Product classification
HS code for Polypropylene foil: 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 foil under HS 3920.20
Polypropylene foil is classified under HS code 3920.20. This classification is part of Chapter 39, which governs plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3920 is reserved for other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics, provided they are non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported, or similarly combined with other materials. The subheading 3920.20 specifically covers products made from polymers of propylene. In the context of the HS, "foil" generally refers to very thin sheets or films, often used for packaging or industrial applications. To qualify for this code, the foil must be "worked" only on the surface (e.g., polished, embossed, or printed) and must not be self-adhesive. If the polypropylene foil were combined with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, it would be reclassified under heading 3919. The distinction between "foil" and "sheet" in this context is often based on thickness, but both are covered under this heading as long as they are not cellular (foam-like) or reinforced with textile or metal layers. This code is widely used for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) films, which are stretched in two directions to improve clarity and strength, provided they are not laminated with other plastics or materials.
- Covers
- Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) film
- Cast Polypropylene (CPP) film
- Non-adhesive polypropylene foil
- Unreinforced polypropylene sheets
- Printed polypropylene packaging film
- 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. The most common misclassification for polypropylene foil is HS code 3919.10 or 3919.90, which covers self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, and foil. If the product has a sticky backing, it must be moved to 3919. Another error involves 3921.90, which is for reinforced or laminated plastics. If the PP foil is bonded to a layer of polyethylene or aluminum, it is no longer classified under 3920.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392020 (the code used for polypropylene foil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392020 (the code used for polypropylene foil) 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 foil.
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 foil
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 foil
What is the HS code for Polypropylene foil?
The HS code for Polypropylene foil 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 polypropylene foil is 3920.20.
How do I classify Polypropylene foil for customs?
Polypropylene foil 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.
Can BOPP film be classified under this code?
Yes, BOPP film is typically classified under 3920.20, provided it is not self-adhesive and has not been laminated with other materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of polypropylene foil (HS 392020)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392020 (the code used for polypropylene foil) 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 foil (HS 392020)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392020 (the code used for polypropylene foil) 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 foil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392020 for Polypropylene foil 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 foil in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 392020 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for polypropylene foil 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).