Product classification
HS code for Plastic containers: 3923.10
Plastics, boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Classification of plastic containers under HS 3923.10
Plastic containers used for the transport or packaging of goods are classified under HS code 3923.10. This classification is part of Heading 3923, which covers articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics, as well as stoppers, lids, caps, and other closures. The determination for 3923.10 specifically rests on the form of the container, which must be a box, case, crate, or similar article. The primary criteria for this classification is the functional purpose of the item: it must be designed for the commercial conveyance or packing of goods. This distinguishes these containers from household storage items. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), the material composition (plastic) and the specific utility (packing/conveyance) lead directly to Chapter 39 and Heading 3923. Subheading 3923.10 is chosen when the container is rigid and intended to protect or hold goods during transit or storage in a commercial supply chain. This code is used globally to track the movement of industrial and commercial packaging materials.
- Covers
- Plastic shipping cases
- Industrial plastic storage bins for transport
- Plastic tool cases (without specialized interiors)
- Rigid plastic packing boxes
- Stackable plastic transport containers
- Also under 3923.10
- Rubbermaid Brute containers
- Orbis plastic totes
- Schoeller Allibert crates
- Akro-Mils storage bins
Codes often confused with 3923.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for plastic containers is HS code 3924.90, which covers household articles and hygienic or toilet articles of plastics. The distinction lies in the intended use; 3923.10 is for commercial conveyance, while 3924.90 is for domestic use. Another frequent error is using HS code 3923.90, the "other" category for packing goods, when the item clearly fits the description of a box or case in 3923.10. Additionally, if a container is specially shaped or fitted to contain a specific tool or instrument, it might be classified under Heading 4202, which covers specialized containers like camera cases or musical instrument cases.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392310 (the code used for plastic containers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392310 (the code used for plastic containers) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 392310, not only plastic containers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $2.3B 14% of world exports
- 2 China $2.1B 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $1.4B 8.8% of world exports
World total: $16.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.5B 10% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $1.4B 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $921M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $14.9B 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 plastic containers
Brazil splits HS 3923.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3923.10.10Plastic cases for laser-read discs (CD/DVD)
- 3923.10.90Other plastic boxes, cases and crates
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic containers
What is the HS code for Plastic containers?
The HS code for Plastic containers is 392310 (Plastics; boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goods). For containers such as boxes, cases, and crates used for packing or conveying goods, the HS code is 3923.10.
How do I classify Plastic containers for customs?
Plastic containers is classified under HS code 392310 — Plastics; boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goods. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 3923.10 include plastic food storage containers for home use?
No, plastic containers intended for household food storage are typically classified under HS code 3924.10 (tableware and kitchenware).
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic containers (HS 392310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392310 (the code used for plastic containers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.3B, 14% of world exports), China ($2.1B) and Germany ($1.4B). World exports came to about $16.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of plastic containers (HS 392310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392310 (the code used for plastic containers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.5B, 10% of world imports), Mexico ($1.4B) and Germany ($921M). World imports came to about $14.9B, 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 containers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392310 for Plastic containers 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 containers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 392310 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic containers depends on the product's details: 3923.10.10 (Plastic cases for laser-read discs (CD/DVD)), 3923.10.90 (Other plastic boxes, cases and crates).