Product classification
HS code for LLDPE: 3901.40
Ethylene polymers, in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94.
Classification of LLDPE under HS 3901.40
Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) is classified under HS code 3901.40. This classification is based on the product being a polymer of ethylene in primary form, specifically an ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer with a specific gravity of less than 0.94. LLDPE is distinguished from other polyethylenes by its molecular structure, which consists of a linear backbone with short, uniform branches. These branches are created through the copolymerization of ethylene with longer-chain olefins like butene, hexene, or octene. Under Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, primary forms include granules, pellets, powders, and flakes. The classification 3901.40 was specifically created to separate these copolymers from pure polyethylene homopolymers, allowing for more precise trade data regarding plastic resins used in film extrusion and packaging.
- Covers
- LLDPE resin pellets
- LLDPE granules for film blowing
- Ethylene-butene copolymers (<0.94 gravity)
- Ethylene-hexene copolymers (<0.94 gravity)
- Linear polyethylene powders in primary form
- Also under 3901.40
- Dow LLDPE
- ExxonMobil Exceed
- LyondellBasell Spherilene
- SABIC LLDPE
- INEOS LLDPE
Codes often confused with 3901.40
Common mistake. LLDPE is frequently misclassified under 3901.10, which is the code for polyethylene with a specific gravity of less than 0.94 in homopolymer form (traditional LDPE). The key difference is the copolymer nature of LLDPE; if alpha-olefins are present, 3901.40 is mandatory. It is also sometimes confused with 3901.20, which is for polyethylene with a specific gravity of 0.94 or higher (HDPE). Importers must verify the technical data sheet (TDS) to confirm both the density and the monomer composition to ensure the correct subheading is applied. Using a general "plastic" code like 3901.90 is also incorrect when a specific subheading for copolymers exists.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390140 (the code used for LLDPE), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390140 (the code used for LLDPE) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 390140, not only LLDPE.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $5.9B 31% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $2.5B 13% of world exports
- 3 Canada $1.8B 9.8% of world exports
World total: $18.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $5.7B 29% of world imports
- 2 United States $1.4B 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$1.0B 5.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $19.6B 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 code for LLDPE
Brazil classifies LLDPE under NCM 3901.40.00: HS 3901.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about LLDPE
What is the HS code for LLDPE?
The HS code for LLDPE is 390140 (Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94). The HS code for Linear Low-Density Polyethylene in primary form is 3901.40.
How do I classify LLDPE for customs?
LLDPE is classified under HS code 390140 — Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, having a specific gravity of less than 0.94. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish LLDPE from LDPE for customs?
LDPE is a homopolymer (3901.10), while LLDPE is an ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer (3901.40). You must check the chemical composition on the manufacturer's certificate of analysis.
Which countries are the top exporters of LLDPE (HS 390140)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390140 (the code used for LLDPE) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.9B, 31% of world exports), Singapore ($2.5B) and Canada ($1.8B). World exports came to about $18.8B, 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 LLDPE (HS 390140)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390140 (the code used for LLDPE) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.7B, 29% of world imports), the United States ($1.4B) and Vietnam (about $1.0B). World imports came to about $19.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for LLDPE the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390140 for LLDPE 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 LLDPE in Brazil?
In Brazil, LLDPE (HS 390140) is classified under NCM 3901.40.00.