Product classification
HS code for Polyolefin: 3902.90
Propylene, other olefin polymers, n.e.c. in heading no. 3902, in primary forms.
Classification of polyolefin under HS 3902.90
Polyolefin in primary forms is classified under HS code 3902.90. This classification falls within Chapter 39, which covers plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3902 specifically addresses polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in primary forms. The term \"primary forms\" refers to liquids and pastes, including dispersions and solutions, or blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms. While 3902.10 covers polypropylene and 3902.20 covers polyisobutylene, the subheading 3902.90 is the residual category for other olefin polymers that do not meet the specific criteria of the preceding subheadings. This includes various specialized polyolefins used in industrial manufacturing, such as certain types of polybutylene or other alpha-olefin polymers. The classification is driven by the chemical structure of the polymer chain, specifically the presence of olefin monomers. To be classified here, the polyolefin must be in its raw, unworked state, intended for use as a raw material in the production of plastic goods. If the material has been further processed into sheets, tubes, or finished articles, it would move to different headings within Chapter 39.
- Covers
- Polybut-1-ene in granules
- Polyisobutylene (if not meeting 3902.20 specs)
- Copolymers of other olefins where propylene is not dominant
- Alpha-olefin polymers in powder form
- Liquid polyolefins meeting primary form definitions
- Also under 3902.90
- Mitsui APEL (COC)
- Ticona TOPAS (COC)
- Lanxess Keltan (EPDM)
- BASF Oppanol (Polyisobutylene)
- Braskem Polybutene-1
Codes often confused with 3902.90
Common mistake. Polyolefins are often misclassified under 3901.10 or 3901.20, which are reserved specifically for polymers of ethylene (polyethylene). Another common error is using 3902.10 for all propylene-based plastics; however, 3902.10 is strictly for polypropylene homopolymers. If the substance is a copolymer or a different olefin entirely, 3902.90 is often the correct destination. Additionally, if the polyolefin is in the form of a finished film, it must be classified under 3920 or 3921.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390290 (the code used for polyolefin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390290 (the code used for polyolefin) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 390290, not only polyolefin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $550M 18% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $305M 10% of world exports
- 3 Germany $304M 10% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $743M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $314M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $176M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $3.3B 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 polyolefin
Brazil classifies polyolefin under NCM 3902.90.00: HS 3902.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyolefin
What is the HS code for Polyolefin?
The HS code for Polyolefin is 390290 (Propylene, other olefin polymers; n.e.c. in heading no. 3902, in primary forms). Polyolefin in primary forms, other than polyethylene or polypropylene homopolymers, is classified under HS code 3902.90.
How do I classify Polyolefin for customs?
Polyolefin is classified under HS code 390290 — Propylene, other olefin polymers; n.e.c. in heading no. 3902, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include polyolefin shrink film?
No, polyolefin shrink film is a finished plastic article and is typically classified under heading 3920, depending on its thickness and structure.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyolefin (HS 390290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390290 (the code used for polyolefin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($550M, 18% of world exports), Belgium ($305M) and Germany ($304M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 polyolefin (HS 390290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390290 (the code used for polyolefin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($743M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($314M) and the United States ($176M). World imports came to about $3.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Polyolefin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390290 for Polyolefin 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 polyolefin in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyolefin (HS 390290) is classified under NCM 3902.90.00.