Product classification

HS code for Polyvinyl chloride: 3904.10

Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers, poly(vinyl chloride), not mixed with any other substances, in primary forms.

Classification of polyvinyl chloride under HS 3904.10

HS code 3904.10 applies to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) in primary forms, provided it is not mixed with any other substances. This is the classification for \"pure\" or \"virgin\" PVC resin. PVC is a synthetic plastic polymer made from the polymerization of vinyl chloride monomers. In the global trade of plastics, the distinction between unmixed and mixed polymers is crucial. Note 4 to Chapter 39 explains how to classify polymers and copolymers, but for 3904.10, the focus is on the absence of additives like plasticizers, fillers, or flame retardants that would transform the resin into a \"compound.\" Pure PVC resin usually appears as a white powder or granules. It is the base material used to create a vast array of products, from rigid pipes to flexible medical tubing. However, once the resin is mixed with other ingredients to prepare it for a specific manufacturing process, it moves to subheadings 3904.21 (non-plasticized mixed) or 3904.22 (plasticized mixed). Therefore, 3904.10 is strictly for the raw, unadulterated polymer. The classification requires laboratory analysis to ensure that no plasticizers or other additives are present. This code is essential for tracking the trade of raw plastic feedstocks versus processed plastic compounds, which often carry different environmental regulations and import duties.

Covers
  • PVC suspension resin
  • PVC emulsion resin
  • Unmixed PVC powder
  • Virgin PVC granules (without additives)
  • Mass-polymerized PVC
Also under 3904.10
  • Shin-Etsu PVC
  • OxyVinyls PVC
  • Formosa Plastics PVC
  • Vinnolit PVC
  • Shintech PVC

Codes often confused with 3904.10

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with 3904.21 and 3904.22. These codes are for PVC that has been mixed with plasticizers or other substances. If the PVC is in the form of a finished product, such as a pipe or a profile, it must be classified in headings 3917 or 3916, respectively. 3904.10 is only for the raw material in primary form.

3904.21Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers; non-plasticised poly(vinyl chloride), in primary forms, mixed with other substances3904.22Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers; plasticised poly(vinyl chloride), in primary forms, mixed with other substances39.17Tubes, pipes and hoses and fittings thereof (for example, joints, elbows, flanges), of plastics39.16Monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked, of plastics

Top exporters and importers of HS 390410 (the code used for polyvinyl chloride), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390410 (the code used for polyvinyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 18% 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 29% of its imports here ($222M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 390410, not only polyvinyl chloride.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $2.6B
  2. 2 China $2.5B
  3. 3 Germany $873M

World total: $11.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $2.2B
  2. 2 Türkiye $801M
  3. 3 Italy $639M

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 29% of its imports here ($222M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

World total: $12.5B 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 polyvinyl chloride

Brazil splits HS 3904.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about polyvinyl chloride

What is the HS code for Polyvinyl chloride?

The HS code for Polyvinyl chloride is 390410 (Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers; poly(vinyl chloride), not mixed with any other substances, in primary forms). The HS code for unmixed poly(vinyl chloride) in primary forms is 3904.10.

How do I classify Polyvinyl chloride for customs?

Polyvinyl chloride is classified under HS code 390410 — Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers; poly(vinyl chloride), not mixed with any other substances, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does 3904.10 include PVC compounds?

No, PVC compounds (PVC mixed with plasticizers or other additives) are classified under 3904.21 or 3904.22.

Which countries are the top exporters of polyvinyl chloride (HS 390410)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390410 (the code used for polyvinyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.6B, 22% of world exports), China ($2.5B) and Germany ($873M). World exports came to about $11.4B, 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 polyvinyl chloride (HS 390410)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390410 (the code used for polyvinyl chloride) in UN Comtrade data were India ($2.2B, 18% of world imports), Türkiye ($801M) and Italy ($639M). World imports came to about $12.5B, 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 29% of its imports here ($222M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.

Is the HS code for Polyvinyl chloride the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390410 for Polyvinyl chloride 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 polyvinyl chloride in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 390410 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for polyvinyl chloride depends on the product's details: 3904.10.10 (Unmixed PVC, suspension process), 3904.10.20 (Unmixed PVC, emulsion process), 3904.10.90 (Other unmixed PVC, not suspension or emulsion).