Product classification
HS code for PE waste: 3915.10
Ethylene polymers, waste, parings and scrap.
Classification of PE waste under HS 3915.10
HS code 3915.10 is specifically reserved for waste, parings, and scrap of polymers of ethylene. This classification is essential for environmental regulation and the global trade of recyclable materials. Under the Harmonized System, "waste, parings, and scrap" refers to plastic materials that are broken, worn, or otherwise unusable for their original purpose, as well as manufacturing waste such as off-cuts or defective moldings. For a product to be classified under 3915.10, it must be clearly identifiable as ethylene-based plastic waste. This includes materials that have been reground or pelletized, provided they are derived from waste and are intended for recovery of the material or for use as a raw material in the production of new plastic goods. It is important to distinguish these from virgin resins in primary forms, which are classified under heading 3901. The distinction often relies on the purity, the source of the material, and whether the product is a byproduct of a manufacturing process or a post-consumer waste stream. Customs officials look for evidence that the material is not suitable for immediate use as a finished product without further processing. This code is also subject to various international environmental treaties, such as the Basel Convention, which may require additional documentation regarding the hazardous or non-hazardous nature of the plastic scrap.
- Covers
- Post-industrial PE off-cuts and trimmings
- Reground PE scrap from defective parts
- Used PE film scrap (baled)
- Defective PE bottles intended for recycling
- Crushed PE crates and containers
- Also under 3915.10
- Recycled HDPE pellets
- Recycled LDPE film
- Post-consumer resin (PCR) PE
- Pre-consumer PE scrap
- PE plastic bales
Codes often confused with 3915.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 3901.10 or 3901.20, which are for virgin PE resins in primary forms. If the material is high-quality regrind that is indistinguishable from virgin resin, customs may dispute the 3915.10 classification. Another error is using 3915.90, which is a residual category for other plastics like PVC or PET waste.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391510 (the code used for PE waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391510 (the code used for PE waste) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% 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 391510, not only PE waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $226M 22% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $102M 9.7% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $86M 8.2% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $130M 12% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $125M 12% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $119M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 waste
Brazil classifies PE waste under NCM 3915.10.00: HS 3915.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PE waste
What is the HS code for PE waste?
The HS code for PE waste is 391510 (Ethylene polymers; waste, parings and scrap). The HS code for waste, parings, and scrap of ethylene polymers is 3915.10.
How do I classify PE waste for customs?
PE waste is classified under HS code 391510 — Ethylene polymers; waste, parings and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can clean PE regrind be classified as waste?
Yes, as long as it is derived from scrap or manufacturing waste and is intended for use as a raw material rather than being a virgin product.
Which countries are the top exporters of PE waste (HS 391510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391510 (the code used for PE waste) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($226M, 22% of world exports), the Netherlands ($102M) and the United Kingdom ($86M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 waste (HS 391510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391510 (the code used for PE waste) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($130M, 12% of world imports), Malaysia ($125M) and Türkiye ($119M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391510 for PE waste 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 waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, PE waste (HS 391510) is classified under NCM 3915.10.00.