Product classification
HS code for Plastic scrap: 3915.90
Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915, waste, parings and scrap.
Classification of plastic scrap under HS 3915.90
HS code 3915.90 is utilized for the classification of waste, parings, and scrap of plastics that do not fall under the specific categories of ethylene, styrene, or vinyl chloride polymers. Heading 3915 is reserved for plastic materials that are either broken, worn, or otherwise unusable for their original purpose, or are residual scrap from manufacturing processes. Subheading 3915.90 acts as a residual category for a wide variety of technical plastics. This includes scrap from engineering plastics like polycarbonates, polyamides (nylon), and acrylics. The classification requires that the material be in a form that is only suitable for the recovery of the plastic or for use as waste. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, this heading includes waste consisting of a single thermoplastic material or of mixed plastic materials. If the plastic has been processed into primary forms such as pellets, granules, or powders through a recycling process that makes them ready for use as raw materials, they may no longer qualify as scrap and could be classified under headings 3901 through 3914. Proper documentation of the source and the state of the material is essential for customs clearance under this code, as many jurisdictions have strict environmental regulations regarding the transboundary movement of plastic waste.
- Covers
- Mixed plastic scrap from industrial manufacturing
- Waste parings of polycarbonate sheets
- Scrap of acrylic (PMMA) from signage production
- Worn-out plastic articles intended for material recovery
- Nylon fiber waste from textile manufacturing processes
- Also under 3915.90
- Recycled PET flakes from Coca-Cola bottles
- HDPE regrind from milk jugs
- PVC window profile offcuts
- Automotive bumper scrap (mixed plastics)
Codes often confused with 3915.90
Common mistake. Plastic scrap is often misclassified under HS codes 3901 through 3914. These codes are for plastics in primary forms (granules, pellets, flakes). If the scrap has been reground into a uniform pelletized shape, it is often considered a primary form rather than waste. Furthermore, scrap of ethylene polymers must be classified under 3915.10, styrene polymers under 3915.20, and vinyl chloride polymers under 3915.30. Using 3915.90 for these specific materials is a common compliance error.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391590 (the code used for plastic scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391590 (the code used for plastic scrap) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 8.9% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 391590, not only plastic scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $135M 8.9% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $119M 7.8% of world exports
- 3 United States $118M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $136M 10% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $104M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $89M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 scrap
Brazil classifies plastic scrap under NCM 3915.90.00: HS 3915.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about plastic scrap
What is the HS code for Plastic scrap?
The HS code for Plastic scrap is 391590 (Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915; waste, parings and scrap). The HS code for plastic scrap of materials other than ethylene, styrene, or vinyl chloride is 3915.90. Specific polymers have their own subheadings under 3915.
How do I classify Plastic scrap for customs?
Plastic scrap is classified under HS code 391590 — Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915; waste, parings and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can recycled plastic pellets be classified under 3915.90?
Generally, no. Once plastic waste is processed into pellets or granules of a uniform shape for use as a raw material, it is classified in primary forms under headings 3901-3914.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic scrap (HS 391590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391590 (the code used for plastic scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($135M, 8.9% of world exports), the Netherlands ($119M) and the United States ($118M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 scrap (HS 391590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391590 (the code used for plastic scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($136M, 10% of world imports), the Netherlands ($104M) and Germany ($89M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391590 for Plastic scrap 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 scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, plastic scrap (HS 391590) is classified under NCM 3915.90.00.