covers finished plates, sheets, or blocks of cellular polystyrene. Importers must distinguish between the raw, unexpanded beads (3903.11) and the finished foam products (3921.11).

3903.19Styrene polymers; (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms3921.11Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene, cellular

Top exporters and importers of HS 390311 (the code used for EPS beads), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390311 (the code used for EPS beads) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 12% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($86M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 390311, not only EPS beads.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $501M
  2. 2 Netherlands $291M
  3. 3 Taiwan* ~$213M

Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($86M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

World total: $2.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Poland $468M
  2. 2 United States $384M
  3. 3 Italy $196M

World total: $3.8B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 EPS beads

Brazil splits HS 3903.11 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 3903.11.10Expansible polystyrene (EPS) with filler
  • 3903.11.20Expansible polystyrene (EPS) without filler

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about EPS beads

What is the HS code for EPS beads?

The HS code for EPS beads is 390311 (Styrene polymers; expansible polystyrene, in primary forms). The HS code for EPS beads is 3903.11, specifically for expansible polystyrene in its primary form.

How do I classify EPS beads for customs?

EPS beads is classified under HS code 390311 — Styrene polymers; expansible polystyrene, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include recycled polystyrene?

If the recycled material is processed back into expansible primary beads, it remains under 3903.11; however, general plastic waste or scrap is classified under 3915.20.

Which countries are the top exporters of EPS beads (HS 390311)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390311 (the code used for EPS beads) in UN Comtrade data were China ($501M, 21% of world exports), the Netherlands ($291M) and Taiwan (about $213M). World exports came to about $2.3B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($86M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

Which countries are the top importers of EPS beads (HS 390311)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390311 (the code used for EPS beads) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($468M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($384M) and Italy ($196M). World imports came to about $3.8B, 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.

Is the HS code for EPS beads the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390311 for EPS beads 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 EPS beads in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 390311 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for EPS beads depends on the product's details: 3903.11.10 (Expansible polystyrene (EPS) with filler), 3903.11.20 (Expansible polystyrene (EPS) without filler).