HS 3901Plastics & Rubber

LLDPE (Linear Low-Density PE) - HS 3901 classification, duty and landed cost

LLDPE (Linear Low-Density PE) moves through customs under HS heading 3901. This guide sets out sample sub-codes, indicative import duty in major markets, key trade documents and a worked landed-cost calculation - refresh figures against the live tariff schedule before quoting.

Reviewed against WCO HS · WTO IDB · National customs schedules3 authoritative sourcesLast reviewed July 2026

Sample 6-digit codes

Code	Description
3901.10	Polyethylene, linear, low-density
3901.90	Polymers of ethylene, other

Need to check a specific code? Use the free HS code lookup tool.

Typical import duty by market

Market	Duty
European Union	0% - 6.5% SUP Directive on single-use plastics; REACH for additives.
United States	0% - 6.5% TSCA; CPSC standards for consumer articles.
China	6.5% - 10% Plus 13% VAT; import ban on plastic waste.
India	7.5% - 10% BCD + 18% GST; BIS marking on select finished articles.
UAE	5% GCC CET; Emirates Conformity Assessment on consumer packaging.

Worked landed-cost example

20 MT of LLDPE (Linear Low-Density PE) at FOB USD 1,100 per MT, sea freight to a representative port of discharge.

FOB valueUSD 22,000

Freight + insuranceUSD 1,430

CIF valueUSD 23,430

Import duty @ ~8% (indicative for Plastics & Rubber)USD 1,874

VAT / GST @ ~5% on CIF+dutyUSD 1,265

Landed cost ≈ USD 26,569 - re-run the numbers against your exact HS 8-digit code and destination tariff before quoting.

Run your own numbers in the import duty & tax calculator.

Regulatory checkpoints

· Food-contact compliance where relevant: EU 10/2011, FDA 21 CFR, GB 4806 (China).
· REACH SVHC declaration for additives, plasticisers and pigments (EU).
· Recycled-content statements auditable under ISO 14021 for green-claim exports.

Top exporting countries

· Saudi Arabia
· USA
· Thailand
· South Korea

Frequently asked questions

Which HS chapter covers LLDPE (Linear Low-Density PE)?

LLDPE (Linear Low-Density PE) sits under HS 3901.10. Chapter 39 is polymers in primary form and articles thereof; Chapter 40 covers rubber.

Is LLDPE (Linear Low-Density PE) food-contact safe?

Only grades tested against EU 10/2011, US FDA 21 CFR or GB 4806 (China) qualify. The COA or migration test report should be requested with each lot.

Are there anti-dumping duties on LLDPE (Linear Low-Density PE)?

Selected origins face AD/CVD in the EU, US, India and Turkey on PE, PP, PET, and PVC. Check the destination's current measure list before quoting.

How is LLDPE (Linear Low-Density PE) typically packed?

Resin in 25 kg PE bags palletised (700-1100 kg per pallet), FIBC jumbo bags (1000-1250 kg) or bulk in liner-fitted 20' containers.

What is the melt-flow index (MFI) grade?

MFI, density, and specific processing property (film, blow, injection) determine the grade. Buyers usually specify a target MFI window and additive package.