Product classification
HS code for Low-density polyethylene: 3901.10
Ethylene polymers, in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94.
Classification of low-density polyethylene under HS 3901.10
Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is classified under HS code 3901.10, a designation found within Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, which covers plastics and articles thereof. The structure of Chapter 39 is divided into two sub-chapters: the first covers primary forms, while the second covers semi-manufactured and finished products. Heading 3901 is specifically allocated to polymers of ethylene. The distinction between the subheadings under 3901 is primarily determined by the specific gravity of the polymer, a physical property that reflects its molecular density. Subheading 3901.10 is designated for polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94. This low density is the result of a high degree of molecular branching, which prevents the polymer chains from packing into a tight, crystalline structure. This classification applies only when the material is in its primary form, which the Explanatory Notes define as liquids, pastes, blocks, irregular shapes, lumps, powders, granules, or flakes.
- Covers
- LDPE resin pellets for injection molding
- Low-density polyethylene granules for film blowing
- LDPE powder used in rotational molding
- Ethylene polymer flakes with a specific gravity below 0.94
- Primary form LDPE used for cable insulation
- Recycled LDPE in pelletized primary form
- Also under 3901.10
- Dow LDPE
- LyondellBasell Lupolen
- ExxonMobil LDPE
- SABIC LDPE
- Braskem LDPE
Codes often confused with 3901.10
Common mistake. LDPE is often misclassified under HS code 3901.20, which is reserved for High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) having a specific gravity of 0.94 or more. It is also frequently confused with 3901.30, which covers ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers. Furthermore, if the LDPE has been processed into finished goods, such as plastic bags or rolls of film, it must be classified under headings like 3923 or 3920, respectively, rather than the primary form code 3901.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390110 (the code used for low-density polyethylene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390110 (the code used for low-density polyethylene) 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 low-density polyethylene.
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 low-density polyethylene
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 low-density polyethylene
What is the HS code for Low-density polyethylene?
The HS code for Low-density polyethylene is 390110 (Ethylene polymers; in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of less than 0.94).
How do I classify Low-density polyethylene for customs?
Low-density polyethylene 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.
What is the HS code for LDPE?
The HS code for low-density polyethylene in primary forms is 3901.10, provided its specific gravity is less than 0.94.
What are considered primary forms for LDPE?
Primary forms include liquids, pastes, blocks, lumps, powders, granules, and flakes as defined by the Chapter 39 legal notes.
Which countries are the top exporters of low-density polyethylene (HS 390110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390110 (the code used for low-density polyethylene) 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 low-density polyethylene (HS 390110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390110 (the code used for low-density polyethylene) 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 Low-density polyethylene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390110 for Low-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 low-density polyethylene in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390110 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for low-density polyethylene 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).