Product classification
HS code for Plastic film: 3921.90
Plastics, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellular.
Classification of plastic film under HS 3921.90
Plastic film classified under HS code 3921.90 is categorized based on its physical structure as a non-cellular plate, sheet, film, foil, or strip that has been reinforced, laminated, supported, or similarly combined with other materials in a manner not specified in heading 39.20. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, this code acts as a residual category for plastic sheets that are not self-adhesive (39.19) and are not simply worked on the surface. The classification depends heavily on the material composition; while 39.20 covers products that are not reinforced or laminated with other materials, 39.21.90 is reserved for those that incorporate a secondary material, such as a textile backing or a metal foil layer, provided the plastic retains the essential character of the finished article. Importers must verify if the film is cellular (foam-like) or non-cellular, as cellular plastics are classified under different subheadings within 39.21. The 'other' designation in 3921.90 implies that the product does not fit into the more specific polymer-based subheadings like polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride found earlier in the chapter.
- Covers
- Laminated plastic films used for industrial packaging
- Plastic sheets reinforced with textile fabric where plastic is the primary component
- Composite plastic foils used in technical insulation
- Non-cellular plastic strips combined with metal mesh
- Multi-layered plastic membranes for construction
- Also under 3921.90
- Mylar film
- Lexan sheets
- Plexiglas panels
- Saran Wrap (film)
- Tyvek (spunbonded olefin, often considered for film-like applications)
Codes often confused with 3921.90
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with HS code 3920.10 through 3920.99. The primary distinction is that 3920 covers sheets and films that are not reinforced, laminated, or supported by other materials. If a film is self-adhesive, it must be classified under 3919.10 or 3919.90. Furthermore, if the plastic film is cellular (expanded plastic), it should be classified under subheadings 3921.11 through 3921.19 rather than 3921.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392190 (the code used for plastic film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392190 (the code used for plastic film) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.7% 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 392190, not only plastic film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $2.4B 13% of world exports
- 2 China $1.8B 9.6% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.7B 9.4% of world exports
World total: $18.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.6B 8.7% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.4B 7.9% of world imports
- 3 France $944M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $18.1B 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 film
Brazil splits HS 3921.90 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3921.90.11Melamine-formaldehyde, laminated/reinforced/backed
- 3921.90.12Cross-ply polyethylene fibre-reinforced sheets
- 3921.90.13PTFE-reinforced electrolysis membrane sheets
- 3921.90.19Other laminated, reinforced or supported plastics
- 3921.90.20PET film, gelatin/latex antistatic on both faces
- 3921.90.90Other non-cellular plastic plates and sheets
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic film
What is the HS code for Plastic film?
The HS code for Plastic film is 392190 (Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellular). The HS code for plastic film varies by type; however, non-cellular, reinforced, or laminated plastic film is classified under HS code 3921.90. Simple, non-reinforced films are usually under 3920.
How do I classify Plastic film for customs?
Plastic film is classified under HS code 392190 — Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellular. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 3921.90 include self-adhesive films?
No, self-adhesive plastic films, whether in rolls or strips, are classified under heading 3919. HS code 3921.90 is strictly for non-adhesive products.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic film (HS 392190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392190 (the code used for plastic film) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($2.4B, 13% of world exports), China ($1.8B) and the United States ($1.7B). World exports came to about $18.5B, 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 film (HS 392190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392190 (the code used for plastic film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 8.7% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and France ($944M). World imports came to about $18.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Plastic film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392190 for Plastic film 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 film in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 392190 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic film depends on the product's details: 3921.90.11 (Melamine-formaldehyde, laminated/reinforced/backed), 3921.90.12 (Cross-ply polyethylene fibre-reinforced sheets), 3921.90.13 (PTFE-reinforced electrolysis membrane sheets), 3921.90.19 (Other laminated, reinforced or supported plastics), 3921.90.20 (PET film, gelatin/latex antistatic on both faces), 3921.90.90 (Other non-cellular plastic plates and sheets).