Product classification
HS code for Polyvinylidene chloride: 3904.50
Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers, vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms.
Classification of polyvinylidene chloride under HS 3904.50
Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) is classified under HS code 3904.50. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically Rule 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3904 specifically addresses polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms. Within this heading, subheading 3904.50 is reserved for vinylidene chloride polymers. The term "primary forms" is strictly defined in Note 6 to Chapter 39, referring to liquids and pastes (including dispersions and solutions), or blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms. PVDC is a synthetic resin produced by the polymerization of vinylidene chloride. It is highly valued in industrial applications for its exceptional barrier properties against water, oxygen, and aromas. To be classified here, the polymer must contain at least 95% by weight of vinylidene chloride monomer units, or it must be a copolymer where vinylidene chloride is the predominant monomer compared to other halogenated olefins. This technical distinction is vital for customs compliance and ensuring the correct duty rates are applied during international transit.
- Covers
- PVDC resins in powder form
- PVDC aqueous dispersions used for coating
- PVDC granules for extrusion and molding
- Vinylidene chloride-vinyl chloride copolymers (predominantly vinylidene)
- PVDC emulsions for industrial applications
- Also under 3904.50
- Dow Saran
- Asahi Kasei Saran
- Kureha Kurehalon
- Solvay Solef PVDC
- SK Chemicals PVDC
Codes often confused with 3904.50
Common mistake. HS code 3904.10 (PVC) is often confused with PVDC; however, 3904.10 is specifically for poly(vinyl chloride) not mixed with any other substances. Another common error is using 3920.43, which covers plates, sheets, and film of non-cellular polymers of vinyl chloride. These are finished articles rather than primary forms. Additionally, 3904.61 for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is sometimes used incorrectly for other halogenated polymers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390450 (the code used for polyvinylidene chloride), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390450 (the code used for polyvinylidene chloride) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 72% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 390450, not only polyvinylidene chloride.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $213M 72% of world exports
- 2 Japan $39M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $22M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $295M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $61M 18% of world imports
- 2 India $43M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $37M 11% of world imports
World total: $342M 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 polyvinylidene chloride
Brazil splits HS 3904.50 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3904.50.10PVDC copolymers without emulsifier or plasticiser
- 3904.50.90Other vinylidene chloride polymers
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyvinylidene chloride
What is the HS code for Polyvinylidene chloride?
The HS code for Polyvinylidene chloride is 390450 (Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers; vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms). The HS code for Polyvinylidene chloride in primary forms is 3904.50.
How do I classify Polyvinylidene chloride for customs?
Polyvinylidene chloride is classified under HS code 390450 — Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers; vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is PVDC film classified under 3904.50?
No, PVDC film is a finished article and is typically classified under heading 3920 or 3921, depending on its structure and whether it is reinforced or combined with other materials.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyvinylidene chloride (HS 390450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390450 (the code used for polyvinylidene chloride) in UN Comtrade data were France ($213M, 72% of world exports), Japan ($39M) and China ($22M). World exports came to about $295M, 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 polyvinylidene chloride (HS 390450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390450 (the code used for polyvinylidene chloride) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($61M, 18% of world imports), India ($43M) and Germany ($37M). World imports came to about $342M, 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 Polyvinylidene chloride the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390450 for Polyvinylidene 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 polyvinylidene chloride in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390450 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for polyvinylidene chloride depends on the product's details: 3904.50.10 (PVDC copolymers without emulsifier or plasticiser), 3904.50.90 (Other vinylidene chloride polymers).