Product classification

HS code for Polylactic acid: 3907.70

Poly(lactic acid), in primary forms.

Classification of polylactic acid under HS 3907.70

Polylactic acid (PLA) is classified under HS code 3907.70 as a polyester in primary form. Heading 3907 encompasses various polymers, including polyacetals and polyesters. PLA is a biodegradable thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources like corn starch or sugarcane. Under the Harmonized System, primary forms are defined as liquids and pastes, including dispersions and solutions, or blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms. As a specific type of polyester, PLA was granted its own subheading (3907.70) to facilitate better tracking of bio-based plastics in international trade. The classification is straightforward for the raw resin; however, once the PLA is processed into finished goods like cups, cutlery, or 3D printer filaments, the classification moves to other headings within Chapter 39 or elsewhere depending on the final product's function. The inclusion of PLA in 3907 reflects its chemical nature as a poly(lactic acid) polymer, regardless of its biodegradable properties, which are not a primary factor for heading-level classification in Chapter 39.

Covers
  • PLA resin pellets
  • Polylactic acid granules
  • PLA powder
  • Liquid PLA dispersions
  • Biodegradable polyester resin in primary forms
Also under 3907.70
  • NatureWorks Ingeo PLA
  • TotalEnergies Corbion PLA
  • Futerro PLA
  • Synbra PLA
  • Zhejiang Hisun Biomaterials PLA

Codes often confused with 3907.70

Common mistake. PLA is often misclassified under 3913.90, which covers "other" natural polymers. While PLA is bio-derived, it is a synthetic polymer produced through the polymerization of lactic acid, placing it firmly in 3907. Another common error is using 3920.99 for PLA film; while 3920 is for sheets/films, the primary resin must stay in 3907.70. Furthermore, 3D printing filaments made of PLA are frequently misclassified here, but they should actually be under 3916.90 as monofilaments with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1mm. Misunderstanding the difference between a natural polymer and a synthetic polymer from natural sources is the main cause of error.

3913.90Polymers, natural and modified natural; in primary forms (excluding alginic acid, its salts and esters)39.07Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms3920.99Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3920, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials39.20Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive); non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, n.e.c. in chapter 393916.90Plastics; monofilament, of plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3916, cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked

Top exporters and importers of HS 390770 (the code used for polylactic acid), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390770 (the code used for polylactic acid) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, 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 390770, not only polylactic acid.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $180M
  2. 2 Netherlands $131M
  3. 3 Thailand $125M

World total: $525M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $127M
  2. 2 Netherlands $80M
  3. 3 Italy $50M

World total: $548M 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 polylactic acid

Brazil classifies polylactic acid under NCM 3907.70.00: HS 3907.70 with 00 added.

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

Questions about polylactic acid

What is the HS code for Polylactic acid?

The HS code for Polylactic acid is 390770 (Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms). The HS code for Polylactic acid (PLA) in primary forms is 3907.70.

How do I classify Polylactic acid for customs?

Polylactic acid is classified under HS code 390770 — Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is PLA considered a natural polymer for customs?

No, for customs purposes, PLA is considered a synthetic polymer because it is produced through chemical polymerization, even though the monomer is derived from natural sources.

Which countries are the top exporters of polylactic acid (HS 390770)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390770 (the code used for polylactic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($180M, 34% of world exports), the Netherlands ($131M) and Thailand ($125M). World exports came to about $525M, 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 polylactic acid (HS 390770)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390770 (the code used for polylactic acid) in UN Comtrade data were China ($127M, 23% of world imports), the Netherlands ($80M) and Italy ($50M). World imports came to about $548M, 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 Polylactic acid the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390770 for Polylactic acid 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 polylactic acid in Brazil?

In Brazil, polylactic acid (HS 390770) is classified under NCM 3907.70.00.