Product classification
HS code for Styrene acrylonitrile: 3903.20
Styrene polymers, styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, in primary forms.
Classification of styrene acrylonitrile under HS 3903.20
Styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers are classified under HS code 3903.20. This classification is governed by Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, which covers plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3903 is dedicated to polymers of styrene in primary forms. SAN is a copolymer, meaning it is composed of two or more monomer species—in this case, styrene and acrylonitrile. The HS nomenclature requires that copolymers be classified according to the monomer unit that predominates by weight. However, 3903.20 is a specific subheading for SAN, making the classification straightforward as long as the material is in a primary form such as granules, pellets, or powders. These resins are valued for their transparency, thermal resistance, and rigidity, distinguishing them from other styrene-based plastics. The classification is strictly for the raw material before it has been shaped into a finished article.
- Covers
- SAN resin pellets
- Styrene-acrylonitrile granules
- SAN copolymer powder
- SAN plastic in liquid or paste form
- Unprocessed SAN molding compounds
- Also under 3903.20
- Trinseo Tyril SAN
- INEOS Styrolution Luran SAN
- LG Chem SAN
- Chi Mei Polylac SAN
- Toray SAN
Codes often confused with 3903.20
Common mistake. SAN is often misclassified under HS code 3903.11 or 3903.19, which are reserved for expandable and other types of polystyrene. While both are styrene polymers, SAN contains acrylonitrile, which necessitates the use of 3903.20. It is also sometimes confused with Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) copolymers, which fall under HS code 3903.30. The absence of the butadiene component is the technical factor that separates SAN from ABS. Furthermore, finished articles made of SAN must be classified in their respective headings (e.g., 3924 for kitchenware) rather than 3903.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390320 (the code used for styrene acrylonitrile), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390320 (the code used for styrene acrylonitrile) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 390320, not only styrene acrylonitrile.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $263M 37% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$104M 15% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $83M 12% of world exports
World total: $709M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $157M 19% of world imports
- 2 India $72M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 United States $62M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $847M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 styrene acrylonitrile
Brazil classifies styrene acrylonitrile under NCM 3903.20.00: HS 3903.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about styrene acrylonitrile
What is the HS code for Styrene acrylonitrile?
The HS code for Styrene acrylonitrile is 390320 (Styrene polymers; styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, in primary forms). The HS code for Styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) in primary forms is 3903.20.
How do I classify Styrene acrylonitrile for customs?
Styrene acrylonitrile is classified under HS code 390320 — Styrene polymers; styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What qualifies as a primary form for SAN?
Primary forms include liquids, pastes, blocks, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms that have not yet been fabricated into finished products.
Which countries are the top exporters of styrene acrylonitrile (HS 390320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390320 (the code used for styrene acrylonitrile) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($263M, 37% of world exports), Taiwan (about $104M) and China ($83M). World exports came to about $709M, 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 styrene acrylonitrile (HS 390320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390320 (the code used for styrene acrylonitrile) in UN Comtrade data were China ($157M, 19% of world imports), India ($72M) and the United States ($62M). World imports came to about $847M, 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 Styrene acrylonitrile the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390320 for Styrene acrylonitrile 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 styrene acrylonitrile in Brazil?
In Brazil, styrene acrylonitrile (HS 390320) is classified under NCM 3903.20.00.