Product classification
HS code for PVDC resin: 3904.50
Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers, vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms.
Classification of PVDC resin under HS 3904.50
PVDC resin, or polyvinylidene chloride, is classified under HS code 3904.50. This classification falls under Heading 3904, which encompasses polymers of vinyl chloride or other halogenated olefins in primary forms. While PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most common polymer in this heading, PVDC is a distinct chemical entity characterized by the presence of two chlorine atoms on every other carbon atom in the polymer chain. Subheading 3904.50 specifically identifies vinylidene chloride polymers. Like other resins in this chapter, it must be in a primary form—such as powder, granules, or flakes—to qualify for this code. PVDC is highly valued for its exceptional barrier properties against moisture and oxygen, and its specific classification ensures that it is distinguished from standard PVC resins during the customs entry process. This distinction is vital for both regulatory compliance and duty rate application.
- Covers
- PVDC homopolymer resin
- Vinylidene chloride-vinyl chloride copolymers (where PVDC predominates)
- PVDC granules for extrusion
- PVDC aqueous dispersions (primary form)
- PVDC powder for coating 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. PVDC resin is most frequently misclassified as standard PVC resin (HS code 3904.10) due to the similarity in their names and chemical families. Another common error is classifying PVDC film or sheets under this code; however, finished film products should be classified under HS code 3920.49 or 3920.99 depending on the plasticizer content and structure. It is also important not to confuse PVDC with other halogenated polymers like PTFE, which falls under 3904.61.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390450 (the code used for PVDC resin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390450 (the code used for PVDC resin) 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 PVDC resin.
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 PVDC resin
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 PVDC resin
What is the HS code for PVDC resin?
The HS code for PVDC resin is 390450 (Vinyl chloride, other halogenated olefin polymers; vinylidene chloride polymers, in primary forms). The HS code for vinylidene chloride polymers (PVDC) in primary forms is 3904.50.
How do I classify PVDC resin for customs?
PVDC resin 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 this code?
No, HS code 3904.50 is only for the resin in primary forms. PVDC film is typically classified under heading 3920 as a plate, sheet, or film.
Which countries are the top exporters of PVDC resin (HS 390450)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390450 (the code used for PVDC resin) 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 PVDC resin (HS 390450)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390450 (the code used for PVDC resin) 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 PVDC resin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390450 for PVDC resin 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 PVDC resin in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390450 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for PVDC resin depends on the product's details: 3904.50.10 (PVDC copolymers without emulsifier or plasticiser), 3904.50.90 (Other vinylidene chloride polymers).