HS Code 3903Polymers of styrene, in primary forms
5 six-digit codes · Heading 3 of 26 in Chapter 39 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 3903 covers polystyrene, ABS and SAN plastics while they are still raw material. This page explains what each subheading means so you can pick the right one.
Goods answering to “Polymers of styrene, in primary forms” split into 5 six-digit codes, 390311 through 390390. Each one carries its own customs description, and the exact wording below is what a classification has to match. The heading is number 3 of 26 in Chapter 39, Plastics and articles thereof, which runs to 131 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 3903
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 390311 | Styrene polymers; expansible polystyrene, in primary forms |
| 390319 | Styrene polymers; (other than expansible polystyrene), in primary forms |
| 390320 | Styrene polymers; styrene-acrylonitrile (san) copolymers, in primary forms |
| 390330 | Styrene polymers; acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (abs) copolymers, in primary forms |
| 390390 | Styrene polymers; in primary forms, n.e.c. in heading no. 3903 |
What HS code 3903 covers
Styrene is a building block for plastics such as polystyrene. The words "primary forms" mean the plastic is still raw material, like powder, granules or liquid. It has not been shaped into a finished product.
You may also see it called HSN code 3903 or HTS code 3903. The first six digits are the same in every country. Each country can add its own extra digits for its tariff, so check your national schedule before you file. The wider family of plastics in primary forms sits in Chapter 39 plastics.
How to choose the right 3903 subheading
Start with the exact plastic you ship. Then pick the one subheading that names it. The six-digit subheadings split styrene polymers like this:
- 390311: expansible polystyrene (EPS), the type that can be expanded.
- 390319: polystyrene that is not expansible, such as general purpose polystyrene.
- 390320: styrene-acrylonitrile (SAN) copolymers.
- 390390: any other styrene polymer in primary forms that none of the four codes above names.
Choosing between the named codes and 390390
Treat 390390 as the last choice. It is only for styrene polymers that fit none of the named codes. If your product is ABS, use 390330 and not 390390.
A copolymer is a plastic made from two or more building blocks. SAN and ABS are both copolymers that contain styrene. Check the product name on the datasheet or the supplier invoice. If the name says SAN or ABS, the choice is simple. If it says polystyrene, ask whether it is the expansible type. That one question separates 390311 from 390319.
3903 vs nearby plastics headings
Many plastics look alike on paper, but the heading depends on the polymer. Compare your product with these neighbours before you settle on a code:
- 3901 is for polymers of ethylene.
- 3902 is for polymers of propylene or other olefins.
- 3904 is for polymers of vinyl chloride, including PVC, and other halogenated olefins.
- 3906 is for acrylic polymers.
Who imports polystyrene, ABS and SAN under this heading?
Knowing the code is step one. Step two is finding the companies that trade it. EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries.
Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.
Related
- Chapter 39 plastics HS codes
- HS code 3901 polymers of ethylene
- HS code 3902 polymers of propylene
- HS code 3904 PVC and vinyl chloride polymers
- HS code 3906 acrylic polymers
- HS code 3915 plastic waste and scrap
- All HS code chapters
- Polystyrene import data
- Polystyrene export data
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Nearby headings in Chapter 39
- 3901Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms5 codes
- 3902Polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in primary forms4 codes
- 3904Polymers of vinyl chloride or of other halogenated olefins, in primary forms9 codes
- 3905Polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters, in primary forms; other…7 codes
- 3906Acrylic polymers in primary forms2 codes
- 3907Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms…11 codes
- 3908Polyamides in primary forms2 codes
- 3909Amino-resins, phenolic resins and polyurethanes, in primary forms6 codes
- 3910Silicones in primary forms1 code
- 3911Petroleum resins, coumarone-indene resins, polyterpenes, polysulphides…3 codes
- 3912Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms6 codes
- 3913Natural polymers (e.g. alginic acid) and modified natural polymers (e.g.…2 codes
Who ships under 3903?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 5 codes beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section VII: Plastics and Rubber, and Articles Thereof, chapters 39–40.
HS Code 3903: common questions
What is the HSN code for polymers of styrene in primary forms?
It is heading 3903. The subheadings run from 390311 to 390390 and cover polystyrene, SAN, ABS and other styrene polymers in primary forms.
What is the HS code for ABS copolymer in primary forms?
Use 390330.
Under which chapter does HSN code 3903 fall?
It falls in Chapter 39, Plastics and articles thereof, which is part of Section VII.
Which HS code is polystyrene other than expansible?
Use 390319 for styrene polymers that are not the expansible kind. This includes general purpose polystyrene in primary forms.
Where do polystyrene scrap and waste go instead of 3903?
Plastic waste, parings and scrap belong in heading 3915, not in 3903.
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