Product classification
HS code for Plastic bags: 3923.21
Ethylene polymers, sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Classification of plastic bags under HS 3923.21
HS code 3923.21 is used for the classification of sacks and bags made from polymers of ethylene. Heading 3923 covers articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics, including stoppers, lids, caps, and other closures. The subheadings under 3923.2x are divided by the type of plastic material used. Subheading 3923.21 is specific to ethylene polymers, which include common materials like Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE). To classify a product here, one must confirm that the bag is intended for packing or conveying goods and that the predominant polymer is ethylene. This code is frequently used for industrial shipping sacks, retail shopping bags, and food packaging bags. It is important to distinguish these from bags intended for personal use (like handbags) or bags made from other polymers like polypropylene, which would fall under 3923.29.
- Covers
- HDPE grocery and retail bags
- LDPE sandwich and food storage bags
- Polyethylene shipping mailers and envelopes
- Heavy-duty industrial sacks made of ethylene
- Garbage bags made of polyethylene
- Also under 3923.21
- Glad trash bags
- Ziploc storage bags
- Hefty garbage bags
- T-shirt grocery bags
Codes often confused with 3923.21
Common mistake. Common misclassifications include 3923.29, which is for bags made of other plastics like PVC or polypropylene. Another error is 4202.22, which covers plastic sheeting handbags or shopping bags designed for long-term reuse rather than simple conveyance.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392321 (the code used for plastic bags), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392321 (the code used for plastic bags) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 392321, not only plastic bags.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.6B 26% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$1.1B 7.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $1.0B 7.4% of world exports
World total: $14.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.2B 23% of world imports
- 2 Japan $1.1B 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $947M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $13.7B 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 codes for plastic bags
Brazil splits HS 3923.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3923.21.10Ethylene polymer bags, up to 1,000 cm³
- 3923.21.90Ethylene polymer sacks and bags over 1,000 cm³
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic bags
What is the HS code for Plastic bags?
The HS code for Plastic bags is 392321 (Ethylene polymers; sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods). Plastic bags made of ethylene polymers (like PE) are classified under HS code 3923.21.
How do I classify Plastic bags for customs?
Plastic bags is classified under HS code 392321 — Ethylene polymers; sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What code is used for polypropylene bags?
Bags made from polymers other than ethylene, such as polypropylene, are classified under HS code 3923.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic bags (HS 392321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392321 (the code used for plastic bags) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.6B, 26% of world exports), Vietnam (about $1.1B) and Germany ($1.0B). World exports came to about $14.3B, 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 plastic bags (HS 392321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392321 (the code used for plastic bags) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.2B, 23% of world imports), Japan ($1.1B) and Germany ($947M). World imports came to about $13.7B, 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 Plastic bags the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392321 for Plastic bags 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 plastic bags in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 392321 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic bags depends on the product's details: 3923.21.10 (Ethylene polymer bags, up to 1,000 cm³), 3923.21.90 (Ethylene polymer sacks and bags over 1,000 cm³).