Product classification
HS code for Plastic monofilament: 3916.90
Plastics, monofilament, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3916, cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked.
Classification of plastic monofilament under HS 3916.90
Plastic monofilament is classified under HS code 3916.90 based on a combination of its chemical composition, physical dimensions, and the degree to which it has been processed. Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System is dedicated to plastics and articles thereof, and Heading 3916 specifically addresses monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, as well as rods, sticks, and profile shapes. The 1 mm threshold is a critical legal demarcation point established by the Section and Chapter Notes; if the cross-sectional dimension were 1 mm or less, the product would typically be excluded from Chapter 39 and instead classified as a textile material under Section XI, specifically under heading 5404. Subheading 3916.90 acts as the "other" category within this heading, covering monofilaments and profile shapes made from plastics other than polymers of ethylene (which fall under 3916.10) or polymers of vinyl chloride (which fall under 3916.20). This includes a wide array of technical polymers such as polyamides (nylon), polyesters, acrylics, or polycarbonates. These products are generally classified here when they are "not otherwise worked," meaning they have been produced via extrusion or similar processes but have not been further fabricated into finished consumer goods. They serve as essential raw materials for industrial brush bristles, heavy-duty fishing lines, 3D printing filaments, and various structural or decorative profile shapes used in construction and furniture manufacturing.
- Covers
- Nylon monofilament with a diameter exceeding 1 mm
- Polycarbonate rods for industrial machining
- Acrylic profile shapes for architectural trim
- Polyester sticks used in manufacturing
- Extruded plastic tubes with a non-circular cross-section
- 3D printing filament (PLA, ABS, PETG) exceeding 1 mm diameter
- Plastic structural profiles for window frames
- Also under 3916.90
- Delrin (POM) machining stock
- Lexan (PC) structural profiles
- Teflon (PTFE) rods for chemical applications
- Ultem (PEI) aerospace profiles
Codes often confused with 3916.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification involves heading 5404, which covers synthetic monofilament of 67 decitex or more and of which no cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm. If the filament is thinner than 1 mm, it is a textile; if thicker, it is a plastic profile (3916). Additionally, finished articles made from these filaments, such as finished brush heads, should be classified under 9603 rather than 3916.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391690 (the code used for plastic monofilament), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391690 (the code used for plastic monofilament) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.0% 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 391690, not only plastic monofilament.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.1B 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $706M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $292M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $3.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $274M 9.0% of world imports
- 2 United States $248M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 France $149M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $3.0B 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 monofilament
Brazil splits HS 3916.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3916.90.10Monofilament of other plastics, over 1 mm
- 3916.90.90Rods, sticks and profiles of other plastics
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic monofilament
What is the HS code for Plastic monofilament?
The HS code for Plastic monofilament is 391690 (Plastics; monofilament, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3916, cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked). The HS code for plastic monofilament with a cross-section exceeding 1 mm, made from polymers other than ethylene or vinyl chloride, is 3916.90.
How do I classify Plastic monofilament for customs?
Plastic monofilament is classified under HS code 391690 — Plastics; monofilament, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3916, cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the monofilament is less than 1 mm thick?
If the cross-sectional dimension is 1 mm or less, the product is classified as a textile material under heading 5404 or 5402, depending on its specific characteristics.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic monofilament (HS 391690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391690 (the code used for plastic monofilament) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 29% of world exports), Germany ($706M) and the United States ($292M). World exports came to about $3.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of plastic monofilament (HS 391690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391690 (the code used for plastic monofilament) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($274M, 9.0% of world imports), the United States ($248M) and France ($149M). World imports came to about $3.0B, 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.
Is the HS code for Plastic monofilament the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391690 for Plastic monofilament 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 monofilament in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 391690 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic monofilament depends on the product's details: 3916.90.10 (Monofilament of other plastics, over 1 mm), 3916.90.90 (Rods, sticks and profiles of other plastics).