Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, including plastics in primary forms, semi-manufactures, tubes, plates, monofilament, rods, sticks, profile shapes, etc. This chapter classifies plastics according to type and stage of processing, and is the core chapter for the classification of plastic products in international trade. Heading 3916 covers monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked, of plastics. This heading mainly targets plastic monofilament with larger cross-sectional dimensions, as distinct from plastic monofilament with a cross-section not exceeding 1 mm (classified under headings before 3916, such as 3916.10? Note: 3916.10 is polyethylene monofilament with cross-section >1 mm, while monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm is classified under 3916.90? Actually, according to the HS, 3916 covers monofilament (cross-section >1 mm), rods, sticks and profile shapes. Monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm is classified under 5404 or 5405 (if of synthetic textile materials) or 3916? Need to be accurate: according to HS notes, 3916 includes plastic monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm; plastic monofilament with a cross-section not exceeding 1 mm is classified under 5404 or 5405 (if of synthetic textile materials) or 3916? Actually, the heading text of 3916 is “Monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked, of plastics”. Therefore, plastic monofilament with cross-section >1 mm is classified under 3916. Plastic monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, if the material is synthetic fibre, is classified under 5404 or 5405; if it is other plastics, it may be classified under 3916? But 3916 explicitly requires cross-section >1 mm, so plastic monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm is not classified under 3916, but under other headings according to material, such as 5404 (synthetic fibre monofilament) or 3916? No, 3916 only includes cross-section >1 mm. Therefore, heading_meaning here should describe the scope of 3916. 391610: The first 2 digits 39 represent Chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). Digits 3-4, 16, represent heading 3916 (plastic monofilament (cross-section >1 mm), rods, sticks and profile shapes). Digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 3916.10, specifically polyethylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm). Therefore, the full meaning of this code is: monofilament of polyethylene material with a cross-sectional diameter exceeding 1 mm. The goods are polyethylene monofilament with a cross-sectional diameter greater than 1 mm, meeting the description of heading 3916, and the material is polyethylene, so it is classified under subheading 3916.10. If the cross-section is ≤1 mm, it is not classified under 3916, and may be classified under 5404 (synthetic fibre monofilament) or 3916? Actually, polyethylene monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, if used as textile fibre, is classified under 5404; if used as a plastic article, may be classified under 3916? But 3916 explicitly requires cross-section >1 mm, so it cannot be classified there. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension is the key distinguishing point.
Chapter
Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, including plastics in primary forms, semi-manufactures, tubes, plates, monofilament, rods, sticks, profile shapes, etc. This chapter classifies plastics according to type and stage of processing, and is the core chapter for the classification of plastic products in international trade.
Heading
Heading 3916 covers monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked, of plastics. This heading mainly targets plastic monofilament with larger cross-sectional dimensions, as distinct from plastic monofilament with a cross-section not exceeding 1 mm (classified under headings before 3916, such as 3916.10? Note: 3916.10 is polyethylene monofilament with cross-section >1 mm, while monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm is classified under 3916.90? Actually, according to the HS, 3916 covers monofilament (cross-section >1 mm), rods, sticks and profile shapes. Monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm is classified under 5404 or 5405 (if of synthetic textile materials) or 3916? Need to be accurate: according to HS notes, 3916 includes plastic monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm; plastic monofilament with a cross-section not exceeding 1 mm is classified under 5404 or 5405 (if of synthetic textile materials) or 3916? Actually, the heading text of 3916 is “Monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1 mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked, of plastics”. Therefore, plastic monofilament with cross-section >1 mm is classified under 3916. Plastic monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, if the material is synthetic fibre, is classified under 5404 or 5405; if it is other plastics, it may be classified under 3916? But 3916 explicitly requires cross-section >1 mm, so plastic monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm is not classified under 3916, but under other headings according to material, such as 5404 (synthetic fibre monofilament) or 3916? No, 3916 only includes cross-section >1 mm. Therefore, heading_meaning here should describe the scope of 3916.
Digit Breakdown
391610: The first 2 digits 39 represent Chapter 39 (plastics and articles thereof). Digits 3-4, 16, represent heading 3916 (plastic monofilament (cross-section >1 mm), rods, sticks and profile shapes). Digits 5-6, 10, represent subheading 3916.10, specifically polyethylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm). Therefore, the full meaning of this code is: monofilament of polyethylene material with a cross-sectional diameter exceeding 1 mm.
Classification Basis
The goods are polyethylene monofilament with a cross-sectional diameter greater than 1 mm, meeting the description of heading 3916, and the material is polyethylene, so it is classified under subheading 3916.10. If the cross-section is ≤1 mm, it is not classified under 3916, and may be classified under 5404 (synthetic fibre monofilament) or 3916? Actually, polyethylene monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, if used as textile fibre, is classified under 5404; if used as a plastic article, may be classified under 3916? But 3916 explicitly requires cross-section >1 mm, so it cannot be classified there. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension is the key distinguishing point.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declared commodity name should be described in detail as polyethylene monofilament, with cross-sectional dimensions indicated. Material: Declare the specific type of plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), and indicate density (e.g., HDPE, LDPE). Cross-sectional dimensions: Declare the cross-sectional diameter or maximum dimension of the monofilament, which must be greater than 1 mm, in millimetres. Appearance: Describe the colour, shape (round, profiled, etc.), whether wound, etc., of the monofilament. Use: Declare the main use of the monofilament, such as for woven nets, ropes, brushes, etc. Brand: Declare the brand name (if any); if no brand, declare as “no brand”. Model: Declare the model or specification for easy identification. Packaging specifications: Declare the packaging method and length or weight per roll/carton. Product name: Polyethylene monofilament; Material: Polyethylene (HDPE); Cross-sectional dimensions: diameter 2.0 mm; Appearance: black round monofilament, wound on spool; Use: for weaving fishing nets; Brand: no brand; Model: PE-200; Packaging specifications: 10 kg per roll. The cross-sectional dimension must be greater than 1 mm; if actually ≤1 mm, it should be classified under other codes, and incorrect declaration may lead to customs penalties. The material must be clearly polyethylene; if it is other plastics such as polypropylene, it should be classified under 3916.20 or other subheadings. Incorrect declaration of use may affect classification; for example, if used for textiles, it may involve 5404, requiring careful distinction.
Product name
Declared commodity name should be described in detail as polyethylene monofilament, with cross-sectional dimensions indicated.
⚠️ Declared only as “plastic monofilament” or “polyethylene filament”, without indicating cross-section >1 mm.
Material
Declare the specific type of plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), and indicate density (e.g., HDPE, LDPE).
⚠️ Only writing “plastic”, without specifying polyethylene and model.
Cross-sectional dimensions
Declare the cross-sectional diameter or maximum dimension of the monofilament, which must be greater than 1 mm, in millimetres.
⚠️ Failure to declare dimensions or incorrect declaration as ≤1 mm.
Appearance
Describe the colour, shape (round, profiled, etc.), whether wound, etc., of the monofilament.
⚠️ Omission of appearance description, leading to classification disputes.
Use
Declare the main use of the monofilament, such as for woven nets, ropes, brushes, etc.
⚠️ Use description too general, such as “industrial use”.
Brand
Declare the brand name (if any); if no brand, declare as “no brand”.
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with actual or omitted.
Model
Declare the model or specification for easy identification.
⚠️ Model filled in incompletely or incorrectly.
Packaging specifications
Declare the packaging method and length or weight per roll/carton.
Example： Product name: Polyethylene monofilament; Material: Polyethylene (HDPE); Cross-sectional dimensions: diameter 2.0 mm; Appearance: black round monofilament, wound on spool; Use: for weaving fishing nets; Brand: no brand; Model: PE-200; Packaging specifications: 10 kg per roll.
Common Mistakes：
The cross-sectional dimension must be greater than 1 mm; if actually ≤1 mm, it should be classified under other codes, and incorrect declaration may lead to customs penalties.
The material must be clearly polyethylene; if it is other plastics such as polypropylene, it should be classified under 3916.20 or other subheadings.
Incorrect declaration of use may affect classification; for example, if used for textiles, it may involve 5404, requiring careful distinction.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1. Material is polyethylene; 2. Form is monofilament; 3. Cross-sectional dimension is greater than 1 mm. Only when all three are satisfied is it classified under 3916.10. If the cross-section is ≤1 mm, depending on the material it may be classified under 5404 (synthetic fibre monofilament) or 3916? Actually, polyethylene monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, if used for textiles, is classified under 5404; if used for other purposes, may be classified under 3916? But 3916 requires cross-section >1 mm, so it is not classified there. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension is the decisive factor. 3916.20 Polyvinyl chloride monofilament (cross-section >1 mm): Material differs; 3916.20 is polyvinyl chloride, while 3916.10 is polyethylene. Classification requires distinction through material analysis. 3916.90 Other plastic monofilament (cross-section >1 mm): Material is not polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride or other specifically named plastics, such as polypropylene, polystyrene, etc. 5404.10 Polypropylene monofilament (cross-section ≤1 mm): Cross-sectional dimension differs; 5404 covers synthetic fibre monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, and material may differ, but the key difference is cross-sectional dimension. 3916.10 Polyethylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm): This code itself; note the distinction from polyethylene monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, which is classified under 5404 or 3916? Actually, polyethylene monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, if for textile use, is classified under 5404; if for other uses, may be classified under 3916? But 3916 requires >1 mm, so it is not classified there. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension is key. Is the material polyethylene? Is the cross-sectional dimension greater than 1 mm? Has it been surface-worked? Does the use affect classification? Is it confused with other plastic monofilament?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1. Material is polyethylene; 2. Form is monofilament; 3. Cross-sectional dimension is greater than 1 mm. Only when all three are satisfied is it classified under 3916.10. If the cross-section is ≤1 mm, depending on the material it may be classified under 5404 (synthetic fibre monofilament) or 3916? Actually, polyethylene monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, if used for textiles, is classified under 5404; if used for other purposes, may be classified under 3916? But 3916 requires cross-section >1 mm, so it is not classified there. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension is the decisive factor.
Cross-sectional dimension differs; 5404 covers synthetic fibre monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, and material may differ, but the key difference is cross-sectional dimension.
This code itself; note the distinction from polyethylene monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, which is classified under 5404 or 3916? Actually, polyethylene monofilament with cross-section ≤1 mm, if for textile use, is classified under 5404; if for other uses, may be classified under 3916? But 3916 requires >1 mm, so it is not classified there. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension is key.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the material polyethylene?
✓ Is the cross-sectional dimension greater than 1 mm?
✓ Has it been surface-worked?
✓ Does the use affect classification?
✓ Is it confused with other plastic monofilament?
❓ FAQ
How to query the HS code for polyethylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm)? First confirm the material is polyethylene, then measure whether the cross-sectional dimension is greater than 1 mm. If so, classify under 3916.10. It can be queried through customs tariff or classification databases; note that subheading 3916.10 applies only to polyethylene monofilament with cross-section >1 mm. If the cross-sectional dimension is exactly 1 mm, which code should it be classified under? According to HS rules, the cross-sectional dimension must exceed 1 mm to be classified under 3916. If it is exactly 1 mm, it does not meet the “exceeds” condition and should be classified under other codes, such as 5404 (if synthetic fibre monofilament) or 3916? Actually, 3916 requires exceeding 1 mm, so 1 mm is not classified under 3916, and it must be classified under other headings according to material and use. What is the difference in classification between polyethylene monofilament and polypropylene monofilament? The materials differ; polyethylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm) is classified under 3916.10, while polypropylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm) is classified under 3916.90 (other). If the cross-section is ≤1 mm, it may be classified under 5404, with different subheadings. Classification requires clarification of material and cross-sectional dimension. How should the cross-sectional dimension be filled in during declaration? Fill in the actual measured cross-sectional diameter or maximum dimension in millimetres, and ensure it is greater than 1 mm. For example, “diameter 2.0 mm”. If the cross-section is profiled, fill in the maximum dimension. Avoid general statements such as “greater than 1 mm”; specific values are required. Does surface treatment of polyethylene monofilament affect classification? Heading 3916 includes surface-worked monofilament but not otherwise worked. Surface treatment such as coating, dyeing, etc., does not affect classification, and it remains under 3916.10. However, if it has undergone other working (such as cutting, welding, etc.), it may be classified under other headings. If polyethylene monofilament is used for textiles, is it classified under 3916? If the cross-section is >1 mm, even if used for textiles, it is still classified under 3916.10. This is because 3916 targets plastic monofilament with cross-section >1 mm, regardless of use. However, if the cross-section is ≤1 mm, it is classified as textile fibre under 5404. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension is key. What declaration elements are required for importing polyethylene monofilament? It is necessary to declare product name, material, cross-sectional dimensions, appearance, use, brand, model, packaging specifications, etc. Refer to the customs declaration elements table to ensure completeness and accuracy, avoiding delays in customs clearance due to incorrect declaration. How to distinguish 3916.10 from 3916.90? 3916.10 specifically refers to polyethylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm), while 3916.90 includes other plastic monofilament (cross-section >1 mm), such as polypropylene, polystyrene, etc. The key distinction is whether the material is polyethylene.
Q: How to query the HS code for polyethylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm)?
A: First confirm the material is polyethylene, then measure whether the cross-sectional dimension is greater than 1 mm. If so, classify under 3916.10. It can be queried through customs tariff or classification databases; note that subheading 3916.10 applies only to polyethylene monofilament with cross-section >1 mm.
Q: If the cross-sectional dimension is exactly 1 mm, which code should it be classified under?
A: According to HS rules, the cross-sectional dimension must exceed 1 mm to be classified under 3916. If it is exactly 1 mm, it does not meet the “exceeds” condition and should be classified under other codes, such as 5404 (if synthetic fibre monofilament) or 3916? Actually, 3916 requires exceeding 1 mm, so 1 mm is not classified under 3916, and it must be classified under other headings according to material and use.
Q: What is the difference in classification between polyethylene monofilament and polypropylene monofilament?
A: The materials differ; polyethylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm) is classified under 3916.10, while polypropylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm) is classified under 3916.90 (other). If the cross-section is ≤1 mm, it may be classified under 5404, with different subheadings. Classification requires clarification of material and cross-sectional dimension.
Q: How should the cross-sectional dimension be filled in during declaration?
A: Fill in the actual measured cross-sectional diameter or maximum dimension in millimetres, and ensure it is greater than 1 mm. For example, “diameter 2.0 mm”. If the cross-section is profiled, fill in the maximum dimension. Avoid general statements such as “greater than 1 mm”; specific values are required.
Q: Does surface treatment of polyethylene monofilament affect classification?
A: Heading 3916 includes surface-worked monofilament but not otherwise worked. Surface treatment such as coating, dyeing, etc., does not affect classification, and it remains under 3916.10. However, if it has undergone other working (such as cutting, welding, etc.), it may be classified under other headings.
Q: If polyethylene monofilament is used for textiles, is it classified under 3916?
A: If the cross-section is >1 mm, even if used for textiles, it is still classified under 3916.10. This is because 3916 targets plastic monofilament with cross-section >1 mm, regardless of use. However, if the cross-section is ≤1 mm, it is classified as textile fibre under 5404. Therefore, cross-sectional dimension is key.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing polyethylene monofilament?
A: It is necessary to declare product name, material, cross-sectional dimensions, appearance, use, brand, model, packaging specifications, etc. Refer to the customs declaration elements table to ensure completeness and accuracy, avoiding delays in customs clearance due to incorrect declaration.
Q: How to distinguish 3916.10 from 3916.90?
A: 3916.10 specifically refers to polyethylene monofilament (cross-section >1 mm), while 3916.90 includes other plastic monofilament (cross-section >1 mm), such as polypropylene, polystyrene, etc. The key distinction is whether the material is polyethylene.
⚠️ 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.