Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and is a core chapter in the HS classification organized by material properties. This chapter includes plastics in primary forms (such as resins and pellets), waste and scrap, semi-manufactures (such as monofilament, rods, sticks, and profiles), and certain finished articles. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include plastic articles that have the essential character of complete articles of other chapters, such as plastic footwear (Chapter 64), plastic toys (Chapter 95), etc. Within Chapter 39, further subdivision is made by polymer type (such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride) and product form (such as primary forms, plates, sheets, and monofilament). Heading 3916 specifically covers monofilament of plastics (with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm), rods, sticks, and profiles, whether or not surface-worked, but not otherwise worked as described in other chapters. Products under this heading must be continuous-length material with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm and made of plastics. It does not include plastic monofilament with a cross-sectional diameter of 1 mm or less (classified under 5404, etc.), monofilament of textile materials (Chapter 54), or tubes (3917) or plates and sheets (3919-3921) of plastics. Code 391620 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "39" represent Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof), which is the first-level classification in the HS and is divided by major material categories. The 3rd-4th digits "16" represent heading 3916, namely monofilament of plastics (cross-sectional diameter >1 mm), rods, sticks, and profiles, which is a subclass divided by product form. The 5th-6th digits "20" represent subheading 391620, specifically referring to monofilament of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Therefore, 391620 precisely points to "monofilament of polyvinyl chloride, with a cross-sectional diameter exceeding 1 mm." If the material is other plastics, it is classified under 391610 (polymers of ethylene) or 391690 (other plastics). The goods are PVC monofilament, and the cross-sectional diameter exceeds 1 mm, which conforms to the description of heading 3916. Its material is PVC, so it is classified under subheading 391620. It is not classified under 391610 (monofilament of polymers of ethylene) because PVC is a polymer of vinyl chloride; it is not classified under 391690 (monofilament of other plastics) because there is already a specific listing; nor is it classified under 5404 (synthetic textile monofilament with cross-section <=1 mm) because the diameter exceeds 1 mm. Therefore, 391620 is the only correct classification.
Chapter
Chapter 39 covers plastics and articles thereof, and is a core chapter in the HS classification organized by material properties. This chapter includes plastics in primary forms (such as resins and pellets), waste and scrap, semi-manufactures (such as monofilament, rods, sticks, and profiles), and certain finished articles. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include plastic articles that have the essential character of complete articles of other chapters, such as plastic footwear (Chapter 64), plastic toys (Chapter 95), etc. Within Chapter 39, further subdivision is made by polymer type (such as polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride) and product form (such as primary forms, plates, sheets, and monofilament).
Heading
Heading 3916 specifically covers monofilament of plastics (with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm), rods, sticks, and profiles, whether or not surface-worked, but not otherwise worked as described in other chapters. Products under this heading must be continuous-length material with a cross-sectional dimension exceeding 1 mm and made of plastics. It does not include plastic monofilament with a cross-sectional diameter of 1 mm or less (classified under 5404, etc.), monofilament of textile materials (Chapter 54), or tubes (3917) or plates and sheets (3919-3921) of plastics.
Digit Breakdown
Code 391620 consists of 6 digits. The first 2 digits "39" represent Chapter 39 (Plastics and articles thereof), which is the first-level classification in the HS and is divided by major material categories. The 3rd-4th digits "16" represent heading 3916, namely monofilament of plastics (cross-sectional diameter >1 mm), rods, sticks, and profiles, which is a subclass divided by product form. The 5th-6th digits "20" represent subheading 391620, specifically referring to monofilament of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Therefore, 391620 precisely points to "monofilament of polyvinyl chloride, with a cross-sectional diameter exceeding 1 mm." If the material is other plastics, it is classified under 391610 (polymers of ethylene) or 391690 (other plastics).
Classification Basis
The goods are PVC monofilament, and the cross-sectional diameter exceeds 1 mm, which conforms to the description of heading 3916. Its material is PVC, so it is classified under subheading 391620. It is not classified under 391610 (monofilament of polymers of ethylene) because PVC is a polymer of vinyl chloride; it is not classified under 391690 (monofilament of other plastics) because there is already a specific listing; nor is it classified under 5404 (synthetic textile monofilament with cross-section <=1 mm) because the diameter exceeds 1 mm. Therefore, 391620 is the only correct classification.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The standard name of the declared commodity should use "polyvinyl chloride monofilament" or "PVC monofilament," and avoid colloquial names such as "plastic string." Material: Clearly state polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and may indicate whether it is a homopolymer or copolymer and whether additives are contained. Cross-sectional diameter: Declare the cross-sectional diameter of the monofilament, which must be greater than 1 mm, usually in millimeters. Appearance: Describe the color, shape (such as round or irregular), and whether it is wound, etc. Use: Explain the main use of the monofilament, such as for woven nets, ropes, brushes, etc. Brand: Declare the brand name (if no brand, fill in "none"), which helps customs intellectual property protection. Model: Declare the model or specification code of the product to facilitate distinction among different products. Packaging specifications: Explain the packaging method, such as spool, reel, bundle, etc., and the length or weight per roll. Product name: Polyvinyl chloride monofilament; Material: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); Cross-sectional diameter: 2.0 mm; Appearance: Black round, smooth surface, wound on spool; Use: Used for weaving aquaculture nets; Brand: None; Model: PVC-M-200; Packaging specifications: Net weight 5 kg per roll, packed in cartons. Mistakenly classifying PVC monofilament with a cross-sectional diameter <=1 mm under 391620, when it should actually be classified under 5404. Material declaration is not specific, writing only "plastic," leading to classification disputes. Ignoring the declaration of cross-sectional diameter, customs may require laboratory testing to determine classification.
Product name
The standard name of the declared commodity should use "polyvinyl chloride monofilament" or "PVC monofilament," and avoid colloquial names such as "plastic string."
⚠️ Misreporting as non-standard names such as "plastic rope" or "PVC thread."
Material
Clearly state polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and may indicate whether it is a homopolymer or copolymer and whether additives are contained.
⚠️ Writing only "plastic" without specifying PVC, or mistakenly writing "polyethylene."
Cross-sectional diameter
Declare the cross-sectional diameter of the monofilament, which must be greater than 1 mm, usually in millimeters.
⚠️ Failure to provide the diameter or misreporting it as <=1 mm, resulting in incorrect classification.
Appearance
Describe the color, shape (such as round or irregular), and whether it is wound, etc.
⚠️ Omitting color or shape, affecting inspection determination.
Use
Explain the main use of the monofilament, such as for woven nets, ropes, brushes, etc.
⚠️ Use description is too general, such as "industrial use."
Brand
Declare the brand name (if no brand, fill in "none"), which helps customs intellectual property protection.
⚠️ Brand inconsistent with the actual goods or not declared.
Model
Declare the model or specification code of the product to facilitate distinction among different products.
⚠️ Model is incomplete or inconsistent with the actual goods.
Packaging specifications
Explain the packaging method, such as spool, reel, bundle, etc., and the length or weight per roll.
⚠️ Packaging specifications are unclear, affecting inspection efficiency.
Example： Product name: Polyvinyl chloride monofilament; Material: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC); Cross-sectional diameter: 2.0 mm; Appearance: Black round, smooth surface, wound on spool; Use: Used for weaving aquaculture nets; Brand: None; Model: PVC-M-200; Packaging specifications: Net weight 5 kg per roll, packed in cartons.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying PVC monofilament with a cross-sectional diameter <=1 mm under 391620, when it should actually be classified under 5404.
Material declaration is not specific, writing only "plastic," leading to classification disputes.
Ignoring the declaration of cross-sectional diameter, customs may require laboratory testing to determine classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. First, confirm that the goods are monofilament of plastics and that the cross-sectional diameter exceeds 1 mm, conforming to heading 3916. Second, the material is polyvinyl chloride, conforming to subheading 391620. If the cross-sectional diameter is <=1 mm, it belongs to synthetic textile monofilament and should be classified under Chapter 54 (such as 5404). If it is other plastics, it is classified under 391610 or 391690. Therefore, material and cross-sectional diameter are the key criteria. 391610 Monofilament of polymers of ethylene: The material is polymers of ethylene (such as PE, EVA), whereas 391620 is polymers of vinyl chloride (PVC). 391690 Monofilament of other plastics: The material is plastics other than polymers of ethylene or vinyl chloride, such as nylon, polyester, etc. 5404 Synthetic textile monofilament: Cross-sectional diameter <=1 mm, and the material is synthetic textile (such as nylon, polyester), whereas 391620 has a diameter >1 mm. 391510 Waste and scrap of polymers of ethylene: It is waste and scrap, whereas 391620 is finished monofilament, not waste and scrap. 392690 Other articles of plastics: It is other articles of plastics not elsewhere specified or included, whereas 391620 is monofilament, which already has a specific listing. Confirm whether the material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Confirm whether the cross-sectional diameter is greater than 1 mm. Confirm whether it is monofilament rather than other forms (such as tubes or plates). Confirm whether it has not been worked in other chapters (such as textiles). Confirm whether it is waste and scrap (if so, classify under 3915).
Basis
The core basis for classification is the Import and Export Tariff and the HS Explanatory Notes. First, confirm that the goods are monofilament of plastics and that the cross-sectional diameter exceeds 1 mm, conforming to heading 3916. Second, the material is polyvinyl chloride, conforming to subheading 391620. If the cross-sectional diameter is <=1 mm, it belongs to synthetic textile monofilament and should be classified under Chapter 54 (such as 5404). If it is other plastics, it is classified under 391610 or 391690. Therefore, material and cross-sectional diameter are the key criteria.
Confused Codes：
391610 - Monofilament of polymers of ethylene
The material is polymers of ethylene (such as PE, EVA), whereas 391620 is polymers of vinyl chloride (PVC).
391690 - Monofilament of other plastics
The material is plastics other than polymers of ethylene or vinyl chloride, such as nylon, polyester, etc.
5404 - Synthetic textile monofilament
Cross-sectional diameter <=1 mm, and the material is synthetic textile (such as nylon, polyester), whereas 391620 has a diameter >1 mm.
391510 - Waste and scrap of polymers of ethylene
It is waste and scrap, whereas 391620 is finished monofilament, not waste and scrap.
392690 - Other articles of plastics
It is other articles of plastics not elsewhere specified or included, whereas 391620 is monofilament, which already has a specific listing.
Self-Check：
✓ Confirm whether the material is polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
✓ Confirm whether the cross-sectional diameter is greater than 1 mm.
✓ Confirm whether it is monofilament rather than other forms (such as tubes or plates).
✓ Confirm whether it has not been worked in other chapters (such as textiles).
✓ Confirm whether it is waste and scrap (if so, classify under 3915).
❓ FAQ
How can I check the import tariff rate for 391620? The latest tariff rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates vary depending on trade agreements (such as RCEP) and country of origin. It is recommended to use the Import and Export Tariff published by customs or consult a professional customs broker. If the cross-sectional diameter of PVC monofilament is exactly 1 mm, which code should it be classified under? According to the HS Explanatory Notes, heading 3916 requires a cross-sectional diameter exceeding 1 mm. If it is exactly 1 mm, it does not meet the "exceeding" condition and should be classified under Chapter 54 (such as 5404) as synthetic textile monofilament. In actual declaration, it is recommended to measure accurately and retain test reports. What is the main difference between 391620 and 391610? The main difference lies in the material: 391620 is monofilament of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and 391610 is monofilament of polymers of ethylene (such as PE). When declaring, material proof such as a composition test report should be provided to avoid classification errors. If PVC monofilament is used for textiles, is it still classified under 391620? If the cross-sectional diameter of the monofilament is >1 mm, even if used for textiles, it is still classified under 391620. However, if it has been textile-processed into fabric, it is classified under Chapter 54 or Chapter 59. Classification is based on the condition of the goods at the time in question. When declaring 391620, what are the common points of doubt raised by customs? Common doubts include: whether the cross-sectional diameter is indeed >1 mm, whether the material is PVC, whether it is waste and scrap, and whether the use affects classification. It is recommended to prepare test reports, material certificates, and detailed use descriptions in advance. What regulatory documents are required for exporting PVC monofilament? Generally, no special regulatory documents are required, but if intellectual property rights are involved (such as a brand), an authorization letter must be provided. For details, check customs regulatory conditions or consult the local customs. Can monofilament of 391620 be classified under 392690? No. 392690 is other articles of plastics not elsewhere specified or included, while 391620 already has a specific listing and should be classified under 391620 first. General Interpretative Rule 1 provides that a specific listing takes precedence over a general listing. How can PVC monofilament and PVC rods be distinguished? Monofilament generally refers to continuous-length material with a circular cross-section and uniform diameter, while rods may refer to rectangular or other irregular cross-sections. However, heading 3916 lists monofilament, rods, and sticks together, and classification is handled under 3916, with subheadings divided by material.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for 391620?
A: The latest tariff rate can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs of China or the International Trade Single Window. Tariff rates vary depending on trade agreements (such as RCEP) and country of origin. It is recommended to use the Import and Export Tariff published by customs or consult a professional customs broker.
Q: If the cross-sectional diameter of PVC monofilament is exactly 1 mm, which code should it be classified under?
A: According to the HS Explanatory Notes, heading 3916 requires a cross-sectional diameter exceeding 1 mm. If it is exactly 1 mm, it does not meet the "exceeding" condition and should be classified under Chapter 54 (such as 5404) as synthetic textile monofilament. In actual declaration, it is recommended to measure accurately and retain test reports.
Q: What is the main difference between 391620 and 391610?
A: The main difference lies in the material: 391620 is monofilament of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and 391610 is monofilament of polymers of ethylene (such as PE). When declaring, material proof such as a composition test report should be provided to avoid classification errors.
Q: If PVC monofilament is used for textiles, is it still classified under 391620?
A: If the cross-sectional diameter of the monofilament is >1 mm, even if used for textiles, it is still classified under 391620. However, if it has been textile-processed into fabric, it is classified under Chapter 54 or Chapter 59. Classification is based on the condition of the goods at the time in question.
Q: When declaring 391620, what are the common points of doubt raised by customs?
A: Common doubts include: whether the cross-sectional diameter is indeed >1 mm, whether the material is PVC, whether it is waste and scrap, and whether the use affects classification. It is recommended to prepare test reports, material certificates, and detailed use descriptions in advance.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for exporting PVC monofilament?
A: Generally, no special regulatory documents are required, but if intellectual property rights are involved (such as a brand), an authorization letter must be provided. For details, check customs regulatory conditions or consult the local customs.
Q: Can monofilament of 391620 be classified under 392690?
A: No. 392690 is other articles of plastics not elsewhere specified or included, while 391620 already has a specific listing and should be classified under 391620 first. General Interpretative Rule 1 provides that a specific listing takes precedence over a general listing.
Q: How can PVC monofilament and PVC rods be distinguished?
A: Monofilament generally refers to continuous-length material with a circular cross-section and uniform diameter, while rods may refer to rectangular or other irregular cross-sections. However, heading 3916 lists monofilament, rods, and sticks together, and classification is handled under 3916, with subheadings divided by material.
⚠️ 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.