Product classification
HS code for Vinyl scrap: 3915.30
Vinyl chloride polymers, waste, parings and scrap.
Classification of vinyl scrap under HS 3915.30
Vinyl scrap is classified under HS code 3915.30, which specifically identifies waste, parings, and scrap of polymers of vinyl chloride (PVC). This classification is intended for materials that are no longer usable for their original purpose or are generated as by-products of manufacturing. To fall under this heading, the material must be in a form that is only suitable for the recovery of the plastic or for use as a secondary raw material in the production of new plastic goods. This includes 'flash' from injection molding, offcuts from the production of PVC pipes or profiles, and worn-out finished articles that have been collected for recycling. The material must be primarily composed of vinyl chloride polymers. If the scrap consists of mixed plastics, it may fall under 3915.90 (other plastics) unless the vinyl component is clearly the defining material. This code is vital for environmental and trade monitoring, as it separates waste products from primary resins (3904) and finished plastic products (3926). It does not include materials that can be reused for their original purpose without remanufacturing.
- Covers
- PVC pipe offcuts and manufacturing waste
- Scrap vinyl flooring removed during renovation
- Rejected PVC window frame profiles
- Shavings and parings from vinyl machining
- Crushed or granulated PVC waste for recycling
- Also under 3915.30
- Recovinyl (industry initiative)
- Veolia (waste management)
- Suez (waste management)
- local PVC recyclers
- Ecore (recycled flooring)
Codes often confused with 3915.30
Common mistake. Vinyl scrap is often misclassified as primary resin under 3904.10 or 3904.22. However, 3904 is for virgin or unused material in pellets, granules, or powders, whereas 3915 is for waste. Another error is classifying scrap as finished goods (e.g., 3917 for pipes) if the scrap still resembles the original product. If the material is contaminated with other substances (like metal or hazardous waste), it might be subject to different environmental regulations or codes in Chapter 38.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391530 (the code used for vinyl scrap), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391530 (the code used for vinyl scrap) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 18% 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 391530, not only vinyl scrap.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $12M 18% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $8.9M 13% of world exports
- 3 Germany $4.8M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $71M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $17M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $9.9M 11% of world imports
- 3 Poland $9.6M 10% of world imports
World total: $94M 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 vinyl scrap
Brazil classifies vinyl scrap under NCM 3915.30.00: HS 3915.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vinyl scrap
What is the HS code for Vinyl scrap?
The HS code for Vinyl scrap is 391530 (Vinyl chloride polymers; waste, parings and scrap). The HS code for waste, parings, and scrap of vinyl chloride polymers is 3915.30.
How do I classify Vinyl scrap for customs?
Vinyl scrap is classified under HS code 391530 — Vinyl chloride polymers; waste, parings and scrap. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can granulated PVC be classified here?
Yes, if the granules are produced from waste or scrap for the purpose of recycling, they are classified under 3915.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of vinyl scrap (HS 391530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391530 (the code used for vinyl scrap) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($12M, 18% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($8.9M) and Germany ($4.8M). World exports came to about $71M, 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 vinyl scrap (HS 391530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391530 (the code used for vinyl scrap) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($17M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($9.9M) and Poland ($9.6M). World imports came to about $94M, 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 Vinyl scrap the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391530 for Vinyl scrap 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 vinyl scrap in Brazil?
In Brazil, vinyl scrap (HS 391530) is classified under NCM 3915.30.00.