HS Code 3908Polyamides in primary forms
2 six-digit codes · Heading 8 of 26 in Chapter 39 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 3908 is the customs heading for polyamides, the plastics many people call nylon. Here is how to pick the right subheading and which nearby headings to rule out.
Heading 3908 splits exactly two ways. Goods answering to “Polyamides in primary forms” classify either at 390810 or at 390890, and the wording in the table below is the whole of what separates them. The heading is number 8 of 26 in Chapter 39, Plastics and articles thereof, which runs to 131 six-digit codes in all.
What HS code 3908 covers
This heading sits inside Chapter 39, the part of the Harmonized System for plastics. It is used for one family of raw plastics. The chemical name of that family is polyamide. The everyday name is nylon.
The words "primary forms" point to the raw material stage. Think of powder, granules, flakes, liquids and pastes. Finished parts, films and pipes made from the material belong in other headings.
Codes build up in steps. First comes the section, then the chapter, then the four-digit heading, then the six-digit subheading. In India the same heading is often called HSN code 3908.
HS 3908 subheadings: 390810 and 390890
The World Customs Organization writes the wording of both subheadings. Every country that uses the Harmonized System starts from these six digits.
Many countries add extra digits to build their own tariff lines. Those longer national codes can differ from one country to the next. The shared part never changes, so use the six digits when you compare markets. We do not list national codes here.
- 390810 is the named-grade line. It works like a short list.
- 390890 is the catch-all line for polyamides that are not on that list.
How to confirm the correct HS code for polyamides
Start with the polymer name on the product data sheet. If it is polyamide-6, polyamide-11 or polyamide-12, the goods go to 390810. The same is true for the other grades named in the wording of that line.
Anything else in primary forms goes to 390890. Treat it as the last stop. Use it only after you have ruled out every grade on the 390810 list.
A common misclassification comes from the label. A seller writes only "nylon" and the buyer picks 390890 by default. Trade names do not decide the code. A product sold as nylon moulding powder is classified by the polymer inside it. If that polymer is a listed grade, the code is 390810.
You can test your choice with the HS code classifier. For duty, read the official tariff of the importing country. This page gives no rates.
Headings related to 3908 in Chapter 39
Some goods look close to polyamides but sit elsewhere. Check these before you file.
- 3907: polyesters, polycarbonates, epoxide resins and other polyethers, in primary forms
- 3909: amino-resins, phenolic resins and polyurethanes, in primary forms
- 3915: waste, parings and scrap of plastics
- 3916: monofilament, rods, sticks and profile shapes of plastics
Search HS 3908 import and export records
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.
Nearby headings in Chapter 39
- 3902Polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in primary forms4 codes
- 3903Polymers of styrene, in primary forms5 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
- 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
- 3914Ion-exchangers; based on polymers of heading no. 3901 to 3913, in primary…1 code
Who ships under 3908?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the 2 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 3908: common questions
What is the HS code for polyamide-6 or polyamide-12?
Both go to 390810, because the wording of that subheading names them. The same applies to polyamide-11.
What is the difference between 390810 and 390890?
390810 is for the grades named in its wording.
Are polyamide scrap or rods classified under 3908?
No. This heading covers primary forms only. Plastic waste and scrap go to 3915. Monofilament, rods, sticks and profile shapes go to 3916.
Is the HS code for polyamides the same across countries?
The first six digits are shared by every country that uses the Harmonized System. Countries may add more digits, so longer national codes can differ.
How can I find importers and exporters of HS 3908 polyamides?
Search with the HS code, either 3908 or one of its two subheadings. The last section above explains what you can see.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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