Product classification
HS code for Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer: 3901.40
Ethylene polymers, in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94.
Classification of ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer under HS 3901.40
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.
- Covers
- 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)
- Also under 3901.40
- Dow LLDPE
- ExxonMobil Exceed
- LyondellBasell Spherilene
- SABIC LLDPE
- INEOS LLDPE
Codes often confused with 3901.40
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390140 (the code used for ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390140 (the code used for ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 390140, not only ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $5.9B 31% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $2.5B 13% of world exports
- 3 Canada $1.8B 9.8% of world exports
World total: $18.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $5.7B 29% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.4B 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$1.0B 5.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $19.6B 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 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. 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 ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer
Brazil classifies ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer under NCM 3901.40.00: HS 3901.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer
What is the HS code for Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer?
The HS code for Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer is 390140 (Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94). The HS code for these copolymers with a specific gravity of less than 0.94 is 3901.40.
How do I classify Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer for customs?
Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer is classified under HS code 390140 — Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer (HS 390140)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390140 (the code used for ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.9B, 31% of world exports), Singapore ($2.5B) and Canada ($1.8B). World exports came to about $18.8B, 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 ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer (HS 390140)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390140 (the code used for ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.7B, 29% of world imports), the United States ($1.4B) and Vietnam (about $1.0B). World imports came to about $19.6B, 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 Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390140 for Ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer 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 ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer in Brazil?
In Brazil, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer (HS 390140) is classified under NCM 3901.40.00.