Product classification
HS code for HDPE: 3901.20
Ethylene polymers, in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more.
Classification of HDPE under HS 3901.20
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is classified under HS code 3901.20 within the Harmonized System. Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, with the first group of headings (3901 to 3914) dedicated to polymers in primary forms. Heading 3901 specifically addresses polymers of ethylene. The distinction between various types of polyethylene is determined by their specific gravity (density). According to the HS Nomenclature, polyethylene with a specific gravity of 0.94 or more at 23°C is classified as HDPE under subheading 3901.20. This classification is purely based on the physical property of density, regardless of the polymerization process used. If the polymer contains other monomer units (copolymers), it must still consist of at least 95% by weight of ethylene to remain under 3901. The \"primary forms\" designation means the material must be in the form of liquids, pastes, blocks, irregular shapes, lumps, powders, granules, or flakes. Once the HDPE is processed into finished goods like pipes, sheets, or bottles, it moves to different headings within Chapter 39 or other chapters entirely, such as 3917 or 3923.
- Covers
- HDPE resin pellets
- High-density polyethylene granules
- HDPE powder for industrial molding
- Polyethylene flakes with specific gravity ≥ 0.94
- HDPE masterbatch in primary form
- Also under 3901.20
- SABIC HDPE
- Braskem HDPE
- INEOS Rigidex
- Chevron Phillips Marlex
- LyondellBasell Hostalen
Codes often confused with 3901.20
Common mistake. HS code 3901.10 is the most frequent error, as it covers polyethylene with a specific gravity of less than 0.94 (LDPE and LLDPE). Importers often fail to provide the technical data sheet confirming the density, leading to disputes. Another common error is using 3917 for HDPE pipes or 3923 for HDPE containers; these codes are for finished articles, whereas 3901.20 is strictly for the raw material in primary forms.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390120 (the code used for HDPE), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390120 (the code used for HDPE) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% 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 390120, not only HDPE.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $5.1B 19% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $3.9B 14% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$2.3B 8.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $27.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $5.0B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 4.9% of world imports
- 3 United States $1.3B 4.6% of world imports
World total: $28.8B 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. 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 HDPE
Brazil splits HS 3901.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3901.20.11Vulcanised filled polyethylene, density over 1.3
- 3901.20.19Other filled polyethylene, density 0.94 or more
- 3901.20.21Vulcanised unfilled polyethylene, density over 1.3
- 3901.20.29Other unfilled polyethylene, density 0.94 or more
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about HDPE
What is the HS code for HDPE?
The HS code for HDPE is 390120 (Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more). The HS code for High-Density Polyethylene in primary forms is 3901.20.
How do I classify HDPE for customs?
HDPE is classified under HS code 390120 — Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the density measured for HDPE classification?
Classification is based on the specific gravity of the polymer at 23°C. If the specific gravity is 0.94 or higher, it is classified under 3901.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of HDPE (HS 390120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390120 (the code used for HDPE) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.1B, 19% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($3.9B) and the United Arab Emirates (about $2.3B). World exports came to about $27.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of HDPE (HS 390120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390120 (the code used for HDPE) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.0B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and the United States ($1.3B). World imports came to about $28.8B, 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 HDPE the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390120 for HDPE 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 HDPE in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390120 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for HDPE depends on the product's details: 3901.20.11 (Vulcanised filled polyethylene, density over 1.3), 3901.20.19 (Other filled polyethylene, density 0.94 or more), 3901.20.21 (Vulcanised unfilled polyethylene, density over 1.3), 3901.20.29 (Other unfilled polyethylene, density 0.94 or more).