Product classification
HS code for PVC profile: 3916.20
Vinyl chloride polymers, monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked.
Classification of PVC profile under HS 3916.20
PVC profiles are classified under HS code 3916.20 because they represent semi-finished plastic products made from polymers of vinyl chloride. According to the Harmonized System, heading 3916 covers monofilament with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1mm, rods, sticks, and profile shapes. These items are characterized by having a uniform cross-section throughout their entire length. The classification specifically requires that the profiles are not \"otherwise worked\" beyond surface treatment like polishing, embossing, or coloring. If the profile has been drilled, milled, or further processed into a specific finished component, it may move to a different heading. This code is essential for manufacturers who produce the raw structural shapes used in window frames, door components, and industrial trim before they are cut to size or assembled into final products. The material composition must be predominantly vinyl chloride polymers to qualify for this specific subheading. Under General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 39 Note 8 clarifies that 'profile shapes' are those which have a cross-section other than round, square, or rectangular, and which have not been further worked than surface-worked.
- Covers
- Rigid PVC extrusions for window frames
- Flexible PVC gaskets in continuous lengths
- U-shaped and L-shaped PVC trim profiles
- PVC decorative molding strips (not cut to size)
- Solid PVC rods and sticks
- Also under 3916.20
- Deceuninck PVC window frames (profiles)
- Wavin PVC pipe fittings (stock shapes)
- Vinyl siding trim pieces
- PVC electrical conduit profiles
Codes often confused with 3916.20
Common mistake. PVC profiles are frequently confused with HS code 3917, which covers tubes, pipes, and hoses. The distinction lies in the function; 3917 is for products intended for the conduction of gases or liquids, whereas 3916 is for structural shapes. Another common error is using 3925.20 or 3925.30, which are for finished builders' ware. If a profile is cut to a specific length and drilled for assembly into a window, it is no longer a profile under 3916 but a part of a window under 3925.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391620 (the code used for PVC profile), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391620 (the code used for PVC profile) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% 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 391620, not only PVC profile.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.3B 32% of world exports
- 2 Poland $459M 11% of world exports
- 3 Canada $418M 10% of world exports
World total: $4.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $508M 13% of world imports
- 2 Italy $269M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Poland $231M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $3.9B 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 PVC profile
Brazil classifies PVC profile under NCM 3916.20.00: HS 3916.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PVC profile
What is the HS code for PVC profile?
The HS code for PVC profile is 391620 (Vinyl chloride polymers; monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked). The standard HS code for profiles made of polymers of vinyl chloride is 3916.20.
How do I classify PVC profile for customs?
PVC profile is classified under HS code 391620 — Vinyl chloride polymers; monofilament, of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a hollow PVC shape be classified here?
Yes, provided it has a uniform cross-section and is not specifically designed for the conduction of fluids, which would otherwise place it in heading 3917.
Which countries are the top exporters of PVC profile (HS 391620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391620 (the code used for PVC profile) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.3B, 32% of world exports), Poland ($459M) and Canada ($418M). World exports came to about $4.0B, 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 PVC profile (HS 391620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391620 (the code used for PVC profile) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($508M, 13% of world imports), Italy ($269M) and Poland ($231M). World imports came to about $3.9B, 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 PVC profile the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391620 for PVC profile 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 PVC profile in Brazil?
In Brazil, PVC profile (HS 391620) is classified under NCM 3916.20.00.