Product classification
HS code for PE profile: 3916.10
Ethylene polymers, monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked.
Classification of PE profile under HS 3916.10
HS code 3916.10 is applied to profile shapes, rods, and sticks made of polymers of ethylene. These are classified here because they are semi-finished plastic products with a uniform cross-section throughout their entire length. According to the Chapter 39 notes, profiles are shapes that have been worked more than simple filaments but do not meet the definition of tubes, pipes, or hoses. This includes monofilaments where any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm. The classification covers products that have been extruded and may have been surface-worked (such as being polished, embossed, or colored) but have not been further fabricated into finished articles. Polyethylene profiles are used extensively in construction for trim, edging, and structural supports. The distinction between a profile and a finished article is critical; if the profile has been cut to a specific length for a final product or has been drilled or notched, it may move to 3926 as an "article of plastic." This code ensures that raw industrial shapes are taxed differently than finished consumer or industrial goods.
- Covers
- Polyethylene rods and sticks
- PE monofilament with cross-section > 1mm
- Extruded PE U-channels and T-sections
- PE edge banding for furniture
- Structural PE profiles for outdoor decking
- Also under 3916.10
- HDPE cutting board stock
- PE pipe extrusion profiles
- UHMW-PE conveyor guides
- Polyethylene welding filler rods
Codes often confused with 3916.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 3917 (Tubes and pipes). While both are extruded, 3917 is for hollow products used for fluid transport, whereas 3916 is for solid or non-conduit shapes. Another error is using 3920, which is for plates, sheets, and film. If the product has a complex cross-section rather than a flat, rectangular one, it must be classified as a profile under 3916.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391610 (the code used for PE profile), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391610 (the code used for PE profile) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 20% 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 391610, not only PE profile.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $175M 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $91M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $88M 14% of world exports
World total: $622M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $131M 20% of world imports
- 2 Ireland $52M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 United States $50M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $644M 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 code for PE profile
Brazil classifies PE profile under NCM 3916.10.00: HS 3916.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PE profile
What is the HS code for PE profile?
The HS code for PE profile is 391610 (Ethylene polymers; monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked). The HS code for profile shapes and rods made of ethylene polymers is 3916.10.
How do I classify PE profile for customs?
PE profile is classified under HS code 391610 — Ethylene polymers; monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between a PE rod and a PE pipe?
A PE rod (3916.10) is a solid profile, while a PE pipe (3917.21) is a hollow product intended for the conveyance of liquids or gases.
Which countries are the top exporters of PE profile (HS 391610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391610 (the code used for PE profile) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($175M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($91M) and China ($88M). World exports came to about $622M, 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 PE profile (HS 391610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391610 (the code used for PE profile) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($131M, 20% of world imports), Ireland ($52M) and the United States ($50M). World imports came to about $644M, 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 PE profile the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391610 for PE profile 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 PE profile in Brazil?
In Brazil, PE profile (HS 391610) is classified under NCM 3916.10.00.