Product classification
HS code for High-density polyethylene: 3901.20
Ethylene polymers, in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more.
Classification of high-density polyethylene under HS 3901.20
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is classified under HS code 3901.20 within the Harmonized System. This classification is found in Chapter 39, which covers plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3901 is reserved for polymers of ethylene in primary forms. The primary form designation is crucial; it refers to the material in its raw state before it has been molded or extruded into a finished product. Subheading 3901.20 is specifically for polyethylene that has a specific gravity of 0.94 or more at 20 degrees Celsius. This density is a result of the molecular structure of the polymer, which features minimal branching, allowing the molecules to pack closely together. This density provides the material with high tensile strength and chemical resistance, making it distinct from low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Importers must provide technical data sheets confirming the specific gravity to ensure correct classification under this code.
- Covers
- HDPE resin pellets
- High-density polyethylene granules
- HDPE powder in primary form
- HDPE flakes for industrial processing
- Ethylene polymers with specific gravity ≥ 0.94
- Also under 3901.20
- SABIC HDPE
- Braskem HDPE
- INEOS Rigidex
- Chevron Phillips Marlex
- LyondellBasell Hostalen
Codes often confused with 3901.20
Common mistake. HDPE is often confused with LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), which is classified under 3901.10. The threshold is a specific gravity of 0.94; anything below this is 3901.10. Another error involves classifying HDPE waste or scrap under 3901.20, whereas it should be under 3915.10. Furthermore, if the HDPE has been manufactured into a specific shape, such as a pipe or a tube, it must be classified under 3917. Importers often fail to distinguish between primary forms and semi-manufactured goods, leading to delays at customs when the material has already been shaped into an article.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390120 (the code used for high-density polyethylene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390120 (the code used for high-density polyethylene) 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 high-density polyethylene.
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 high-density polyethylene
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 high-density polyethylene
What is the HS code for High-density polyethylene?
The HS code for High-density polyethylene 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, defined by a specific gravity of 0.94 or more.
How do I classify High-density polyethylene for customs?
High-density polyethylene 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.
Does 3901.20 include HDPE pipes?
No, HDPE pipes are finished articles and are classified under heading 3917; 3901.20 is strictly for the raw material in primary forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of high-density polyethylene (HS 390120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390120 (the code used for high-density polyethylene) 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 high-density polyethylene (HS 390120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390120 (the code used for high-density polyethylene) 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 High-density polyethylene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390120 for High-density polyethylene 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 high-density polyethylene in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390120 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for high-density polyethylene 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).