Product classification

HS code for Polyethylene film: 3920.10

Plastics, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of polymers of ethylene, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials.

Classification of polyethylene film under HS 3920.10

Polyethylene film is classified under HS code 3920.10, which pertains to non-cellular and non-reinforced plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip made from polymers of ethylene. The classification under heading 3920 is reserved for plastic products that have not been combined with other materials in a way that changes their basic character, such as through reinforcement, lamination, or the addition of a cellular (foam) core. The material must be a polymer of ethylene, which includes low-density (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Furthermore, the product must not be self-adhesive; self-adhesive plastic films are classified under heading 3919. The thickness and flexibility of the material are also factors, though heading 3920 is broad enough to cover a wide range of gauges as long as the material remains in a flat, non-worked state. This code is essential for identifying basic plastic packaging and industrial films that have not been further processed into bags or other finished goods.

Covers
  • LDPE packaging film (non-adhesive)
  • HDPE industrial sheets
  • Non-cellular polyethylene stretch film
  • Clear polyethylene foil for agricultural use
Also under 3920.10
  • Glad Cling Wrap (LDPE)
  • Tyvek HomeWrap (base film is HDPE)
  • pallet stretch film
  • greenhouse film
  • pond liners (HDPE sheet)

Codes often confused with 3920.10

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3921.11, which is for cellular (foam) polyethylene. Another common error is using HS code 3919.10 for films that have an adhesive backing. If the film is reinforced with a metal mesh or textile fabric, it must be classified under 3921.90. Finally, if the film is converted into a bag, it moves to 3923.21.

3921.11Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene, cellular3919.10Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip, other flat shapes thereof, self-adhesive, in rolls of a width not exceeding 20cm3921.90Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellular3923.21Ethylene polymers; sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goods

Top exporters and importers of HS 392010 (the code used for polyethylene film), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392010 (the code used for polyethylene film) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% 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 392010, not only polyethylene film.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $3.5B
  2. 2 Germany $2.3B
  3. 3 United States $1.6B

World total: $20.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $2.2B
  2. 2 Germany $1.4B
  3. 3 France $985M

World total: $19.7B 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 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 polyethylene film

Brazil splits HS 3920.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 3920.10.10Ethylene polymer film, density 0.94+, max 19 µm
  • 3920.10.91Ethylene polymer film for battery separators
  • 3920.10.99Other ethylene polymer plates, sheets and film

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about polyethylene film

What is the HS code for Polyethylene film?

The HS code for Polyethylene film is 392010 (Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of polymers of ethylene, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials). The HS code for non-cellular, non-adhesive polyethylene film is 3920.10.

How do I classify Polyethylene film for customs?

Polyethylene film is classified under HS code 392010 — Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of polymers of ethylene, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is bubble wrap classified under this code?

No, bubble wrap is a cellular plastic product and is typically classified under HS code 3921.11.

Which countries are the top exporters of polyethylene film (HS 392010)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392010 (the code used for polyethylene film) in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.5B, 17% of world exports), Germany ($2.3B) and the United States ($1.6B). World exports came to about $20.4B, 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 film (HS 392010)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 392010 (the code used for polyethylene film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.2B, 11% of world imports), Germany ($1.4B) and France ($985M). World imports came to about $19.7B, 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 film the same in all countries?

The base HS code 392010 for Polyethylene film 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 film in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 392010 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for polyethylene film depends on the product's details: 3920.10.10 (Ethylene polymer film, density 0.94+, max 19 µm), 3920.10.91 (Ethylene polymer film for battery separators), 3920.10.99 (Other ethylene polymer plates, sheets and film).