Product classification
HS code for Polyethylene bags: 3923.21
Ethylene polymers, sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods.
Classification of polyethylene bags under HS 3923.21
Polyethylene bags are classified under HS code 3923.21. This code falls within Chapter 39, which covers plastics and articles thereof. Heading 39.23 specifically addresses articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics. The subheading 3923.21 is reserved for sacks and bags (including cones) made from polymers of ethylene. This classification is determined by the primary material composition (polyethylene) and the intended function (packaging or transport). Whether the bags are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or low-density polyethylene (LDPE), they remain within this code as long as the base polymer is ethylene. The classification applies to a wide range of bags, from small retail bags to large industrial liners, provided they are designed for packing goods. This follows GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes.
- Covers
- HDPE grocery shopping bags
- LDPE zip-lock storage bags
- Polyethylene trash and refuse bags
- PE industrial shipping sacks
- Polyethylene bread and produce bags
- Also under 3923.21
- Glad trash bags
- Ziploc storage bags
- Hefty garbage bags
- T-shirt grocery bags
Codes often confused with 3923.21
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is HS code 3923.29, which is for sacks and bags made of "other plastics" such as polypropylene (PP) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Accurate material testing is required to distinguish between ethylene polymers and other plastic types. Another common error is using HS code 3924.90, which covers household articles and hygienic or toilet articles of plastics. While trash bags are used in the home, they are legally classified as packing containers for the conveyance of waste, keeping them in 3923.21. Additionally, if the bag is made of textile-reinforced plastic, it might be classified under Chapter 63 depending on the dominant component.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392321 (the code used for polyethylene bags), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392321 (the code used for polyethylene bags) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 23% 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 392321, not only polyethylene bags.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $3.6B 26% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$1.1B 7.6% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $1.0B 7.4% of world exports
World total: $14.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $3.2B 23% of world imports
- 2 Japan $1.1B 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $947M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $13.7B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 polyethylene bags
Brazil splits HS 3923.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3923.21.10Ethylene polymer bags, up to 1,000 cm³
- 3923.21.90Ethylene polymer sacks and bags over 1,000 cm³
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyethylene bags
What is the HS code for Polyethylene bags?
The HS code for Polyethylene bags is 392321 (Ethylene polymers; sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods). The HS code for sacks and bags made of polymers of ethylene (polyethylene) is 3923.21.
How do I classify Polyethylene bags for customs?
Polyethylene bags is classified under HS code 392321 — Ethylene polymers; sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are biodegradable plastic bags classified under 3923.21?
Only if the biodegradable plastic is a polymer of ethylene. If the bag is made from polylactic acid (PLA) or other non-ethylene polymers, it would be classified under 3923.29.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyethylene bags (HS 392321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392321 (the code used for polyethylene bags) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.6B, 26% of world exports), Vietnam (about $1.1B) and Germany ($1.0B). World exports came to about $14.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of polyethylene bags (HS 392321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392321 (the code used for polyethylene bags) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($3.2B, 23% of world imports), Japan ($1.1B) and Germany ($947M). World imports came to about $13.7B, 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 Polyethylene bags the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392321 for Polyethylene bags 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 polyethylene bags in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 392321 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for polyethylene bags depends on the product's details: 3923.21.10 (Ethylene polymer bags, up to 1,000 cm³), 3923.21.90 (Ethylene polymer sacks and bags over 1,000 cm³).