Product classification
HS code for Polypropylene film: 3920.20
Plastics, of polymers of propylene, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials.
Classification of polypropylene film under HS 3920.20
Polypropylene film is classified under HS code 3920.20. This classification is governed by the notes in Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, which covers plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3920 is specifically for plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics that are non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported, or similarly combined with other materials. Since polypropylene is a polymer of propylene, it is categorized under the 3920.20 subheading. The film must be "unworked" or worked only on the surface (such as being polished, embossed, or printed) to remain within this heading. If the film has been further processed or combined with other materials, it would fall under heading 3921. This classification is critical for the packaging industry, as it covers a wide range of clear and opaque films used in food wrapping, labeling, and industrial protection that do not possess adhesive properties.
- Covers
- Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film
- Cast Polypropylene (CPP) film
- Clear polypropylene wrapping sheets
- Non-adhesive polypropylene foil
- Printed polypropylene film for packaging
- Also under 3920.20
- Snack food packaging film (BOPP)
- clear plastic report covers
- disposable face shield visors (PP sheet)
- capacitor film
- certain types of clear plastic containers
Codes often confused with 3920.20
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3919.20, which is used for self-adhesive polypropylene plates, sheets, or film. If the film has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, it must be moved to 3919. Another common error involves HS code 3921.90, which applies to films that are cellular (foamed) or reinforced with textile or metal layers. Furthermore, if the film is converted into finished bags, it should be classified under 3923.21 rather than 3920.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392020 (the code used for polypropylene film), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392020 (the code used for polypropylene film) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.4% 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 392020, not only polypropylene film.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.5B 13% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.2B 10% of world exports
- 3 Italy $863M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $11.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $1.1B 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $897M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Italy $666M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $11.8B 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 codes for polypropylene film
Brazil splits HS 3920.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3920.20.11Metallised BOPP film, max 12.5 cm wide, max 10 µm
- 3920.20.12Rough-surface dielectric BOPP film, max 13 µm
- 3920.20.19Other biaxially oriented propylene polymer film
- 3920.20.90Non-biaxially oriented propylene polymer sheets
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polypropylene film
What is the HS code for Polypropylene film?
The HS code for Polypropylene film is 392020 (Plastics; of polymers of propylene, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials). The HS code for non-adhesive, non-cellular, and non-reinforced polypropylene film is 3920.20.
How do I classify Polypropylene film for customs?
Polypropylene film is classified under HS code 392020 — Plastics; of polymers of propylene, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is BOPP film classified under 3920.20?
Yes, Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film is typically classified under 3920.20 as long as it is not self-adhesive or laminated with other materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of polypropylene film (HS 392020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392020 (the code used for polypropylene film) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.5B, 13% of world exports), Germany ($1.2B) and Italy ($863M). World exports came to about $11.8B, 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 film (HS 392020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392020 (the code used for polypropylene film) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.1B, 9.4% of world imports), Germany ($897M) and Italy ($666M). World imports came to about $11.8B, 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 film the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392020 for Polypropylene film 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 film in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 392020 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for polypropylene film depends on the product's details: 3920.20.11 (Metallised BOPP film, max 12.5 cm wide, max 10 µm), 3920.20.12 (Rough-surface dielectric BOPP film, max 13 µm), 3920.20.19 (Other biaxially oriented propylene polymer film), 3920.20.90 (Non-biaxially oriented propylene polymer sheets).