Product classification
HS code for PLA resin: 3907.70
Poly(lactic acid), in primary forms.
Classification of PLA resin under HS 3907.70
Poly(lactic acid), commonly known as PLA resin, is classified under HS code 3907.70. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6. Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and heading 3907 is designated for polyacetals, other polyethers, epoxide resins, polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters, and other polyesters in primary forms. As a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane, PLA fits the chemical definition of a polyester. The specific subheading 3907.70 was created to distinguish PLA from petroleum-based polyesters for environmental and statistical tracking. According to Chapter 39 Note 6, 'primary forms' refers to liquids, pastes, dispersions, granules, flakes, and powders. Therefore, PLA in pelletized form for 3D printing filament production or injection molding is correctly placed here. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the resin is virgin or recycled, provided it remains in a primary form and has not been worked into a specific shape.
- Covers
- PLA pellets for injection molding
- PLA granules for extrusion
- Biodegradable PLA resin beads
- PLA powder for industrial applications
- Liquid PLA dispersions
- Also under 3907.70
- NatureWorks Ingeo PLA
- TotalEnergies Corbion PLA
- Futerro PLA
- Synbra PLA
- Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials PLA
Codes often confused with 3907.70
Common mistake. PLA resin is frequently misclassified under HS code 3913.90, which covers other natural polymers. While PLA is bio-based, it is a chemically synthesized polymer and must stay within 3907. Another common error is using 3907.99, the residual category for 'other' polyesters. Since the 2017 HS nomenclature update, 3907.70 is the mandatory specific code for PLA. Additionally, 3D printing filament is often confused with resin; however, filament is a semi-finished product and usually falls under 3916.90 or 3926.90 depending on its shape and retail packaging.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390770 (the code used for PLA resin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390770 (the code used for PLA resin) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% 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 390770, not only PLA resin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $180M 34% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $131M 25% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $125M 24% of world exports
World total: $525M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $127M 23% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $80M 15% of world imports
- 3 Italy $50M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $548M 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 PLA resin
Brazil classifies PLA resin under NCM 3907.70.00: HS 3907.70 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PLA resin
What is the HS code for PLA resin?
The HS code for PLA resin is 390770 (Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms). The HS code for PLA resin in primary forms, such as pellets or granules, is 3907.70.
How do I classify PLA resin for customs?
PLA resin is classified under HS code 390770 — Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is PLA resin classified as a natural polymer?
No, although derived from natural sources, PLA is a product of chemical synthesis and is classified as a polyester under heading 3907, not as a natural polymer under heading 3913.
Which countries are the top exporters of PLA resin (HS 390770)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390770 (the code used for PLA resin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($180M, 34% of world exports), the Netherlands ($131M) and Thailand ($125M). World exports came to about $525M, 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 PLA resin (HS 390770)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390770 (the code used for PLA resin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($127M, 23% of world imports), the Netherlands ($80M) and Italy ($50M). World imports came to about $548M, 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 PLA resin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390770 for PLA resin 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 PLA resin in Brazil?
In Brazil, PLA resin (HS 390770) is classified under NCM 3907.70.00.