Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, including polymers in primary forms, waste, parings and scrap, as well as semi-manufactures and finished products. This chapter classifies plastics based on their origin, chemical structure, and use, and is a core chapter for the classification of plastic products in international trade. Polyethylene, as one of the most commonly used plastics, also has its waste and scrap classified under this chapter. Heading 3915 specifically covers waste, parings and scrap of plastics, including waste of polymers such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. Such waste typically comes from production offcuts, post-consumer recycled materials, or clean plastic waste, and must be reprocessed before it can become new plastic products. The first 2 digits, 39, represent Chapter 39, Plastics and articles thereof; digits 3-4, 15, represent heading 3915, waste, parings and scrap of plastics; digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 391510, waste and scrap of polyethylene. Therefore, 391510 fully indicates waste, parings and scrap of polyethylene, distinguishing it from other plastic waste. The goods are polyethylene waste and scrap, which is a type of plastic waste. According to HS classification rules, plastic waste is classified under heading 3915 by type of polymer, and polyethylene waste and scrap corresponds to 391510. If it were other plastic waste, it would be classified under 391520, etc.; if it were polyethylene in primary forms, it would be classified under 3901, so it is classified under this code.
Chapter
Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, including polymers in primary forms, waste, parings and scrap, as well as semi-manufactures and finished products. This chapter classifies plastics based on their origin, chemical structure, and use, and is a core chapter for the classification of plastic products in international trade. Polyethylene, as one of the most commonly used plastics, also has its waste and scrap classified under this chapter.
Heading
Heading 3915 specifically covers waste, parings and scrap of plastics, including waste of polymers such as polyethylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride. Such waste typically comes from production offcuts, post-consumer recycled materials, or clean plastic waste, and must be reprocessed before it can become new plastic products.
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits, 39, represent Chapter 39, Plastics and articles thereof; digits 3-4, 15, represent heading 3915, waste, parings and scrap of plastics; digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 391510, waste and scrap of polyethylene. Therefore, 391510 fully indicates waste, parings and scrap of polyethylene, distinguishing it from other plastic waste.
Classification Basis
The goods are polyethylene waste and scrap, which is a type of plastic waste. According to HS classification rules, plastic waste is classified under heading 3915 by type of polymer, and polyethylene waste and scrap corresponds to 391510. If it were other plastic waste, it would be classified under 391520, etc.; if it were polyethylene in primary forms, it would be classified under 3901, so it is classified under this code.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity should state polyethylene waste and scrap, and indicate the source, such as production offcuts or post-consumer recycled materials. Source: Explain the process by which the waste and scrap is generated, such as injection molding offcuts, blown film waste, post-consumer recycling, etc., to prove its waste nature. Composition: Indicate the percentage content of polyethylene, such as LDPE, HDPE, etc., and whether it contains other plastics or impurities. Appearance: Describe the physical form of the waste and scrap, such as flakes, lumps, powder, etc., as well as color and cleanliness. Whether bundled: State whether the waste and scrap has been packed into bales, and the packaging method, such as woven bags, strapping, etc. Use: Indicate the use of the waste and scrap, such as recycled pelletizing, production of plastic products, etc., to prove its recyclability. Brand: If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, state "no brand." Model: If there is a model, declare it; if there is no model, state "no model." Product name: Polyethylene waste and scrap; Source: Injection molding production offcuts; Composition: Polyethylene 99%, impurities 1%; Appearance: White flakes, clean; Whether bundled: Yes, packed in woven bags; Use: Recycled pelletizing; Brand: No brand; Model: No model. Failure to distinguish the type of polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE), which may lead to classification errors. The source description is unclear and it is easily mistaken for solid waste; a detailed generation process must be provided. Impurity content is not declared; if it exceeds the standard, it may affect classification or environmental requirements.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity should state polyethylene waste and scrap, and indicate the source, such as production offcuts or post-consumer recycled materials.
⚠️ Writing only "plastic waste" without specifying polyethylene, or mistakenly writing "polyethylene recycled material."
Source
Explain the process by which the waste and scrap is generated, such as injection molding offcuts, blown film waste, post-consumer recycling, etc., to prove its waste nature.
⚠️ Failure to provide source information, or vague source descriptions, leading customs to question whether it is solid waste.
Composition
Indicate the percentage content of polyethylene, such as LDPE, HDPE, etc., and whether it contains other plastics or impurities.
⚠️ Failure to distinguish the type of polyethylene, or failure to indicate impurity content, affecting classification.
Appearance
Describe the physical form of the waste and scrap, such as flakes, lumps, powder, etc., as well as color and cleanliness.
⚠️ Appearance description is too simple, such as "mixed colors," making it impossible to judge whether it is clean.
Whether bundled
State whether the waste and scrap has been packed into bales, and the packaging method, such as woven bags, strapping, etc.
⚠️ Failure to state the packaging condition, which may affect inspection and classification.
Use
Indicate the use of the waste and scrap, such as recycled pelletizing, production of plastic products, etc., to prove its recyclability.
⚠️ The use description is unclear, such as "recycling," without specifying the specific recycling use.
Brand
If there is a brand, declare the brand name; if there is no brand, state "no brand."
⚠️ Ignoring brand declaration, or mistakenly treating the manufacturer's brand as the product brand.
Model
If there is a model, declare it; if there is no model, state "no model."
⚠️ Confusing model with composition, or failing to declare the model.
Example： Product name: Polyethylene waste and scrap; Source: Injection molding production offcuts; Composition: Polyethylene 99%, impurities 1%; Appearance: White flakes, clean; Whether bundled: Yes, packed in woven bags; Use: Recycled pelletizing; Brand: No brand; Model: No model.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to distinguish the type of polyethylene (LDPE/HDPE), which may lead to classification errors.
The source description is unclear and it is easily mistaken for solid waste; a detailed generation process must be provided.
Impurity content is not declared; if it exceeds the standard, it may affect classification or environmental requirements.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is whether the commodity meets the definition of "waste and scrap," that is, offcuts, defective products generated during production, or clean plastics recovered after consumption, and which must be reprocessed before use. At the same time, it is necessary to confirm that the polymer type is polyethylene, and based on its form, source, etc., determine whether it is classified under 391510. If it is polyethylene in primary forms, it is classified under 3901. 390110 Polyethylene in primary forms: 390110 is polyethylene in primary forms, such as granules or powder, which can be directly used for processing; while 391510 is waste and scrap, which requires reprocessing and is irregular in form. 391520 Polystyrene waste and scrap: 391520 is polystyrene waste and scrap; the polymer type is different, and polyethylene waste and scrap is classified under 391510. 391530 Polyvinyl chloride waste and scrap: 391530 is polyvinyl chloride waste and scrap; the difference from polyethylene waste and scrap lies in the different polymer composition. 391590 Other plastic waste and scrap: 391590 is waste and scrap of other plastics not elsewhere specified; polyethylene waste and scrap is classified under 391510, not under this code. Is it confirmed to be polyethylene material? Is it waste and scrap rather than primary forms? Does it come from production or post-consumer recycling? Is it clean and free from serious contamination? Does it require reprocessing before use?
Basis
The core basis for classification is whether the commodity meets the definition of "waste and scrap," that is, offcuts, defective products generated during production, or clean plastics recovered after consumption, and which must be reprocessed before use. At the same time, it is necessary to confirm that the polymer type is polyethylene, and based on its form, source, etc., determine whether it is classified under 391510. If it is polyethylene in primary forms, it is classified under 3901.
Confused Codes：
390110 - Polyethylene in primary forms
390110 is polyethylene in primary forms, such as granules or powder, which can be directly used for processing; while 391510 is waste and scrap, which requires reprocessing and is irregular in form.
391520 - Polystyrene waste and scrap
391520 is polystyrene waste and scrap; the polymer type is different, and polyethylene waste and scrap is classified under 391510.
391530 - Polyvinyl chloride waste and scrap
391530 is polyvinyl chloride waste and scrap; the difference from polyethylene waste and scrap lies in the different polymer composition.
391590 - Other plastic waste and scrap
391590 is waste and scrap of other plastics not elsewhere specified; polyethylene waste and scrap is classified under 391510, not under this code.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed to be polyethylene material?
✓ Is it waste and scrap rather than primary forms?
✓ Does it come from production or post-consumer recycling?
✓ Is it clean and free from serious contamination?
✓ Does it require reprocessing before use?
❓ FAQ
How can it be determined whether polyethylene waste and scrap should be classified under 391510 or 390110? The key is to look at form and use. 391510 is waste and scrap, usually irregular flakes or lumps, from production or recycling, and requires reprocessing; 390110 is primary forms, such as regular granules or powder, which can be directly used for molding and processing. If waste and scrap is pelletized into granules, it may be classified under 390110. What declaration elements are required for importing polyethylene waste and scrap? Product name, source, composition, appearance, whether bundled, use, brand, model, etc. are required. Source and composition are particularly important to prove its waste nature and polyethylene material, and to avoid being misjudged as solid waste. What is the difference between polyethylene waste and scrap and solid waste? Solid waste generally refers to items generated in production, daily life, and other activities that have lost their original use value or have been discarded. However, if polyethylene waste and scrap is clean, recyclable, and complies with national environmental standards, it is not solid waste. But if it is seriously contaminated or cannot be utilized, it may be identified as solid waste. What regulatory conditions are required for exporting polyethylene waste and scrap? Export must comply with the requirements of the destination country; some countries prohibit the import of plastic waste. China's exports require relevant inspection and quarantine procedures and may require a Solid Waste Export License, etc. Specific requirements can be checked in announcements by the General Administration of Customs or the Ministry of Commerce. How can the tax rate for polyethylene waste and scrap be checked? Tax rates may change. The latest rates can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Usually, attention should be paid to import tariffs, value-added tax, and possible anti-dumping duties. If polyethylene waste and scrap contains other plastics, how should it be classified? If the main component is polyethylene and impurities are minimal, it can still be classified under 391510; if the mixed plastics make it impossible to distinguish the main component, it may be classified under 391590. It is recommended to provide a composition test report to determine classification. What are common errors when declaring polyethylene waste and scrap? Common errors include failure to indicate the type of polyethylene, vague source description, failure to declare impurity content, simple appearance description, unclear use, etc. These may lead to customs questions and affect customs clearance. How can polyethylene waste and scrap be prevented from being misjudged as solid waste? Ensure the waste and scrap is clean and uncontaminated, and provide detailed source proof and use description, such as for recycled pelletizing. If necessary, apply to customs in advance for pre-classification, or entrust a professional institution to identify solid waste attributes.
Q: How can it be determined whether polyethylene waste and scrap should be classified under 391510 or 390110?
A: The key is to look at form and use. 391510 is waste and scrap, usually irregular flakes or lumps, from production or recycling, and requires reprocessing; 390110 is primary forms, such as regular granules or powder, which can be directly used for molding and processing. If waste and scrap is pelletized into granules, it may be classified under 390110.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing polyethylene waste and scrap?
A: Product name, source, composition, appearance, whether bundled, use, brand, model, etc. are required. Source and composition are particularly important to prove its waste nature and polyethylene material, and to avoid being misjudged as solid waste.
Q: What is the difference between polyethylene waste and scrap and solid waste?
A: Solid waste generally refers to items generated in production, daily life, and other activities that have lost their original use value or have been discarded. However, if polyethylene waste and scrap is clean, recyclable, and complies with national environmental standards, it is not solid waste. But if it is seriously contaminated or cannot be utilized, it may be identified as solid waste.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for exporting polyethylene waste and scrap?
A: Export must comply with the requirements of the destination country; some countries prohibit the import of plastic waste. China's exports require relevant inspection and quarantine procedures and may require a Solid Waste Export License, etc. Specific requirements can be checked in announcements by the General Administration of Customs or the Ministry of Commerce.
Q: How can the tax rate for polyethylene waste and scrap be checked?
A: Tax rates may change. The latest rates can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, China International Trade Single Window, or by consulting a customs broker. Usually, attention should be paid to import tariffs, value-added tax, and possible anti-dumping duties.
Q: If polyethylene waste and scrap contains other plastics, how should it be classified?
A: If the main component is polyethylene and impurities are minimal, it can still be classified under 391510; if the mixed plastics make it impossible to distinguish the main component, it may be classified under 391590. It is recommended to provide a composition test report to determine classification.
Q: What are common errors when declaring polyethylene waste and scrap?
A: Common errors include failure to indicate the type of polyethylene, vague source description, failure to declare impurity content, simple appearance description, unclear use, etc. These may lead to customs questions and affect customs clearance.
Q: How can polyethylene waste and scrap be prevented from being misjudged as solid waste?
A: Ensure the waste and scrap is clean and uncontaminated, and provide detailed source proof and use description, such as for recycled pelletizing. If necessary, apply to customs in advance for pre-classification, or entrust a professional institution to identify solid waste attributes.
⚠️ 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.