Product classification
HS code for Recycled plastic: 3915.90
Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915, waste, parings and scrap.
Classification of recycled plastic under HS 3915.90
Recycled plastic in the form of waste, parings, and scrap is classified under HS code 391590. This code is a residual category for plastics that are not specifically named in the other sub-headings of 3915, such as polymers of ethylene, styrene, or vinyl chloride. Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System covers plastics and articles thereof, and heading 3915 is dedicated to waste and scrap. To be classified here, the material must be in a form that is not usable as a finished product; it must be scrap resulting from manufacturing or articles that are broken or worn out. The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere classified) nature of 391590 makes it the standard code for a wide variety of engineering plastics, including PET, polycarbonate, and polyamides (nylon), when they are in a scrap state. This classification is vital for the global trade of recyclable materials, allowing customs to monitor the flow of plastic waste intended for reprocessing or energy recovery.
- Covers
- PET bottle scrap
- Polycarbonate waste
- Nylon (polyamide) scrap
- Mixed plastic waste
- Acrylic (PMMA) scrap
- Polyurethane waste
- Also under 3915.90
- Recycled PET flakes from Coca-Cola bottles
- HDPE regrind from milk jugs
- PVC window profile offcuts
- Automotive bumper scrap (mixed plastics)
Codes often confused with 3915.90
Common mistake. A common error is classifying recycled plastic under HS code 391510, which is strictly for polymers of ethylene (like HDPE or LDPE). Another frequent mistake is using the codes for primary forms, such as 3901 through 3914. If the plastic has been reprocessed into pellets or granules, it is no longer considered "waste or scrap" and must be classified as a primary form under the respective polymer heading. For example, recycled PET pellets should be classified under 390761 or 390769 rather than 391590.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391590 (the code used for recycled plastic), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391590 (the code used for recycled plastic) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 8.9% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 391590, not only recycled plastic.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $135M 8.9% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $119M 7.8% of world exports
- 3 United States $118M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $136M 10% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $104M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Germany $89M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 recycled plastic
Brazil classifies recycled plastic under NCM 3915.90.00: HS 3915.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about recycled plastic
What is the HS code for Recycled plastic?
The HS code for Recycled plastic is 391590 (Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915; waste, parings and scrap). The HS code for miscellaneous plastic waste and scrap is 391590.
How do I classify Recycled plastic for customs?
Recycled plastic is classified under HS code 391590 — Plastics n.e.c. in heading no. 3915; waste, parings and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
When should I use 391590 instead of 391510?
Use 391590 for plastics like PET or Nylon; use 391510 only for ethylene-based plastics like PE bags or jugs.
Which countries are the top exporters of recycled plastic (HS 391590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391590 (the code used for recycled plastic) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($135M, 8.9% of world exports), the Netherlands ($119M) and the United States ($118M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 recycled plastic (HS 391590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391590 (the code used for recycled plastic) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($136M, 10% of world imports), the Netherlands ($104M) and Germany ($89M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Recycled plastic the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391590 for Recycled plastic 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 recycled plastic in Brazil?
In Brazil, recycled plastic (HS 391590) is classified under NCM 3915.90.00.