Product classification
HS code for Polystyrene: 3903.19
Styrene polymers, (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms.
Classification of polystyrene under HS 3903.19
Polystyrene in its raw, unprocessed state is classified under HS code 390319. This classification falls under Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, which governs plastics and articles thereof. Specifically, heading 3903 covers polymers of styrene in primary forms. Note 6 to Chapter 39 defines "primary forms" as liquids and pastes (including dispersions and solutions) or blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms. HS code 390319 is a residual category for polystyrene that is not "expansible." Expansible polystyrene contains blowing agents for foam production and has its own specific code. Therefore, 390319 is used for General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) and High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) when they are imported or exported as resins, pellets, or granules for injection molding or extrusion processes.
- Covers
- General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) pellets
- High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) granules
- Polystyrene resin in primary powder form
- Styrene polymer lumps and irregular blocks
- Non-expansible polystyrene beads for industrial molding
- Also under 3903.19
- INEOS Styrolution GPPS
- Trinseo HIPS
- SABIC PS
- LG Chem PS
- Chi Mei Polylac PS
Codes often confused with 3903.19
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 390311, which is reserved for expansible polystyrene. Expansible polystyrene contains chemicals that allow it to expand into foam when heated, whereas 390319 is for solid, non-foaming resins. Another error involves HS code 390320, which covers Styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers. While SAN contains styrene, it is a chemically distinct copolymer. Furthermore, finished polystyrene articles, such as plastic cutlery or boxes, must be classified in headings 3921 through 3926 depending on their use, rather than the primary form code 390319.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390319 (the code used for polystyrene), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390319 (the code used for polystyrene) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($112M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 25% of its imports here ($51M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 390319, not only polystyrene.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $429M 13% of world exports
- 2 France $326M 9.5% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$315M 9.2% of world exports · partner records ↗
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($112M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $3.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $456M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $249M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Italy $184M 4.5% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 25% of its imports here ($51M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $4.1B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 polystyrene
Brazil classifies polystyrene under NCM 3903.19.00: HS 3903.19 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polystyrene
What is the HS code for Polystyrene?
The HS code for Polystyrene is 390319 (Styrene polymers; (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms). The HS code for non-expansible polystyrene in primary forms (like pellets or granules) is 390319.
How do I classify Polystyrene for customs?
Polystyrene is classified under HS code 390319 — Styrene polymers; (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is HIPS classified under the same code as GPPS?
Yes, both High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) and General Purpose Polystyrene (GPPS) are classified under HS code 390319, provided they are in primary forms and are not expansible.
Which countries are the top exporters of polystyrene (HS 390319)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390319 (the code used for polystyrene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($429M, 13% of world exports), France ($326M) and Taiwan (about $315M). World exports came to about $3.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($112M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of polystyrene (HS 390319)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390319 (the code used for polystyrene) in UN Comtrade data were China ($456M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($249M) and Italy ($184M). World imports came to about $4.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 25% of its imports here ($51M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Polystyrene the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390319 for Polystyrene 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 polystyrene in Brazil?
In Brazil, polystyrene (HS 390319) is classified under NCM 3903.19.00.