Product classification

HS code for Expandable polystyrene: 3903.11

Styrene polymers, expansible polystyrene, in primary forms.

Classification of expandable polystyrene under HS 3903.11

Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) is classified under HS code 3903.11. This classification falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof) and heading 3903, which covers polymers of styrene in primary forms. The subheading 3903.11 is specifically designated for "expansible" polystyrene. These are typically small beads or granules containing a blowing agent (such as pentane) that allows the material to expand when heated with steam. The classification is determined by the chemical composition (styrene polymer) and the physical state (primary form/granules) as well as the specific property of being expansible for foam production.

Covers
  • EPS beads
  • Expandable polystyrene granules
  • Raw polystyrene for foam block molding
  • Unexpanded polystyrene pellets with blowing agents
  • EPS resin for packaging manufacture
Also under 3903.11
  • BASF Styropor
  • Versalis Edistir
  • Sunpor EPS
  • TotalEnergies Styrenics EPS
  • Synthos EPS

Codes often confused with 3903.11

Common mistake. Expandable polystyrene is often confused with HS code 3903.19, which covers "other" polystyrene in primary forms that are not expansible (such as General Purpose Polystyrene or GPPS). Another common misclassification is HS code 3921.11, which covers plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of cellular polystyrene. The distinction is that 3903.11 is for the raw material in primary form, while 3921.11 is for the finished, expanded foam products like insulation boards or packaging blocks.

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 expandable polystyrene), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390311 (the code used for expandable polystyrene) 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 expandable polystyrene.

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 expandable polystyrene

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 expandable polystyrene

What is the HS code for Expandable polystyrene?

The HS code for Expandable polystyrene is 390311 (Styrene polymers; expansible polystyrene, in primary forms). The HS code for expandable polystyrene in its primary form (beads or granules) is 3903.11.

How do I classify Expandable polystyrene for customs?

Expandable polystyrene 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 finished Styrofoam coolers?

No, finished articles made from expanded polystyrene, such as coolers or packaging, are classified under 3923.10 (boxes/cases) or 3926.90 (other articles of plastic).

Which countries are the top exporters of expandable polystyrene (HS 390311)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390311 (the code used for expandable polystyrene) 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 expandable polystyrene (HS 390311)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390311 (the code used for expandable polystyrene) 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 Expandable polystyrene the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390311 for Expandable polystyrene 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 expandable polystyrene in Brazil?

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