Product classification

HS code for Plastic packaging: 3923.90

Plastics, articles for the conveyance or packing of goods n.e.c. in heading no. 3923.

Classification of plastic packaging under HS 3923.90

HS code 3923.90 is designated for articles used for the conveyance or packing of goods made from plastics that are not specifically categorized under other subheadings of heading 3923. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically focusing on the material composition and the intended functional use of the item. While subheadings 3923.10 through 3923.50 cover specific items like boxes, cases, sacks, bags, and stoppers, 3923.90 serves as the residual category for diverse plastic packaging solutions. To qualify for this code, the article must be primarily designed for transport or commercial packaging rather than for long-term household storage or decorative purposes. The classification process involves verifying that the plastic material provides the essential character of the product and that the item is ready for use in a logistics or retail environment.

Covers
  • Plastic protective sleeves for industrial components
  • Specialized plastic transport trays for electronics
  • Plastic spools and reels for winding yarn or wire
  • Non-standard plastic containers for bulk liquid transport
  • Plastic clips and fasteners used specifically for sealing commercial packages
Also under 3923.90
  • CHEP plastic pallets
  • IKEA storage boxes
  • Amazon blister packs
  • Tupperware food containers (for transport)
  • Ziploc storage bags (industrial)

Codes often confused with 3923.90

Common mistake. Plastic packaging is frequently misclassified under HS code 3926.90, which covers general articles of plastics. The distinction lies in the intended use; if the item is for packing or conveyance, 3923.90 takes precedence. Additionally, confusion often arises with 3923.10 (boxes and cases) or 3923.21 (sacks and bags of ethylene polymers) when the specific shape or material of the packaging is not clearly identified by the importer.

3926.90Plastics; other articles n.e.c. in chapter 393923.10Plastics; boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or packing of goods3923.21Ethylene polymers; sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods

Top exporters and importers of HS 392390 (the code used for plastic packaging), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392390 (the code used for plastic packaging) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% 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 392390, not only plastic packaging.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $2.1B
  2. 2 United States $1.6B
  3. 3 Mexico $890M

World total: $11.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.9B
  2. 2 Mexico $989M
  3. 3 Germany $789M

World total: $11.2B 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 packaging

Brazil splits HS 3923.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about plastic packaging

What is the HS code for Plastic packaging?

The HS code for Plastic packaging is 392390 (Plastics; articles for the conveyance or packing of goods n.e.c. in heading no. 3923). The HS code for general plastic packaging articles not specified elsewhere is 3923.90.

How do I classify Plastic packaging for customs?

Plastic packaging is classified under HS code 392390 — Plastics; articles for the conveyance or packing of goods n.e.c. in heading no. 3923. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include plastic household storage bins?

No, plastic household storage bins are typically classified under HS code 3924.90 as household articles, rather than conveyance or packing goods.

Which countries are the top exporters of plastic packaging (HS 392390)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392390 (the code used for plastic packaging) in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.1B, 18% of world exports), the United States ($1.6B) and Mexico ($890M). World exports came to about $11.5B, 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 packaging (HS 392390)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 392390 (the code used for plastic packaging) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.9B, 17% of world imports), Mexico ($989M) and Germany ($789M). World imports came to about $11.2B, 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 packaging the same in all countries?

The base HS code 392390 for Plastic packaging 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 packaging in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 392390 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic packaging depends on the product's details: 3923.90.10 (Plastic pallets, box pallets and pallet collars), 3923.90.90 (Other plastic packing articles).