HS Code for Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer

Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers with a specific gravity of less than 0.94 are classified under HS code 3901.40. This classification is part of Heading 3901, which encompasses polymers of ethylene in primary forms. Copolymers are defined in Note 4 to Chapter 39 as polymers in which no single monomer unit contributes 95% or more by weight to the total polymer content. For this subheading, the polymer must be a copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin, such as 1-butene, 1-hexene, or 1-octene. The specific gravity requirement (less than 0.94) is the critical technical threshold that distinguishes this code from other ethylene polymers. These materials, often commercially known as Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) or polyolefin plastomers, are widely used in high-performance film packaging and industrial applications due to their superior tensile strength and puncture resistance. The classification is determined by the predominance of the ethylene monomer and the specific density of the resulting resin in its primary form.

Products Included

• Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE)
• Ethylene-1-butene copolymers (SG < 0.94)
• Ethylene-1-hexene copolymers (SG < 0.94)
• Ethylene-1-octene copolymers (SG < 0.94)

Common Misclassification

This product is often misclassified under 3901.10, which is for Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). While both have a specific gravity below 0.94, 3901.40 is specifically for copolymers with alpha-olefins, whereas 3901.10 is generally for homopolymers or other types of polyethylene. Another error is misclassifying it under 3902.30 (propylene copolymers) if propylene is present; however, if ethylene is the predominant monomer by weight, 3901.40 takes precedence. Importers must also ensure the specific gravity is actually below 0.94, otherwise, it may fall under 3901.20 or 3901.90.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer?

The HS code for these copolymers with a specific gravity of less than 0.94 is 3901.40.

What defines an alpha-olefin in this context?

Alpha-olefins are alkenes with a double bond at the primary or alpha position. In HS classification, they are the comonomers that, when paired with ethylene, define the 3901.40 subheading.