Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and is a core chapter in the HS classification organized by material properties. This chapter includes polymers in primary forms (such as resins and pellets), elastomers other than synthetic rubber, and semi-finished and finished plastic products. Primary forms refer to unprocessed forms such as liquids, pastes, blocks, powders, and granules, including waste and scrap. This chapter subdivides headings according to polymer type and processing stage, forming a clear boundary with Chapter 40 on rubber and articles thereof. Heading 3902 specifically covers polymers of olefins in primary forms, including polypropylene, polyisobutylene, propylene copolymers, etc. Among these, polypropylene (PP) is an important variety and is further subdivided according to indicators such as density and melt flow rate. This heading only includes olefin polymers in primary forms and does not include semi-finished or finished products already made into plates, sheets, film, strip, etc., which are classified under other headings. HS code 390210 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits "39" represent Chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof); the 3rd-4th digits "02" represent heading 3902 (polymers of olefins in primary forms); the 5th-6th digits "10" represent subheading 390210 (polypropylene in primary forms). Therefore, the complete meaning of this code is "polypropylene in primary forms." If the first two digits are different, such as Chapter 40, it is rubber; if the heading is different, such as 3901 for polymers of ethylene; if the subheading is different, such as 390220 for polyisobutylene. This commodity is polypropylene in primary forms, belongs to olefin polymers, and is not copolymerized with other monomers (homopolymer) or, although it is a copolymer, has the highest propylene content, so it is classified under 390210. If it is an ethylene-propylene copolymer and the ethylene content exceeds the propylene content, it is classified under 3901; if it is polypropylene waste and scrap, it is still classified under 390210; if it has already been made into film or sheets, it is classified under 3919 or 3920.
Chapter
Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and is a core chapter in the HS classification organized by material properties. This chapter includes polymers in primary forms (such as resins and pellets), elastomers other than synthetic rubber, and semi-finished and finished plastic products. Primary forms refer to unprocessed forms such as liquids, pastes, blocks, powders, and granules, including waste and scrap. This chapter subdivides headings according to polymer type and processing stage, forming a clear boundary with Chapter 40 on rubber and articles thereof.
Heading
Heading 3902 specifically covers polymers of olefins in primary forms, including polypropylene, polyisobutylene, propylene copolymers, etc. Among these, polypropylene (PP) is an important variety and is further subdivided according to indicators such as density and melt flow rate. This heading only includes olefin polymers in primary forms and does not include semi-finished or finished products already made into plates, sheets, film, strip, etc., which are classified under other headings.
Digit Breakdown
HS code 390210 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits "39" represent Chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof); the 3rd-4th digits "02" represent heading 3902 (polymers of olefins in primary forms); the 5th-6th digits "10" represent subheading 390210 (polypropylene in primary forms). Therefore, the complete meaning of this code is "polypropylene in primary forms." If the first two digits are different, such as Chapter 40, it is rubber; if the heading is different, such as 3901 for polymers of ethylene; if the subheading is different, such as 390220 for polyisobutylene.
Classification Basis
This commodity is polypropylene in primary forms, belongs to olefin polymers, and is not copolymerized with other monomers (homopolymer) or, although it is a copolymer, has the highest propylene content, so it is classified under 390210. If it is an ethylene-propylene copolymer and the ethylene content exceeds the propylene content, it is classified under 3901; if it is polypropylene waste and scrap, it is still classified under 390210; if it has already been made into film or sheets, it is classified under 3919 or 3920.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the commodity name, which should be specific and clear, such as "polypropylene resin" or "polypropylene in primary forms." Appearance: Describe color and shape (such as transparent pellets, white powder, etc.) to assist classification. Composition content: Indicate the polypropylene content and the proportion of additives (such as antioxidants), accurate to percentage. Density: Provide the density value of polypropylene (g/cm³), which affects subheading subdivision. Melt flow rate: Determined according to ISO 1133, in g/10min, reflecting processing performance. Brand: Manufacturer or trader brand, such as "Sinopec" or "ExxonMobil." Model: Specific grade, such as "K8003" or "T30S," used to distinguish different uses. Use: Explain what kind of product it is processed into, such as "injection molding automotive parts" or "spinning." Product name: Polypropylene in primary forms; Appearance: White transparent pellets; Composition content: Polypropylene 99.5%, antioxidant 0.5%; Density: 0.90g/cm³; Melt flow rate: 3.0g/10min (230°C, 2.16kg); Brand: Sinopec; Model: T30S; Use: Used for injection molding daily consumer goods. Failing to distinguish homopolymer from copolymer, incorrectly declaring a copolymer as a homopolymer. Missing density or melt index, making it impossible to determine the subheading. Incorrectly classifying polypropylene already made into sheets under 390210.
Product name
Declare the commodity name, which should be specific and clear, such as "polypropylene resin" or "polypropylene in primary forms."
⚠️ Writing only "PP" or "plastic" is not sufficiently standardized.
Appearance
Describe color and shape (such as transparent pellets, white powder, etc.) to assist classification.
⚠️ Omitting color or shape, leading to classification disputes.
Composition content
Indicate the polypropylene content and the proportion of additives (such as antioxidants), accurate to percentage.
⚠️ Writing only "pure polypropylene" and ignoring additives.
Density
Provide the density value of polypropylene (g/cm³), which affects subheading subdivision.
⚠️ Failing to provide density, or using the wrong unit.
Melt flow rate
Determined according to ISO 1133, in g/10min, reflecting processing performance.
⚠️ Failing to indicate test conditions (temperature, load).
Brand
Manufacturer or trader brand, such as "Sinopec" or "ExxonMobil."
⚠️ Filling in abbreviations or the wrong brand.
Model
Specific grade, such as "K8003" or "T30S," used to distinguish different uses.
⚠️ The model does not match the actual goods.
Use
Explain what kind of product it is processed into, such as "injection molding automotive parts" or "spinning."
⚠️ The use is too general, such as "industrial use."
Example： Product name: Polypropylene in primary forms; Appearance: White transparent pellets; Composition content: Polypropylene 99.5%, antioxidant 0.5%; Density: 0.90g/cm³; Melt flow rate: 3.0g/10min (230°C, 2.16kg); Brand: Sinopec; Model: T30S; Use: Used for injection molding daily consumer goods.
Common Mistakes：
Failing to distinguish homopolymer from copolymer, incorrectly declaring a copolymer as a homopolymer.
Missing density or melt index, making it impossible to determine the subheading.
Incorrectly classifying polypropylene already made into sheets under 390210.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the commodity is in primary form, that is, unprocessed or only primarily processed (such as pellets or powder); 2) the chemical composition is polypropylene, that is, propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer in which propylene has the highest content; 3) it falls within the scope of olefin polymers under heading 3902. Judgment should be made in conjunction with the Explanatory Notes to the Tariff and the Explanatory Notes to the Commodities and Headings of the Import and Export Tariff. If other substances (such as fillers) are added, it may still be classified under 390210, but if chemical modification occurs, it may be classified under other headings. 390120 Polyethylene in primary forms: Polyethylene is a polymer of ethylene, with different density and melt index indicators and clearly different chemical structure. 390220 Polyisobutylene in primary forms: Polyisobutylene is an isobutylene homopolymer, different from polypropylene monomer, with different uses and properties. 390230 Propylene copolymers in primary forms: In propylene copolymers, propylene content must be the highest, but if ethylene content exceeds propylene, classification is under 3901. 390311 Expansible polystyrene in primary forms: Polystyrene is a polymer of styrene, completely different in chemical structure from polypropylene. 391910 Polypropylene plates, sheets, film, strip in primary forms: Already processed into semi-finished products such as plates, sheets, film, and strip, exceeding the scope of primary forms. Is it in primary form (pellets, powder, blocks, etc.)? Is propylene the monomer with the highest content? Have other substances been added? Have density and melt index been determined? Has it already been made into plates, sheets, film, or strip?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the commodity is in primary form, that is, unprocessed or only primarily processed (such as pellets or powder); 2) the chemical composition is polypropylene, that is, propylene homopolymer or a propylene copolymer in which propylene has the highest content; 3) it falls within the scope of olefin polymers under heading 3902. Judgment should be made in conjunction with the Explanatory Notes to the Tariff and the Explanatory Notes to the Commodities and Headings of the Import and Export Tariff. If other substances (such as fillers) are added, it may still be classified under 390210, but if chemical modification occurs, it may be classified under other headings.
Confused Codes：
390120 - Polyethylene in primary forms
Polyethylene is a polymer of ethylene, with different density and melt index indicators and clearly different chemical structure.
390220 - Polyisobutylene in primary forms
Polyisobutylene is an isobutylene homopolymer, different from polypropylene monomer, with different uses and properties.
390230 - Propylene copolymers in primary forms
In propylene copolymers, propylene content must be the highest, but if ethylene content exceeds propylene, classification is under 3901.
390311 - Expansible polystyrene in primary forms
Polystyrene is a polymer of styrene, completely different in chemical structure from polypropylene.
391910 - Polypropylene plates, sheets, film, strip in primary forms
Already processed into semi-finished products such as plates, sheets, film, and strip, exceeding the scope of primary forms.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it in primary form (pellets, powder, blocks, etc.)?
✓ Is propylene the monomer with the highest content?
✓ Have other substances been added?
✓ Have density and melt index been determined?
✓ Has it already been made into plates, sheets, film, or strip?
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 390210? You can check the Import and Export Tariff through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Internet + Customs" platform, and enter HS code 390210 to obtain the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy, and the latest tariff should prevail. Can polypropylene copolymers be classified under 390210? If the propylene monomer content in the copolymer is the highest (by weight), it is classified under 390210; if the ethylene content is the highest, it is classified under 3901. Accurate proof of monomer proportions must be provided. Are polypropylene waste and scrap classified under 390210? Yes, polypropylene waste and scrap in primary forms are still classified under 390210, but it must be ensured that they are not mixed with other materials or processed into articles. Must the melt flow rate be provided at the time of declaration? Yes, the melt index is an important indicator for distinguishing polypropylene grades and uses, and customs may require it to determine classification. It is recommended to fill it in truthfully on the customs declaration form. How is polypropylene with added glass fiber classified? If after adding glass fiber it still remains in primary form (such as pellets) and no chemical modification has occurred, it is usually still classified under 390210; but if made into articles, it is classified under other headings. What is the difference between 390210 and 390230? 390210 is polypropylene homopolymer, and 390230 is propylene copolymer (such as random copolymer or block copolymer). Homopolymers are polymerized only from propylene monomer, while copolymers contain other olefin monomers. What regulatory documents are required for importing polypropylene? Generally, contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, etc. are required. If hazardous chemicals are involved, an MSDS and a hazardous properties classification and identification report are also required. Specific requirements are subject to customs. How can one determine whether polypropylene belongs to "primary forms"? Primary forms refer to unprocessed forms such as liquids, pastes, blocks, powders, and granules, including waste and scrap. If it has already been molded or extruded into plates, sheets, film, etc., it is not in primary form.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 390210?
A: You can check the Import and Export Tariff through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the "Internet + Customs" platform, and enter HS code 390210 to obtain the MFN rate, general rate, etc. Note that tariff rates may be adjusted with policy, and the latest tariff should prevail.
Q: Can polypropylene copolymers be classified under 390210?
A: If the propylene monomer content in the copolymer is the highest (by weight), it is classified under 390210; if the ethylene content is the highest, it is classified under 3901. Accurate proof of monomer proportions must be provided.
Q: Are polypropylene waste and scrap classified under 390210?
A: Yes, polypropylene waste and scrap in primary forms are still classified under 390210, but it must be ensured that they are not mixed with other materials or processed into articles.
Q: Must the melt flow rate be provided at the time of declaration?
A: Yes, the melt index is an important indicator for distinguishing polypropylene grades and uses, and customs may require it to determine classification. It is recommended to fill it in truthfully on the customs declaration form.
Q: How is polypropylene with added glass fiber classified?
A: If after adding glass fiber it still remains in primary form (such as pellets) and no chemical modification has occurred, it is usually still classified under 390210; but if made into articles, it is classified under other headings.
Q: What is the difference between 390210 and 390230?
A: 390210 is polypropylene homopolymer, and 390230 is propylene copolymer (such as random copolymer or block copolymer). Homopolymers are polymerized only from propylene monomer, while copolymers contain other olefin monomers.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing polypropylene?
A: Generally, contracts, invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, certificates of origin, etc. are required. If hazardous chemicals are involved, an MSDS and a hazardous properties classification and identification report are also required. Specific requirements are subject to customs.
Q: How can one determine whether polypropylene belongs to "primary forms"?
A: Primary forms refer to unprocessed forms such as liquids, pastes, blocks, powders, and granules, including waste and scrap. If it has already been molded or extruded into plates, sheets, film, etc., it is not in primary form.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.