Product classification
HS code for LDPE: 3901.10
Ethylene polymers, in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94.
Classification of LDPE under HS 3901.10
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) is classified under HS code 3901.10. This classification is strictly governed by the chemical composition and the physical properties of the polymer in its primary form. According to the Chapter 39 notes of the Harmonized System, polyethylene must have a specific gravity of less than 0.94 to be categorized under this subheading. LDPE is a thermoplastic made from the monomer ethylene, characterized by a high degree of short and long-chain branching, which results in its lower density and higher flexibility compared to HDPE. The term "primary forms" refers to the material in its raw state, such as liquids, pastes, blocks, granules, or powders, before it has been processed into finished goods like films, bags, or containers.
- Covers
- Virgin LDPE resin pellets
- LDPE granules for film extrusion
- Low-density polyethylene powder for rotomolding
- Recycled LDPE in primary pellet form
- Masterbatch carriers made of LDPE
- Also under 3901.10
- Dow LDPE
- LyondellBasell Lupolen
- ExxonMobil LDPE
- SABIC LDPE
- Braskem LDPE
Codes often confused with 3901.10
Common mistake. LDPE is most commonly confused with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), which falls under HS code 3901.20. The technical distinction is the specific gravity; HDPE has a gravity of 0.94 or more. Another error involves classifying raw LDPE under 3920.10, which is reserved for finished plates, sheets, or films of polyethylene. If the material has been shaped into a specific product, it leaves the 3901 category and enters the codes for semi-finished or finished plastic articles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390110 (the code used for LDPE), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390110 (the code used for LDPE) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 390110, not only LDPE.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $4.3B 17% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $4.2B 17% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $1.2B 4.9% of world exports
World total: $24.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $3.8B 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $1.3B 5.2% of world imports
World total: $25.2B 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 LDPE
Brazil splits HS 3901.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3901.10.20Polyethylene, density under 0.94, with filler
- 3901.10.30Polyethylene, density under 0.94, without filler
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about LDPE
What is the HS code for LDPE?
The HS code for LDPE is 390110 (Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94). The HS code for Low-Density Polyethylene in primary forms with a specific gravity of less than 0.94 is 3901.10.
How do I classify LDPE for customs?
LDPE is classified under HS code 390110 — Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to LDPE plastic bags?
No, finished products like LDPE bags are classified under HS code 3923.21, as 3901.10 is only for raw material in primary forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of LDPE (HS 390110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390110 (the code used for LDPE) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($4.3B, 17% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($4.2B) and the Netherlands ($1.2B). World exports came to about $24.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of LDPE (HS 390110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390110 (the code used for LDPE) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.8B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and Türkiye ($1.3B). World imports came to about $25.2B, 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 LDPE the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390110 for LDPE 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 LDPE in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390110 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for LDPE depends on the product's details: 3901.10.20 (Polyethylene, density under 0.94, with filler), 3901.10.30 (Polyethylene, density under 0.94, without filler).