Product classification
HS code for Plastic packing materials: 3923.90
Plastics, articles for the conveyance or packing of goods n.e.c. in heading no. 3923.
Classification of plastic packing materials under HS 3923.90
Plastic packing materials are classified under HS code 3923.90 because they represent articles for the conveyance or packing of goods that do not fall into the more specific subheadings of heading 3923, such as boxes, bags, or bottles. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products are classified based on their material composition and their primary function. Since these items are made of polymers and are designed specifically to protect, contain, or transport other goods, they are placed within Chapter 39. The subheading 3923.90 serves as a residual category for specialized packing components like spools, bobbins, and protective sleeves that are essential for industrial logistics but lack a dedicated four-digit or six-digit code elsewhere in the nomenclature.
- Covers
- Plastic spools and bobbins for winding yarn or wire
- Plastic protective sleeves for industrial components
- Specialized plastic trays for electronic parts
- Plastic caps and closures not elsewhere specified
- Plastic stoppers and lids for industrial containers
- Cops and cones used in the textile industry
- 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. These materials are frequently confused with HS code 3923.10, which is strictly for boxes, cases, and crates, or HS code 3923.21 and 3923.29, which are reserved for bags, pouches, and sacks. Additionally, if the plastic material is intended for building construction rather than packing, it may be misclassified under 3925.90. It is critical to distinguish between the container itself and the accessories used for packing; for instance, a plastic bottle is 3923.30, but a specialized plastic insert for that bottle might fall under 3923.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392390 (the code used for plastic packing materials), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392390 (the code used for plastic packing materials) 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 packing materials.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $2.1B 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.6B 14% of world exports
- 3 Mexico $890M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $11.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.9B 17% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $989M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $789M 7.1% of world imports
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 packing materials
Brazil splits HS 3923.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3923.90.10Plastic pallets, box pallets and pallet collars
- 3923.90.90Other plastic packing articles
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic packing materials
What is the HS code for Plastic packing materials?
The HS code for Plastic packing materials is 392390 (Plastics; articles for the conveyance or packing of goods n.e.c. in heading no. 3923). The primary HS code for miscellaneous plastic packing materials not specified elsewhere is 3923.90.
How do I classify Plastic packing materials for customs?
Plastic packing materials 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.
Are plastic pallets classified under this code?
While some plastic pallets are classified under 3923.90 as articles for the conveyance of goods, they are often specifically scrutinized to ensure they do not fall under general plastic articles in 3926.90 depending on their design and durability.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic packing materials (HS 392390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392390 (the code used for plastic packing materials) 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 packing materials (HS 392390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392390 (the code used for plastic packing materials) 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 packing materials the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392390 for Plastic packing materials 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 packing materials in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 392390 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for plastic packing materials depends on the product's details: 3923.90.10 (Plastic pallets, box pallets and pallet collars), 3923.90.90 (Other plastic packing articles).