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HS code for polyethylene (polythene) in primary form
In the UK Trade Tariff’s list of everyday names, “polyethylene (polythene) in primary form” points to heading 3901: polymers of ethylene, in primary forms. Check the description and the notes of the chapter before declaring: the right code depends on what the goods are made of and how they are used.
The UK Global Tariff divides 3901 into 31 tariff lines; the duty is between 0% and 6% (average 4.6%). 7 of them are duty-free.
In the EU Combined Nomenclature, 3901 covers 8 tariff lines and the duty is between 0% and 6.5%. 2 of them are duty-free.
The Turkish Customs Tariff Schedule divides 3901 into 14 tariff lines; the duty is between 0% and 50% (average 11.8%). 2 of them are duty-free.
Duty rates compared
UK Free – 6% Third-country duty 31 tariff lines · average 4.6% 
EU Free – 6.5% Third-country duty 8 tariff lines · average 4.9% 
Türkiye Free – 50% Third-country duty 14 tariff lines · average 11.8% 
USA Free – 6.5% General (MFN) 10 tariff lines · average 5.1% 
Canada Free General (MFN) 9 tariff lines 
Mexico Free – 5% General (MFN) 9 tariff lines · average 4.4% 
Brazil Free – 20% General (MFN) 15 tariff lines · average 10.9% 
Argentina Free – 12.6% General (MFN) 17 tariff lines · average 5.8% 
Peru Free General (MFN) 6 tariff lines 
New Zealand Free – 5% General (MFN) 9 tariff lines · average 0.6% 
Japan Free – 6.5% General (MFN) 20 tariff lines · average 2.3% 
Taiwan 2.5% General (MFN) 8 tariff lines 
GCC 5% General (MFN) 5 tariff lines 
Switzerland Free General (MFN) 5 tariff lines 
Norway Free General (MFN) 7 tariff lines 
North Macedonia Free General (MFN) 8 tariff lines 
Nigeria 5% General (MFN) 5 tariff lines See also
Questions and answers
What is the HS code for polyethylene (polythene) in primary form?
Polyethylene (polythene) in primary form are classified under 3901 (Polymers of ethylene, in primary forms) in the Harmonized System. National tariffs add more digits; see the lines on this page.