Product classification
HS code for Plastic spools: 3923.40
Plastics, spools, cops, bobbins and similar supports, for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Classification of plastic spools under HS 3923.40
Plastic spools are classified under HS code 3923.40 because they are specifically designed as supports for the conveyance or packing of goods. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) for the Harmonized System, products are classified based on their material composition and their primary function. Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, while heading 3923 is dedicated to articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, including stoppers, lids, caps, and other closures. Subheading 3923.40 specifically identifies spools, cops, bobbins, and similar supports. These items are essential in industrial processes where materials like thread, wire, or film must be wound for transport or subsequent use in machinery. The classification depends on the item's primary function as a carrier or support during the distribution phase rather than being a component of a specific machine. If the spool is integrated into a machine and not used for transport, classification might differ, but standard commercial spools fall here.
- Covers
- Plastic sewing thread spools
- Plastic wire reels
- Film bobbins
- Cops for textile winding
- Ribbon spools
- Industrial yarn supports
- 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 spools are frequently misclassified under HS code 3926.90, which is a catch-all category for other articles of plastic. However, because 3923.40 specifically describes spools for conveyance, it takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 8448.20, which covers parts and accessories for machines of heading 8444. If the spool is a specialized part of a textile machine rather than a transport support, 8448 might apply, but most shipping spools remain in 3923.40.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392340 (the code used for plastic spools), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392340 (the code used for plastic spools) 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 spools.
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 spools
Brazil classifies plastic spools 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 spools
What is the HS code for Plastic spools?
The HS code for Plastic spools is 392340 (Plastics; spools, cops, bobbins and similar supports, for the conveyance or packing of goods). The standard HS code for plastic spools used for the conveyance or packing of goods is 3923.40.
How do I classify Plastic spools for customs?
Plastic spools 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 large industrial plastic reels classified differently?
Generally, no. As long as the reel is made of plastic and used for packing or conveying goods like cables or hoses, it remains under 3923.40 regardless of size.
Which countries are the top exporters of plastic spools (HS 392340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392340 (the code used for plastic spools) 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 spools (HS 392340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392340 (the code used for plastic spools) 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 spools the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392340 for Plastic spools 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 spools in Brazil?
In Brazil, plastic spools (HS 392340) is classified under NCM 3923.40.00.