Product classification
HS code for Polypropylene: 3902.30
Propylene, other olefin polymers, propylene copolymers in primary forms.
Classification of polypropylene under HS 3902.30
Polypropylene copolymers are classified under HS code 3902.30. This code is part of the broader heading 3902, which encompasses polymers of propylene or other olefins in primary forms. The distinction for 3902.30 lies in the fact that the material is a copolymer rather than a homopolymer. In chemical terms, a copolymer is formed when two or more different types of monomers are polymerized together. For this specific HS code, propylene must be the predominant monomer by weight compared to any other single comonomer. These copolymers are often engineered to have specific physical properties, such as increased impact resistance, improved clarity, or lower melting points, which differ from standard polypropylene homopolymers (classified under 3902.10). The classification requires the product to be in a primary form, such as pellets, granules, or flakes, intended for further processing via injection molding, extrusion, or other plastic fabrication techniques. Accurate classification depends on laboratory analysis or technical data sheets confirming the copolymeric nature of the resin and the percentage of propylene content relative to other monomers like ethylene.
- Covers
- Propylene-ethylene copolymers
- Random copolymer polypropylene (PPR)
- Impact copolymer polypropylene
- Propylene-based plastomers
- Propylene-based elastomers in primary form
- Also under 3902.30
- LyondellBasell HCPP
- Borealis BorPPR
- ExxonMobil Exxpol
- SABIC PP copolymer
- TotalEnergies PP copolymer
Codes often confused with 3902.30
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is using HS code 3902.10, which is exclusively for polypropylene homopolymers. Importers often fail to distinguish between a pure polymer and a copolymer. Another error involves HS code 3901, which is for ethylene polymers; if ethylene is the predominant monomer by weight, the product must be moved to Chapter 3901, even if it contains propylene. Finally, chemically modified polypropylene may sometimes be incorrectly placed here instead of 3902.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390230 (the code used for polypropylene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390230 (the code used for polypropylene) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 10% 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 390230, not only polypropylene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $1.5B 11% of world exports
- 2 Singapore $1.5B 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.4B 10% of world exports
World total: $13.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.5B 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 8.6% of world imports
- 3 Italy $933M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $14.7B 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 code for polypropylene
Brazil classifies polypropylene under NCM 3902.30.00: HS 3902.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polypropylene
What is the HS code for Polypropylene?
The HS code for Polypropylene is 390230 (Propylene, other olefin polymers; propylene copolymers in primary forms).
How do I classify Polypropylene for customs?
Polypropylene is classified under HS code 390230 — Propylene, other olefin polymers; propylene copolymers in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for polypropylene copolymers?
The HS code for propylene copolymers in primary forms is 3902.30.
How do I distinguish between 3902.10 and 3902.30?
Check the technical specifications; if the resin contains only propylene monomers, use 3902.10. If it contains propylene and another monomer (like ethylene) as a copolymer, use 3902.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of polypropylene (HS 390230)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390230 (the code used for polypropylene) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($1.5B, 11% of world exports), Singapore ($1.5B) and the United States ($1.4B). World exports came to about $13.7B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of polypropylene (HS 390230)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390230 (the code used for polypropylene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 10% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and Italy ($933M). World imports came to about $14.7B, 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 Polypropylene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390230 for Polypropylene 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 polypropylene in Brazil?
In Brazil, polypropylene (HS 390230) is classified under NCM 3902.30.00.