Product classification
HS code for PS waste: 3915.20
Styrene polymers, waste, parings and scrap.
Classification of PS waste under HS 3915.20
Polystyrene (PS) waste, parings, and scrap are classified under HS code 391520. This classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically focusing on the material composition and the physical state of the product. Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and heading 3915 is specifically designated for waste, parings, and scrap of plastics. Subheading 391520 is reserved for polymers of styrene. For a product to fall under this code, it must be in a form that is only fit for the recovery of the plastic or for use as waste. This includes manufacturing residues, broken articles, or scrap resulting from the use of PS products. If the waste has been processed into primary forms such as pellets, granules, or flakes for use as raw material in a new manufacturing process, it may be reclassified under heading 3903, provided it meets the specifications for primary forms. The distinction between waste and primary forms is critical for customs compliance and environmental regulations.
- Covers
- Broken polystyrene packaging materials
- Industrial trimmings from PS sheet production
- Scrap expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks
- Worn-out polystyrene consumer goods unfit for use
- Manufacturing parings from styrene polymer fabrication
- Also under 3915.20
- Recycled PS pellets
- Recycled EPS foam
- Post-consumer PS waste
- HIPS regrind
- PS plastic bales
Codes often confused with 3915.20
Common mistake. A frequent error involves misclassifying PS waste under HS code 3903, which covers polymers of styrene in primary forms. While recycled PS pellets may look like waste, if they have been processed into a standardized primary form for manufacturing, they belong in 3903. Additionally, 391590 is often used incorrectly; this code is for "other" plastic waste, whereas 391520 is specific to styrene polymers. Using the general code when a specific one exists can lead to delays.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391520 (the code used for PS waste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391520 (the code used for PS waste) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 22% 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 391520, not only PS waste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $43M 21% of world exports
- 2 Japan $39M 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $22M 11% of world exports
World total: $206M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $32M 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $14M 9.9% of world imports
- 3 Czechia $14M 9.6% of world imports
World total: $145M 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 code for PS waste
Brazil classifies PS waste under NCM 3915.20.00: HS 3915.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PS waste
What is the HS code for PS waste?
The HS code for PS waste is 391520 (Styrene polymers; waste, parings and scrap). The HS code for PS waste, parings, and scrap is 391520, which specifically covers polymers of styrene.
How do I classify PS waste for customs?
PS waste is classified under HS code 391520 — Styrene polymers; waste, parings and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can cleaned and shredded PS be classified here?
Yes, as long as the shredding is intended for recycling or disposal and the material has not been converted into a primary form like pellets or granules.
Which countries are the top exporters of PS waste (HS 391520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391520 (the code used for PS waste) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($43M, 21% of world exports), Japan ($39M) and the United States ($22M). World exports came to about $206M, 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 PS waste (HS 391520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391520 (the code used for PS waste) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($32M, 22% of world imports), Germany ($14M) and Czechia ($14M). World imports came to about $145M, 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 PS waste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391520 for PS waste 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 PS waste in Brazil?
In Brazil, PS waste (HS 391520) is classified under NCM 3915.20.00.