Product classification
HS code for Polyethylene terephthalate: 3907.69
Poly(ethylene terephthalate), in primary forms, having a viscosity of less than 78ml/g.
Classification of polyethylene terephthalate under HS 3907.69
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in primary forms is classified under HS code 3907.69 based on its chemical structure and physical properties. Heading 3907 covers polyacetals, other polyethers, and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters, and other polyesters, in primary forms. PET is a polyester. The specific subheading 3907.69 is reserved for PET with a viscosity number of less than 78 ml/g. Primary forms include liquids, pastes, blocks, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms. The classification depends heavily on the technical specification of the polymer's viscosity, which is measured according to ISO 1628-5. If the viscosity exceeds the 78 ml/g threshold, the product would shift to a different subheading. This distinction is crucial for customs purposes as different viscosity grades are used for different industrial applications, such as textile fibers versus bottle-grade resins. The classification follows GRI 1 and 6, focusing on the chemical identity and the specific viscosity metric defined in the HS nomenclature for this specific polyester type.
- Covers
- Low-viscosity PET resin
- PET granules for textile applications
- PET flakes in primary form
- Amorphous PET pellets
- PET powder for industrial coatings
- Also under 3907.69
- Indorama Ventures PET
- Lotte Chemical PET
- Sinopec PET
- Eastman PET
- Reliance Industries PET
Codes often confused with 3907.69
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3907.61, which is for PET with a viscosity number of 78 ml/g or higher. This higher viscosity PET is typically "bottle-grade" used for carbonated soft drink containers. Importers must provide laboratory test reports to justify using 3907.69. Additionally, PET in the form of waste or scrap should be classified under 3915.90, not 3907. If the PET has been processed into sheets or film, it moves to 3920.62. Confusing primary forms with semi-finished products is a common compliance error that leads to incorrect duty payments.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390769 (the code used for polyethylene terephthalate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390769 (the code used for polyethylene terephthalate) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 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 390769, not only polyethylene terephthalate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.2B 28% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $537M 12% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $250M 5.6% of world exports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vietnam* ~$488M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 United States $432M 9.7% of world imports
- 3 China $267M 6.0% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 code for polyethylene terephthalate
Brazil classifies polyethylene terephthalate under NCM 3907.69.00: HS 3907.69 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyethylene terephthalate
What is the HS code for Polyethylene terephthalate?
The HS code for Polyethylene terephthalate is 390769 (Poly(ethylene terephthalate); in primary forms, having a viscosity of less than 78ml/g). For PET in primary forms with a viscosity of less than 78 ml/g, the HS code is 3907.69.
How do I classify Polyethylene terephthalate for customs?
Polyethylene terephthalate is classified under HS code 390769 — Poly(ethylene terephthalate); in primary forms, having a viscosity of less than 78ml/g. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the viscosity of PET measured for classification?
It is typically measured in a solution of phenol and 1,2-dichlorobenzene (60/40 by weight) at 25 degrees Celsius, following the ISO 1628-5 standard.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyethylene terephthalate (HS 390769)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390769 (the code used for polyethylene terephthalate) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 28% of world exports), South Korea ($537M) and Belgium ($250M). World exports came to about $4.4B, 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 terephthalate (HS 390769)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390769 (the code used for polyethylene terephthalate) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $488M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($432M) and China ($267M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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.
Is the HS code for Polyethylene terephthalate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390769 for Polyethylene terephthalate 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 terephthalate in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyethylene terephthalate (HS 390769) is classified under NCM 3907.69.00.