Subheading · Chapter 39 · Heading 3923

3923.21

3923.21: Of polymers of ethylene

Polyethylene bags and sacks

3923.21 is the HS subheading for polyethylene bags and sacks, under heading 3923 in chapter 39.

What you pay

Importing into UK

Customs duty 6% standard rate depends on the country of origin
Additional duties and charges 4 additional measures Import requirements: 1
VAT 20.00 % import VAT
Duty calculatorCalculate duty and taxes →

Rates by national line · UK Global Tariff

UK lines →
  1. 3923 21 00 00 Of polymers of ethylene 6%

Additional duties and import rules

Charges on top of the customs duty, and rules the goods must meet at the border.

Additional duties and charges 4

  • Additional dutyAdditional duties 35%
    Applies to goods from
    Belarus, Russia
    Legal act
    2022 No. 833
    Documents
    • 9018
  • Duty suspensionAutonomous tariff suspension Free
    Applies to goods from
    all countries
    In force
    until 31 December 2026
    Legal act
    2020 No. 1435
    Documents
    • 9Y12
  • Duty suspensionSuspension - goods for certain categories of ships, boats and other vessels and for drilling or production platforms Free
    Applies to goods from
    all countries
    Legal act
    2020 No. 1431
    Documents
    • C990 End use authorisation ships and platforms (Column 8c, Annex A of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/2446)
  • Duty suspensionAirworthiness tariff suspension Free
    Applies to goods from
    all countries
    Legal act
    S.I. 2018/1249
    Documents
    • C119 Authorised Release Certificate — EASA Form 1 (Appendix I to Annex I to Regulation (EU) No 748/2012), or equivalent certificate

Import requirements 1

  • Import controlRestriction on entry into free circulation
    Applies to goods from
    Russia, Ukraine
    Legal act
    2023 No. 440, S.I. 2022/395
    Documents
    • 9011
    • 9022
    • 9038
    • 9009
    • 9010
    • 9017

Preferential rates by country

Agreement or schemeCountriesRate
standard rate (no agreement)—6%
DCTS Comprehensive
Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin and 38 more

Afghanistan, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Bhutan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo - Kinshasa, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Kiribati, Laos, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tuvalu, Uganda, Yemen, Zambia

Free
European Union (including code " EU")
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia and 23 more

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Free
DCTS Enhanced
Algeria, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Congo - Brazzaville and 13 more

Algeria, Bolivia, Cape Verde, Congo - Brazzaville, Cook Islands, Kyrgyzstan, Micronesia, Mongolia, Nigeria, Niue, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu

Free
CARIFORUM
Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize and 10 more

Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago

Free
OCTs (Overseas Countries and Territories)
Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands and 7 more

Anguilla, Bermuda, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Montserrat, Pitcairn Islands, South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands, St Helena, Turks & Caicos Islands

Free
Central America Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama Free
SADC EPA Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia Free
Eastern and Southern Africa States Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Zimbabwe Free
UK–Andorra agreement Andorra Free
UK–Albania agreement Albania Free
UK–Australia agreement Australia Free
UK–Canada agreement Canada Free
UK–Switzerland agreement Switzerland Free
UK–Côte d’Ivoire agreement Côte d’Ivoire Free
UK–Chile agreement Chile Free
UK–Cameroon agreement Cameroon Free
UK–Colombia agreement Colombia Free
UK–Ceuta & Melilla agreement Ceuta & Melilla Free
UK–Ecuador agreement Ecuador Free
UK–Egypt agreement Egypt Free
UK–Fiji agreement Fiji Free
UK–Faroe Islands agreement Faroe Islands Free
UK–Georgia agreement Georgia Free
UK–Ghana agreement Ghana Free
UK–Israel agreement Israel Free
UK–India agreement India Free
UK–Iceland agreement Iceland Free
UK–Jordan agreement Jordan Free
UK–Kenya agreement Kenya Free
UK–South Korea agreement South Korea Free
UK–Lebanon agreement Lebanon Free
UK–Liechtenstein agreement Liechtenstein Free
UK–Morocco agreement Morocco Free
UK–Moldova agreement Moldova Free
UK–North Macedonia agreement North Macedonia Free
UK–Mexico agreement Mexico Free
UK–Norway agreement Norway Free
UK–New Zealand agreement New Zealand Free
UK–Peru agreement Peru Free
UK–Papua New Guinea agreement Papua New Guinea Free
UK–Palestinian Territories agreement Palestinian Territories Free
UK–Serbia agreement Serbia Free
UK–Solomon Islands agreement Solomon Islands Free
UK–Singapore agreement Singapore Free
UK–San Marino agreement San Marino Free
UK–Tunisia agreement Tunisia Free
UK–Türkiye agreement Türkiye Free
UK–Ukraine agreement Ukraine Free
UK–Vietnam agreement Vietnam Free
UK–Samoa agreement Samoa Free
UK–Kosovo agreement Kosovo Free
UK–South Africa agreement South Africa Free
CPTPP Brunei, Japan, Malaysia 1.2%
DCTS Standard Indonesia 2.5%

UK: imports by month

last 12 months£556.7m+0.9% · previous 12 months
Average import price£1.78 per kg
Jan 2024: £42.8mFeb 2024: £38.8mMar 2024: £47.1mApr 2024: £45.1mMay 2024: £42.6mJun 2024: £47.3mJul 2024: £43.7mAug 2024: £44mSept 2024: £44.6mOct 2024: £54.4mNov 2024: £51mDec 2024: £45.5mJan 2025: £43.6mFeb 2025: £45mMar 2025: £45.8mApr 2025: £43.3mMay 2025: £45.8mJun 2025: £41.3mJul 2025: £46.6mAug 2025: £45.1mSept 2025: £45.2mOct 2025: £50.5mNov 2025: £49.3mDec 2025: £44.7mJan 2026: £39.2mFeb 2026: £45.6mMar 2026: £46.2mApr 2026: £43.6mMay 2026: £49.3mJun 2026: £45.4mJul 2026: £50.9mAug 2026: £46.8m 202420252026
Data up to August 2026 (provisional) · Monthly data: Eurostat Comext (CC BY 4.0), HMRC (OGL v3.0)

Main suppliers, last 12 months

CountryValueShareChange
China £93.9m 16.9% +9.4%
Germany £85.9m 15.4% +6.9%
Türkiye £78.5m 14.1% -13.6%
Vietnam £60.5m 10.9% -1.1%
Poland £48.7m 8.8% +7.7%
Thailand £31m 5.6% -4%
France £23.1m 4.2% +1.3%
India £18.6m 3.3% +10.8%

Same subheading in other tariffs

World trade in 2024

3923.21 · US$13bn

Trade value (US$) no reported trade < US$2mUS$2m+US$35m+US$167m+> US$676m

Exports: 175
  1. China: US$3bn
  2. Vietnam: US$1bn
  3. Germany: US$1bn
  4. United States: US$849m
  5. Canada: US$687m
  6. Thailand: US$676m
  7. Poland: US$634m
  8. Türkiye: US$461m
  9. Mexico: US$425m
  10. Malaysia: US$407m
  11. Netherlands: US$301m
  12. Italy: US$271m
  13. India: US$237m
  14. France: US$209m
  15. Indonesia: US$202m
  16. South Korea: US$202m
  17. Spain: US$167m
  18. United Kingdom: US$149m
  19. Taiwan: US$139m
  20. Austria: US$118m
  21. Hungary: US$89m
  22. Belgium: US$88m
  23. Brazil: US$85m
  24. Lithuania: US$83m
  25. Sweden: US$80m
  26. Czechia: US$76m
  27. El Salvador: US$70m
  28. Bulgaria: US$66m
  29. Saudi Arabia: US$60m
  30. Japan: US$59m
  31. Cambodia: US$56m
  32. Honduras: US$55m
  33. Slovenia: US$52m
  34. Portugal: US$52m
  35. Slovakia: US$50m
  36. Singapore: US$48m
  37. Denmark: US$44m
  38. Switzerland: US$43m
  39. Philippines: US$41m
  40. Colombia: US$38m
  41. United Arab Emirates: US$37m
  42. South Africa: US$35m
  43. Ireland: US$34m
  44. Côte d’Ivoire: US$33m
  45. Bosnia & Herzegovina: US$33m
  46. Israel: US$32m
  47. Hong Kong SAR China: US$30m
  48. Romania: US$27m
  49. Guatemala: US$27m
  50. Serbia: US$25m
  51. Finland: US$24m
  52. Croatia: US$23m
  53. Costa Rica: US$22m
  54. Peru: US$21m
  55. Dominican Republic: US$20m
  56. Greece: US$19m
  57. Iran: US$19m
  58. Chile: US$18m
  59. Sri Lanka: US$15m
  60. Latvia: US$15m

Top exporters

RankCountryValueShare
1 China US$3bn 24.7%
2 Vietnam US$1bn 7.7%
3 Germany US$1bn 7.4%
4 United States US$849m 6.3%
5 Canada US$687m 5.1%
6 Thailand US$676m 5%
7 Poland US$634m 4.7%
8 Türkiye US$461m 3.4%
9 Mexico US$425m 3.2%
10 Malaysia US$407m 3%

Top importers

RankCountryValueShare
1 United States US$3bn 24.3%
2 Japan US$1bn 8%
3 Germany US$873m 6.5%
4 United Kingdom US$673m 5%
5 France US$589m 4.4%
6 Canada US$572m 4.3%
7 Netherlands US$457m 3.4%
8 Mexico US$421m 3.1%
9 Australia US$357m 2.7%
10 Italy US$262m 1.9%

Import duty on this product around the world 163

The most-favoured-nation (MFN) duty each country applies to goods of this HS subheading: the average over its national tariff lines, with the lowest and highest line where they differ. Goods from countries with a trade agreement often pay less.

  • 10%median duty
  • 11number of duty-free countries (MFN)
  • 86%highest: Maldives, Angola, Kiribati

163

Importing countryMFN dutylines from – todata year
Afghanistan 10% 2018 · HS 2012
Albania 6% 2023
Algeria 30% 2023
Angola 50% 2023 · HS 2017
Anguilla 10% 2021 · HS 2017
Antigua & Barbuda 15% 2021 · HS 2007
Argentina 18% 2023 · HS 2017
Armenia 6.5% 2023
Aruba 12% 2021 · HS 2012
Australia 5% 2023
Azerbaijan 15% 2023 · HS 2017
Bahamas 35% 25% – 45% 2022
Bahrain 5% 2023
Bangladesh 25% 2023 · HS 2017
Barbados 38% 15% – 60% 2022 · HS 2017
Belarus 6.5% 2021 · HS 2017
Belize 15% 2023
Benin 20% 2023
Bermuda 25% 2023
Bhutan 10% 2022
Bolivia 10% 2023 · HS 2017
Bosnia & Herzegovina 0% 2022
Botswana 11% 0% – 15% 2023
Brazil 18% 2023 · HS 2017
Brunei 0% 2023 · HS 2017
Burkina Faso 20% 2023
Burundi 25% 2023
Cambodia 15% 2023 · HS 2017
Cameroon 10% 2023
Canada 3.3% 0% – 6.5% 2023
Cape Verde 13% 5% – 20% 2023 · HS 2017
Cayman Islands 22% 2021 · HS 2002
Central African Republic 10% 2023
Chad 10% 2023
Chile 6% 2023 · HS 2017
China 10% 2023
Colombia 15% 2023 · HS 2017
Comoros 20% 2021 · HS 2017
Congo - Brazzaville 10% 2023
Cook Islands 0% 2022 · HS 2017
Costa Rica 6% 0% – 9% 2023
Côte d’Ivoire 20% 2023 · HS 2017
Cuba 10% 5% – 15% 2023 · HS 2017
Dominica 0% 2023 · HS 2017
Dominican Republic 10% 0% – 20% 2023
Ecuador 0% 2023 · HS 2017
Egypt 7.5% 0% – 10% 2019 · HS 2017
El Salvador 3.3% 0% – 10% 2022
Equatorial Guinea 10% 2023
Eswatini 11% 0% – 15% 2023
Ethiopia 35% 2021 · HS 2017
European Union (27 countries) 6.5% 2023
Fiji 5% 2023
Gabon 10% 2023
Gambia 20% 2023
Georgia 12% 2022 · HS 2017
Ghana 20% 2023
Gibraltar 6.1% 0.1% – 12% 2023 · HS 2017
Grenada 7.5% 0% – 15% 2023 · HS 2012
Guatemala 3.3% 0% – 10% 2023
Guinea 20% 2023
Guinea-Bissau 20% 2023
Guyana 15% 2023 · HS 2017
Haiti 25% 2020 · HS 2017
Honduras 3.3% 0% – 10% 2023
Hong Kong SAR China 0% 2023
Iceland 0% 2023
India 15% 2023
Indonesia 15% 2023
Iran 13% 10% – 20% 2020 · HS 2017
Israel 6% 0% – 12% 2022 · HS 2017
Jamaica 15% 2023
Japan 3.9% 2023
Jordan 2.5% 0% – 5% 2023
Kazakhstan 6.5% 2023
Kenya 25% 2023
Kiribati 40% 2023 · HS 2002
Kuwait 5% 2023
Kyrgyzstan 6.5% 2021 · HS 2017
Laos 40% 2023 · HS 2017
Lebanon 10% 0% – 20% 2020 · HS 2017
Lesotho 11% 0% – 15% 2023
Liberia 20% 2023
Libya 5% 2021 · HS 2017
Liechtenstein 23%* 2021 · HS 2017
Macao SAR China 0% 2023
Madagascar 20% 2023
Malawi 18% 10% – 25% 2021 · HS 2017
Malaysia 20% 2023
Maldives 86% 0% – 400% 2023
Mali 20% 2023
Mauritania 20% 2023 · HS 2017
Mauritius 10% 0% – 30% 2023
Mexico 0% 2023 · HS 2017
Micronesia 4% 2021 · HS 2017
Moldova 6.5% 2023 · HS 2017
Montserrat 25% 2023 · HS 2017
Morocco 10% 2023
Mozambique 20% 2023
Myanmar (Burma) 5% 2023 · HS 2017
Namibia 11% 0% – 15% 2023
Nauru 10% 2021 · HS 2017
Nepal 30% 2023
New Zealand 5% 2023
Nicaragua 5% 0% – 10% 2023
Niger 20% 2023
Nigeria 20% 2023
North Macedonia 6.5% 2023
Norway 0% 2023
Oman 5% 2023
Pakistan 20% 2023
Palau 3% 2023 · HS 2012
Palestinian Territories 6% 0% – 12% 2017 · HS 2017
Panama 3.3% 0% – 10% 2023
Papua New Guinea 20% 0% – 25% 2023
Paraguay 18% 2023 · HS 2017
Peru 6% 2023 · HS 2017
Philippines 9% 3% – 15% 2023
Qatar 5% 2023
Russia 6.5% 2021 · HS 2017
Rwanda 25% 2023
Samoa 8% 2020 · HS 2017
São Tomé & Príncipe 10% 2019 · HS 2017
Saudi Arabia 6.5% 2023
Senegal 20% 2023
Seychelles 2.5% 0% – 5% 2023
Sierra Leone 20% 2023
Singapore 0% 2023 · HS 2017
Solomon Islands 5.6%* 2023 · HS 2017
Somalia 25% 2023 · HS 2017
South Africa 11% 0% – 15% 2023
South Korea 6.5% 2023
Sri Lanka 13% 0% – 20% 2023
St Kitts & Nevis 15% 2023
St Lucia 15% 2023 · HS 2012
St Pierre & Miquelon 13% 5% – 20% 2021 · HS 2017
St Vincent & the Grenadines 15% 2023
Sudan 40% 2021 · HS 2017
Suriname 15% 2023 · HS 2007
Switzerland 18%* 2023
Syria 10% 2020 · HS 2012
Tajikistan 6.5% 2021 · HS 2012
Tanzania 25% 2023
Thailand 2.5% 0% – 10% 2023
Togo 20% 2023
Tonga 15% 2023 · HS 2017
Trinidad & Tobago 15% 2023 · HS 2012
Türkiye 32% 2023
Tuvalu 25% 2017 · HS 2017
Uganda 25% 2023
Ukraine 6.5% 2023 · HS 2017
United Arab Emirates 5% 2023
United Kingdom 6% 2023
United States 3% 2023
Uruguay 18% 2023 · HS 2017
Uzbekistan 15% 2021 · HS 2017
Vanuatu 5% 0% – 10% 2023
Venezuela 18% 2023 · HS 2017
Vietnam 14% 12% – 15% 2023
Wallis & Futuna 6% 2021 · HS 2012
Yemen 8.3% 5% – 10% 2017 · HS 2017
Zambia 25% 2023
Zimbabwe 0.4% 2023

Tariff data years 2017–2023; rates may have changed since. * ad valorem equivalent of specific duties (UNCTAD estimate) · UNCTAD TRAINS, accessed via WITS (World Bank)

Classifications and correspondences

Where this HS subheading sits in the United Nations' statistical classifications, and which codes it had in earlier editions of the Harmonized System.

SITC Rev. 4
89311 Sacks & bags (including cones), of plastics
End use (BEC Rev. 5)
Intermediate goods · BEC 511220
CPC 2.1 product
36410 Sacks and bags, of plastics
ISIC Rev. 4 activity
2220 Manufacture of plastics products

Earlier HS editions

HSCode
20173923.21unchanged
20123923.21unchanged
20073923.21unchanged
20023923.21unchanged
19963923.21unchanged
19923923.21unchanged

Correspondence tables of the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD)

Binding rulings for similar goods 52

Decisions of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CROSS) and HMRC (Advance Tariff Rulings) on goods classified here. A ruling binds only its holder, but shows how the authorities classify similar goods. The descriptions are the authorities’ own, in English.

  • N363213 U.S. CBP 16 July 2026 · 3923.21.00.95

    The tariff classification of a wall-mounted dispenser containing disposable plastic bags from China

  • N360188 U.S. CBP 23 April 2026 · 3923.21.00.30

    The tariff classification of a plastic bag from China

  • N360189 U.S. CBP 23 April 2026 · 3923.21.00.30

    The tariff classification of a plastic bag from Malaysia

  • N360190 U.S. CBP 23 April 2026 · 3923.21.00.30

    The tariff classification of a plastic bag from Thailand

  • N360191 U.S. CBP 23 April 2026 · 3923.21.00.30

    The tariff classification of a plastic bag from Turkey

  • N359108 U.S. CBP 19 March 2026 · 3923.21.00.95

    The tariff classification of polyethylene pet waste bags from China

  • 600016116 HMRC 10 September 2026 – 9 September 2029 · 3923 21 00 00

    Carrier bag with handles. Bearing the logo of a well-known store. Made from 100% recycled LDPE (polyethylene) plastic using the blown extrusion process. Packaged in cardboard cartons.

  • 600016178 HMRC 2 September 2026 – 1 September 2029 · 3923 21 00 00

    Plastic bags (32 Pack) Material: low-density polyethylene size: 110mm x 151mm + 40mm Lip Sealed with an adhesive closure Use: storage and protection of completed cryptocurrency backup notes

  • 600013960 HMRC 7 January 2026 – 6 January 2029 · 3923 21 00 00

    Bags in packs of fifteen. The bags are made of Organza-style polyester. The bags are packaged in sets of fifteen in plastic bags with a card header.

  • 600013970 HMRC 28 November 2025 – 27 November 2028 · 3923 21 00 00

    Resealable plastic bags made of 100% polyethylene. It is packaged in packs of 60 bags, in plastic envelopes.

  • 600013901 HMRC 13 November 2025 – 12 November 2028 · 3923 21 00 00

    Product is a box of 100 fragranced nappy bags. These nappy bags are disposable and made from polyethylene (PE). Used nappies are put in the bags to hide odours and are then disposed of. Measures 28cm x 31cm.

  • 600013908 HMRC 13 November 2025 – 12 November 2028 · 3923 21 00 00

    Product is a box of 100 lemon fragranced doggy bags, designed for disposal of pet waste. They have tie handles and measure 26cm x 34cm. They are made from polyethylene (PE).

52 rulings in total for this code

Recent rule changes mentioning this code

Acts whose text cites this code or its heading. Check the act itself: a code can be cited for reasons other than a change of its duty.

  1. EU Tariff change · Applies from:

    Regulation (EU) 2026/1395 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2026 on applying a generalised scheme of tariff preferences and repealing Regulation (EU) No 978/2012

    CELEX 32026R1395 · Source: eur-lex.europa.eu

  2. US Anti-dumping

    Polyethylene Retail Carrier Bags From the People's Republic of China: Preliminary Results and Partial Rescission of Antidumping Administrative Review; 2024-2025

    FR Doc. 2026-06560 · 91 FR 17247 · Source: federalregister.gov

Rule changes →

The UK Global Tariff has one tariff line for subheading 3923.21; the duty is 6%.

Subheading 3923.21 is a single line in the EU Combined Nomenclature, where the duty is 6.5%.

170 countries pay no duty in the UK thanks to trade agreements and preference schemes such as DCTS Comprehensive and European Union, against a standard rate of 6%.

In the UK, additional duty of 35% applies on top of the customs duty to goods from Belarus and Russia.

Imports of polyethylene bags and sacks into the UK came to £556.7m between September 2025 and August 2026 (up 1% on the year before); China supplied 17%, followed by Germany.

In 2024, countries exported polyethylene bags and sacks worth US$13bn (+6.3% year on year).

The largest exporter was China (US$3bn), followed by Vietnam.

Products classified here

Questions and answers

What is the HS code for of polymers of ethylene?

Of polymers of ethylene fall under HS subheading 3923.21, part of heading 3923, in section VII of the Harmonized System.

What is the import duty on of polymers of ethylene in the UK?

Under the UK Global Tariff, imports under 3923.21 from countries without a preferential agreement are charged at 6%. Preferential rates, anti-dumping duties and VAT are not included.

What is the import duty on of polymers of ethylene in the EU?

Under the EU Combined Nomenclature, imports under 3923.21 from countries without a preferential agreement are charged at 6.5%. Preferential rates, anti-dumping duties and VAT are not included.

Which country exports the most of polymers of ethylene?

China, with US$3bn in 2024 (24.7% of world exports).

Which countries can export polyethylene bags and sacks to the UK duty-free?

170 countries pay no duty under a trade agreement or preference scheme, among them partners under DCTS Comprehensive, European Union, DCTS Enhanced. The goods must meet the agreement’s rules of origin and the importer needs proof of origin; otherwise the standard rate of 6% applies. Pick a country above to see its rate.

Is there anti-dumping duty on polyethylene bags and sacks?

The UK charges additional duty of 35% on goods from Belarus and Russia. Lower rates apply to the named exporters listed in the measure.

Where does the UK import polyethylene bags and sacks from?

In the 12 months to August 2026, the largest suppliers were China (17%), Germany (15%) and Türkiye (14%), out of total imports of £556.7m.

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Typical products

Everyday names, not part of the legal text.