Product classification
HS code for Plastic crates: 3923.10
Plastics, boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Classification of plastic crates under HS 3923.10
Plastic crates are classified under HS code 3923.10, which falls under the broader heading for plastic articles used for the conveyance or packing of goods. The Harmonized System classifies these items based on their primary function in the logistics and supply chain sectors. Heading 3923 specifically includes boxes, cases, crates, and similar articles. A crate is generally defined as a protective framework or a container, often with open sides or a lattice structure, used for transporting goods. The classification under 3923.10 is appropriate because these items are manufactured from plastic polymers and are designed to facilitate the movement of products from manufacturers to retailers or end-users. This classification remains consistent regardless of whether the crate is collapsible, stackable, or nestable, provided its primary purpose is the conveyance of goods. The use of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene (PP) in their construction further reinforces their placement in Chapter 39, which deals with plastics and their industrial applications.
- Covers
- Plastic milk crates
- Collapsible plastic logistics crates
- Lattice-sided plastic fruit crates
- Heavy-duty plastic bottle crates
- Stackable industrial plastic crates
- 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. Plastic crates are sometimes misclassified under HS code 3923.90, which is a catch-all for "other" articles for the conveyance or packing of goods. However, since 3923.10 specifically mentions "crates," it must be used as the more specific description. Another common error is confusing plastic crates with those made of other materials, such as wooden crates (HS code 4415) or metal containers (Heading 8609 for large freight containers). Furthermore, if a crate is designed for long-term household storage rather than transport, customs may attempt to classify it under 3924.90, though the industrial design of most crates usually secures their place in 3923.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392310 (the code used for plastic crates), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392310 (the code used for plastic crates) 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 crates.
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 crates
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 crates
What is the HS code for Plastic crates?
The HS code for Plastic crates is 392310 (Plastics; boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goods). The HS code for plastic crates used for the conveyance or packing of goods is 3923.10.
How do I classify Plastic crates for customs?
Plastic crates 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.
Are collapsible plastic crates classified differently?
No, collapsible plastic crates are still classified under HS code 3923.10 as they serve the same primary function of conveying or packing goods.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic crates (HS 392310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392310 (the code used for plastic crates) 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 crates (HS 392310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392310 (the code used for plastic crates) 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 crates the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392310 for Plastic crates 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 crates in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 392310 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic crates 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).