Product classification
HS code for Polyethylene rod: 3916.10
Ethylene polymers, monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked.
Classification of polyethylene rod under HS 3916.10
Polyethylene rods are classified under HS code 3916.10. This heading covers monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks, and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked, of polymers of ethylene. The classification is based on the physical form of the plastic and the dimensions of its cross-section. Unlike pipes, which are hollow, rods are solid lengths of material. According to the Chapter 39 notes, if a product has a uniform cross-section along its entire length and is solid, it falls under 3916. The material must be a polymer of ethylene, such as LDPE, HDPE, or UHMW-PE. The "not otherwise worked" clause means the rod can be cut to length or have its surface treated (e.g., polished or matte), but it cannot be further machined into a specific tool or part, or it would move to a finished product heading.
- Covers
- Solid HDPE round rods
- UHMW-PE square bars
- Polyethylene welding rods (exceeding 1mm diameter)
- PE profile shapes with uniform solid cross-sections
- Extruded PE sticks for industrial machining
- Also under 3916.10
- HDPE cutting board stock
- PE pipe extrusion profiles
- UHMW-PE conveyor guides
- Polyethylene welding filler rods
Codes often confused with 3916.10
Common mistake. Rods are frequently confused with 3917.21 (pipes) if the customs officer cannot verify if the item is solid or hollow. More commonly, they are confused with 3920.10 (plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip). The distinction lies in the cross-sectional shape; 3920 is for flat products, while 3916 is for rods and profiles. Additionally, if the rod is less than 1mm in its largest cross-sectional dimension, it is classified as textile monofilament in Chapter 54.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391610 (the code used for polyethylene rod), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391610 (the code used for polyethylene rod) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 20% 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 391610, not only polyethylene rod.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $175M 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $91M 15% of world exports
- 3 China $88M 14% of world exports
World total: $622M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $131M 20% of world imports
- 2 Ireland $52M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 United States $50M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $644M 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 polyethylene rod
Brazil classifies polyethylene rod under NCM 3916.10.00: HS 3916.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyethylene rod
What is the HS code for Polyethylene rod?
The HS code for Polyethylene rod is 391610 (Ethylene polymers; monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked). The HS code for solid polyethylene rods is 3916.10.
How do I classify Polyethylene rod for customs?
Polyethylene rod is classified under HS code 391610 — Ethylene polymers; monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are PE welding rods included in 3916.10?
Yes, provided the diameter of the welding rod exceeds 1 mm, it is classified under 3916.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyethylene rod (HS 391610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391610 (the code used for polyethylene rod) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($175M, 28% of world exports), Germany ($91M) and China ($88M). World exports came to about $622M, 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 rod (HS 391610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391610 (the code used for polyethylene rod) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($131M, 20% of world imports), Ireland ($52M) and the United States ($50M). World imports came to about $644M, 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 rod the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391610 for Polyethylene rod 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 rod in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyethylene rod (HS 391610) is classified under NCM 3916.10.00.