Product classification
HS code for Plastic reels: 3923.40
Plastics, spools, cops, bobbins and similar supports, for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Classification of plastic reels under HS 3923.40
Plastic reels are classified under HS code 3923.40 because they are specifically designed as supports for the conveyance or packing of goods. Heading 3923 covers articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics. Subheading 3923.40 specifically identifies spools, cops, bobbins, and similar supports. These items are essential in industrial processes for winding yarns, wires, or films. The classification is determined by the material (plastic) and the primary function (supporting or carrying other materials during transport or storage). According to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these supports may be of various shapes and sizes depending on the material they are intended to hold. They are typically used in the textile industry, for electrical wire storage, or for industrial films. The classification follows General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these are plastic articles used for packing or conveyance, they fall squarely into 3923 rather than general plastic articles in 3926.
- Covers
- Plastic spools for electrical wire
- Bobbins for textile machinery
- Cops for industrial sewing
- Reels for photographic film
- Plastic cones for yarn winding
- Supports for industrial tapes
- Also under 3923.40
- Oerlikon Textile bobbins
- Prym sewing thread spools
- Belden cable reels
- 3M tape cores
- Coats thread cones
Codes often confused with 3923.40
Common mistake. Plastic reels are frequently misclassified under HS code 3926.90, which covers "other articles of plastics." However, because 3923 is more specific to packing and conveyance supports, it takes precedence under GRI 3(a). Additionally, reels made of wood are classified under 4421.99, and those made of paper or paperboard fall under 4822.10. It is vital to identify the base material and the intended industrial use before assigning a code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392340 (the code used for plastic reels), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392340 (the code used for plastic reels) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.2% 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 392340, not only plastic reels.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $203M 21% of world exports
- 2 Italy $86M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $85M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $979M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $80M 8.2% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $78M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $54M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $985M 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 code for plastic reels
Brazil classifies plastic reels under NCM 3923.40.00: HS 3923.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic reels
What is the HS code for Plastic reels?
The HS code for Plastic reels is 392340 (Plastics; spools, cops, bobbins and similar supports, for the conveyance or packing of goods). The primary HS code for plastic reels, spools, and bobbins used for the conveyance or packing of goods is 3923.40.
How do I classify Plastic reels for customs?
Plastic reels is classified under HS code 392340 — Plastics; spools, cops, bobbins and similar supports, for the conveyance or packing of goods. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are empty plastic reels for retail sale classified here?
Yes, as long as they are designed to support or convey goods, they remain in 3923.40 regardless of whether they are sold empty or pre-wound with product.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic reels (HS 392340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392340 (the code used for plastic reels) in UN Comtrade data were China ($203M, 21% of world exports), Italy ($86M) and South Korea ($85M). World exports came to about $979M, 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 reels (HS 392340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392340 (the code used for plastic reels) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($80M, 8.2% of world imports), South Korea ($78M) and Mexico ($54M). World imports came to about $985M, 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 reels the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392340 for Plastic reels 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 reels in Brazil?
In Brazil, plastic reels (HS 392340) is classified under NCM 3923.40.00.