Product classification
HS code for PVC scrap: 3915.30
Vinyl chloride polymers, waste, parings and scrap.
Classification of PVC scrap under HS 3915.30
PVC scrap is classified under HS code 3915.30, which is the designated category for waste, parings, and scrap of polymers of vinyl chloride. Chapter 39, Heading 3915, is specifically designed to capture plastic materials that are no longer usable for their original purpose or are residues from manufacturing processes. This includes production rejects, off-cuts, and worn-out articles. The classification 3915.30 is used when the scrap is predominantly composed of vinyl chloride polymers. It is important to note that for a product to be classified here, it must be intended for the recovery of chemicals or for reprocessing into new materials. This classification helps environmental and customs authorities track the movement of plastic waste and ensures that recycling materials are handled according to international trade regulations. The material must be in a state that requires significant reprocessing to be useful again.
- Covers
- PVC pipe off-cuts from construction sites
- Broken or rejected PVC profiles
- Reground PVC plastic waste
- Scrap PVC film and sheets
- Worn-out PVC consumer goods intended for recycling
- Also under 3915.30
- Recovinyl (industry initiative)
- Veolia (waste management)
- Suez (waste management)
- local PVC recyclers
- Ecore (recycled flooring)
Codes often confused with 3915.30
Common mistake. PVC scrap is sometimes misclassified as PVC resin (HS code 3904.10) if it has been reground into a fine powder. However, if the material originates from waste, it must remain in 3915.30. Another error is using HS code 3825.10, which is for municipal waste; plastic scrap that is sorted and consists of a single polymer type like PVC must stay within Chapter 39. Additionally, scrap of other plastics like polyethylene (3915.10) or polystyrene (3915.20) must be carefully distinguished.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391530 (the code used for PVC scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391530 (the code used for PVC scrap) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% 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 391530, not only PVC scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $12M 18% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $8.9M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $4.8M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $71M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $17M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $9.9M 11% of world imports
- 3 Poland $9.6M 10% of world imports
World total: $94M 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 scrap
Brazil classifies PVC scrap under NCM 3915.30.00: HS 3915.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PVC scrap
What is the HS code for PVC scrap?
The HS code for PVC scrap is 391530 (Vinyl chloride polymers; waste, parings and scrap). The HS code for waste, parings, and scrap of polymers of vinyl chloride is 3915.30.
How do I classify PVC scrap for customs?
PVC scrap is classified under HS code 391530 — Vinyl chloride polymers; waste, parings and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include used PVC floor coverings?
Yes, if the floor coverings are being shipped as waste or scrap for the purpose of recycling or material recovery, they fall under 3915.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of PVC scrap (HS 391530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391530 (the code used for PVC scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($12M, 18% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($8.9M) and Germany ($4.8M). World exports came to about $71M, 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 scrap (HS 391530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391530 (the code used for PVC scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($9.9M) and Poland ($9.6M). World imports came to about $94M, 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 scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391530 for PVC scrap 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 scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, PVC scrap (HS 391530) is classified under NCM 3915.30.00.