Product classification
HS code for PVC rod: 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 rod under HS 3916.20
PVC rods are classified under HS code 3916.20, which covers monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks, and profile shapes of polymers of vinyl chloride. This classification is determined by the physical form of the plastic and its chemical base. Heading 3916 is intended for plastic products that have a uniform cross-section throughout their length and have not been further worked than surface-worked. Because these rods are solid and made from vinyl chloride polymers, they fall specifically into the 3916.20 category. This distinguishes them from tubes (which are hollow) and from finished articles that might have been cut to specific lengths or drilled, which could potentially move the classification to Chapter 3926 or other specific headings depending on the final use. The uniformity of the cross-section is the defining characteristic for 3916.
- Covers
- Solid PVC round rods
- PVC welding rods
- PVC square and rectangular bars
- PVC profile shapes for window frames (not further worked)
- PVC sticks for industrial machining
- 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 rods are often confused with PVC pipes (HS code 3917.23). The distinction lies in the fact that rods are solid, while pipes are hollow. Another common misclassification is HS code 3925.20, which covers doors, windows, and their frames; if a PVC profile has been further worked or assembled into a frame, it moves from 3916.20 to 3925.20. Finally, small monofilaments with a dimension of 1mm or less are classified in 3904 rather than 3916.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391620 (the code used for PVC rod), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391620 (the code used for PVC rod) 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 rod.
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 rod
Brazil classifies PVC rod 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 rod
What is the HS code for PVC rod?
The HS code for PVC rod 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 HS code for PVC rods and profile shapes made of vinyl chloride polymers is 3916.20.
How do I classify PVC rod for customs?
PVC rod 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 hollow profiles be classified under 3916.20?
Generally, no. Hollow profiles are typically classified as tubes or pipes under heading 3917 unless they are specifically designed as structural profile shapes.
Which countries are the top exporters of PVC rod (HS 391620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391620 (the code used for PVC rod) 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 rod (HS 391620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391620 (the code used for PVC rod) 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 rod the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391620 for PVC rod 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 rod in Brazil?
In Brazil, PVC rod (HS 391620) is classified under NCM 3916.20.00.