Product classification
HS code for Styrofoam sheets: 3921.11
Plastics, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene, cellular.
Classification of styrofoam sheets under HS 3921.11
Styrofoam sheets are classified under HS code 3921.11 because they consist of cellular polymers of styrene. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 3921 covers other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics. Within this heading, the classification is further refined by the physical structure of the plastic. The term \"cellular\" refers to plastics that have many cells (either open, closed, or both) dispersed throughout the mass, which is the defining characteristic of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or extruded polystyrene (XPS) commonly known as Styrofoam. Since these sheets are made specifically from styrene polymers and possess this foamed, lightweight structure, they are precisely situated under subheading 3921.11. This classification applies regardless of whether the sheets are used for thermal insulation, buoyancy components, or protective padding, provided they remain in basic sheet form and have not been further worked into specific finished articles like cups or boxes.
- Covers
- Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) insulation boards
- Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam sheets
- Cellular styrene blocks for construction
- Foamed styrene sheets for craft and display use
- High-density cellular styrene panels
- Also under 3921.11
- Dow Styrofoam (XPS)
- BASF Neopor (EPS)
- Knauf Insulation (EPS/XPS)
- Owens Corning Foamular (XPS)
- Kingspan (insulation panels)
Codes often confused with 3921.11
Common mistake. Styrofoam sheets are frequently misclassified under HS code 3920.30. However, heading 3920 is reserved for plates and sheets that are non-cellular and not reinforced or laminated. If the styrene sheet is solid and lacks the foamed internal structure, 3920.30 is correct, but for Styrofoam, 3921.11 is mandatory. Another common error is using 3923.10, which covers boxes and cases for the conveyance or packing of goods. While Styrofoam is used for packaging, 3923.10 only applies to finished containers, not the raw sheets or planks.
Top exporters and importers of HS 392111 (the code used for styrofoam sheets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392111 (the code used for styrofoam sheets) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, 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 392111, not only styrofoam sheets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $312M 20% of world exports
- 2 China $124M 7.9% of world exports
- 3 United States $117M 7.5% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $166M 10% of world imports
- 2 United States $129M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 France $91M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 styrofoam sheets
Brazil classifies styrofoam sheets under NCM 3921.11.00: HS 3921.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about styrofoam sheets
What is the HS code for Styrofoam sheets?
The HS code for Styrofoam sheets is 392111 (Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene, cellular). The primary HS code for cellular sheets made of styrene polymers is 3921.11.
How do I classify Styrofoam sheets for customs?
Styrofoam sheets is classified under HS code 392111 — Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of polymers of styrene, cellular. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include Styrofoam packing peanuts?
No, packing peanuts are typically classified under 3926.90 as other articles of plastics, as they are molded into specific shapes rather than being sold as sheets or plates.
Which countries are the top exporters of styrofoam sheets (HS 392111)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392111 (the code used for styrofoam sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($312M, 20% of world exports), China ($124M) and the United States ($117M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of styrofoam sheets (HS 392111)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 392111 (the code used for styrofoam sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($166M, 10% of world imports), the United States ($129M) and France ($91M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Styrofoam sheets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 392111 for Styrofoam sheets 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 styrofoam sheets in Brazil?
In Brazil, styrofoam sheets (HS 392111) is classified under NCM 3921.11.00.