Product classification
HS code for Rigid PE tubing: 3917.21
Plastics, tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene.
Classification of rigid PE tubing under HS 3917.21
Rigid PE tubing is classified under HS code 3917.21 because it falls within Chapter 39 for plastics and Heading 3917, which specifically covers tubes, pipes, and hoses. The classification is further refined by the material composition and structural rigidity. According to Note 8 to Chapter 39, "tubes, pipes and hoses" means hollow products, whether semi-manufactures or finished products, of a kind generally used for conveying, conducting or distributing gases or liquids. For a product to be classified as "rigid" under subheadings 3917.21 through 3917.29, it must not be capable of being bent by hand at a temperature of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius without breaking or being permanently deformed. Since these tubes are made from polymers of ethylene (PE), such as High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) in a rigid form, they are specifically assigned to 3917.21. This code is used globally for customs declarations to ensure the correct application of tariffs and trade statistics for ethylene-based piping systems.
- Covers
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) rigid water pipes
- Rigid PE gas distribution pipes
- Solid wall polyethylene drainage pipes
- Rigid PE conduit for fiber optic cables
- Industrial PE-80 and PE-100 pressure pipes
- Also under 3917.21
- Uponor PEX pipes (rigid)
- Wavin HDPE pipes
- JM Eagle PE pipes
- Georg Fischer PE piping systems
Codes often confused with 3917.21
Common mistake. Rigid PE tubing is frequently confused with HS code 3917.32, which covers flexible tubes and pipes of plastics not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials. The distinction lies entirely in the rigidity test defined in the Chapter 39 notes. Additionally, it may be confused with 3917.22 (PP tubing) if the polymer type is not verified through a technical data sheet or lab analysis. Another common error is using 3917.40, which is reserved for fittings such as joints, elbows, and flanges, rather than the tubing itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391721 (the code used for rigid PE tubing), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391721 (the code used for rigid PE tubing) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 391721, not only rigid PE tubing.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $358M 13% of world exports
- 2 Germany $336M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $251M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $283M 11% of world imports
- 2 United States $181M 6.9% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $114M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $2.6B 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 rigid PE tubing
Brazil classifies rigid PE tubing under NCM 3917.21.00: HS 3917.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rigid PE tubing
What is the HS code for Rigid PE tubing?
The HS code for Rigid PE tubing is 391721 (Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene). The primary HS code for rigid tubing made from polymers of ethylene is 3917.21.
How do I classify Rigid PE tubing for customs?
Rigid PE tubing is classified under HS code 391721 — Plastics; tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of ethylene. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include flexible PE garden hoses?
No, flexible hoses that can be coiled or bent without damage are typically classified under 3917.32 or 3917.33, depending on their reinforcement and fittings.
Which countries are the top exporters of rigid PE tubing (HS 391721)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391721 (the code used for rigid PE tubing) in UN Comtrade data were China ($358M, 13% of world exports), Germany ($336M) and Italy ($251M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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 rigid PE tubing (HS 391721)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391721 (the code used for rigid PE tubing) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($283M, 11% of world imports), the United States ($181M) and the Netherlands ($114M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 Rigid PE tubing the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391721 for Rigid PE tubing 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 rigid PE tubing in Brazil?
In Brazil, rigid PE tubing (HS 391721) is classified under NCM 3917.21.00.