Product classification

HS code for Ethylene polymers: 3901.90

Ethylene polymers, in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3901.

Classification of ethylene polymers under HS 3901.90

Ethylene polymers in primary forms that do not fall under more specific subheadings are classified under HS code 3901.90. This code serves as a residual or "basket" category within Heading 3901, which covers all polymers of ethylene in primary forms. According to Note 6 to Chapter 39, "primary forms" refers to liquids, pastes, dispersions, solutions, blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, and flakes. Classification in 3901.90 is required when the polymer does not meet the criteria for polyethylene with a specific gravity of less than 0.94 (3901.10), polyethylene with a specific gravity of 0.94 or more (3901.20), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (3901.30), or ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers (3901.40). This often includes specialty ethylene-based resins, chemically modified polyethylenes, or copolymers where ethylene is the predominant monomer but the specific gravity or the nature of the comonomer does not trigger the other specific subheadings. Accurate classification requires detailed technical specifications regarding the polymer's density and monomeric composition.

Covers
  • Specialty ethylene copolymers not elsewhere specified
  • Chemically modified polyethylene in primary forms
  • Ethylene-propylene copolymers where ethylene predominates
  • Liquid ethylene polymers and dispersions
Also under 3901.90
  • Mitsui Tafmer
  • DuPont Elvaloy
  • Solvay UHMWPE
  • ExxonMobil Exact
  • SK Global Chemical Nexlene

Codes often confused with 3901.90

Common mistake. A frequent error is misclassifying these products under 3901.10 or 3901.20. These codes are strictly for polyethylene homopolymers or copolymers that meet specific density requirements. If the product is a copolymer with an alpha-olefin, it must go to 3901.40. Another common mistake is using 3902.10 if the product contains propylene; however, if ethylene is the predominant monomer by weight, it must remain in 3901 per Note 4 to Chapter 39. Finally, finished plastic articles are often wrongly classified here, but 3901.90 is strictly for primary forms.

3901.10Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.943901.20Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more3901.40Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.943902.10Propylene, other olefin polymers; polypropylene in primary forms39.01Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms

Top exporters and importers of HS 390190 (the code used for ethylene polymers), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390190 (the code used for ethylene polymers) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 390190, not only ethylene polymers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $914M
  2. 2 China $836M
  3. 3 Germany $325M

World total: $5.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $976M
  2. 2 India $277M
  3. 3 Germany $260M

World total: $5.4B 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 ethylene polymers

Brazil splits HS 3901.90 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about ethylene polymers

What is the HS code for Ethylene polymers?

The HS code for Ethylene polymers is 390190 (Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3901). The general HS code for ethylene polymers in primary forms not specified elsewhere is 3901.90.

How do I classify Ethylene polymers for customs?

Ethylene polymers is classified under HS code 390190 — Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3901. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I distinguish between 3901.10 and 3901.90?

3901.10 is specifically for polyethylene with a specific gravity of less than 0.94. If the polymer is a specialty blend or a modified version that doesn't fit the standard polyethylene definition, it falls under 3901.90.

Which countries are the top exporters of ethylene polymers (HS 390190)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390190 (the code used for ethylene polymers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($914M, 18% of world exports), China ($836M) and Germany ($325M). World exports came to about $5.0B, 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 polymers (HS 390190)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390190 (the code used for ethylene polymers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($976M, 18% of world imports), India ($277M) and Germany ($260M). World imports came to about $5.4B, 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 polymers the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390190 for Ethylene polymers 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 polymers in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 390190 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for ethylene polymers depends on the product's details: 3901.90.10 (Ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers (EAA)), 3901.90.20 (Ethylene-carboxylic monomer copolymers), 3901.90.30 (Chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM)), 3901.90.40 (Chlorinated polyethylene (CPE)), 3901.90.50 (EMAA copolymers with 60 % or more ethylene), 3901.90.90 (Other ethylene polymers in primary forms).