Product classification
HS code for Flexible plastic pipe: 3917.39
Plastics, tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, n.e.c. in item no. 3917.30.
Classification of flexible plastic pipe under HS 3917.39
The classification of flexible plastic pipes under HS code 3917.39 is determined by the material composition and the physical characteristics of the product. Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System covers plastics and articles thereof, with heading 3917 specifically designated for tubes, pipes, and hoses. Subheading 3917.39 acts as a residual category for flexible tubes and pipes that do not meet the specific criteria of the preceding subheadings. This includes pipes that may be reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials (excluding metal) or those that are imported with fittings already attached, provided they do not fall under the high-pressure specifications of 3917.31. The classification process requires an analysis of whether the pipe is rigid or flexible; rigid pipes are classified under 3917.21 through 3917.29, whereas flexible variants fall under the 3917.3x series. Since 3917.39 is an "other" category, it encompasses a wide variety of industrial and domestic plastic piping solutions that utilize polymers of vinyl chloride, ethylene, or other plastics in a flexible form. To ensure correct classification, the technical data sheet must confirm the pipe is not rigid and does not exceed a burst pressure of 27.6 MPa, which would otherwise trigger a move to 3917.31.
- Covers
- Reinforced plastic hoses (non-metal reinforcement)
- Flexible PVC pipes with attached couplings
- Composite plastic tubing for fluid transfer
- Flexible polyurethane hoses
- Plastic garden hoses with fittings
- Also under 3917.39
- Goodyear rubber/plastic composite hose
- Gates hydraulic hose
- flexible dryer vent hose
- reinforced air compressor hose
- braided medical IV tubing
Codes often confused with 3917.39
Common mistake. Flexible plastic pipes are frequently confused with HS code 3917.31, which is reserved specifically for tubes and pipes with a minimum burst pressure of 27.6 MPa. Another common error is using 3917.32, which is only for non-reinforced tubing without fittings. If the pipe contains metal reinforcement, it may be misclassified here instead of under 4009 if it is primarily rubber-based.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391739 (the code used for flexible plastic pipe), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391739 (the code used for flexible plastic pipe) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 391739, not only flexible plastic pipe.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.5B 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $933M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $587M 9.2% of world exports
World total: $6.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $779M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $520M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 France $293M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $6.0B 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 code for flexible plastic pipe
Brazil classifies flexible plastic pipe under NCM 3917.39.00: HS 3917.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flexible plastic pipe
What is the HS code for Flexible plastic pipe?
The HS code for Flexible plastic pipe is 391739 (Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, n.e.c. in item no. 3917.30). The HS code for flexible plastic pipes that are reinforced or have fittings (and do not meet high-pressure standards) is 3917.39.
How do I classify Flexible plastic pipe for customs?
Flexible plastic pipe is classified under HS code 391739 — Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, n.e.c. in item no. 3917.30. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 3917.32 and 3917.39?
HS code 3917.32 is for flexible tubing that is not reinforced and has no fittings, while 3917.39 covers flexible pipes that are either reinforced or include fittings.
Which countries are the top exporters of flexible plastic pipe (HS 391739)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391739 (the code used for flexible plastic pipe) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 23% of world exports), Germany ($933M) and the United States ($587M). World exports came to about $6.3B, 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 flexible plastic pipe (HS 391739)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391739 (the code used for flexible plastic pipe) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($779M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($520M) and France ($293M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for Flexible plastic pipe the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391739 for Flexible plastic pipe 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 flexible plastic pipe in Brazil?
In Brazil, flexible plastic pipe (HS 391739) is classified under NCM 3917.39.00.