39076900
PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF›Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms
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Subcodes (1)
Product characteristics and tariff classification
CN code 390769 covers polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a viscosity number below 78 ml/g and other terephthalic acid-based polyesters in primary forms. Lower-viscosity PET is intended mainly for textile fibre, film, tape and other applications requiring lower molecular weight than bottle-grade PET. Fibre-grade PET has a typical intrinsic viscosity IV of 0.55-0.68 dl/g (corresponding to viscosity number below 78 ml/g). PET for BOPET (biaxially oriented) film production is also classified here. Products come as granules, flakes or chips. The viscosity number is decisive - below 78 ml/g the product is classified under code 390769, above 78 ml/g under code 390761.
Regulatory requirements
Importing lower-viscosity PET into the EU is subject to REACH regarding monomers and additives. Food-contact PET (e.g. BOPET packaging films) must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 with migration limits for terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Fibre-grade PET is subject to textile product safety regulations including REACH restrictions on substances in articles. Colourants and additives in fibre PET may require separate regulatory assessment. Recycled PET for food applications is subject to Regulation (EU) 2022/1616. The importer should have a certificate of analysis confirming viscosity and residual monomer content.
Trade and customs procedures
When importing PET under CN code 390769, customs documentation should include a specification with viscosity number (IV), residual acetaldehyde content, colour and intended use. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC - anti-dumping duties on PET from specific countries may apply. Fibre and film-grade PET is the subject of intensive global trade. Major producers include Indorama, Reliance, Far Eastern, Sinopec and Korean manufacturers. Fibre-grade PET represents the majority of global PET production. Transport is in big bags on pallets or in containers.
Properties of Other PET polyesters and trade applications
Other PET polyesters classified under CN code 3907 69 are polymers in primary forms (granules, powder, liquid, block) imported as feedstock for plastics processing. Import requires REACH registration, Safety Data Sheets and technical specifications including molecular weight, density and melt flow index (MFI). Products intended for food contact must comply with Regulation (EU) 10/2011 and be listed on the positive monomer list.
Frequently asked questions
How to distinguish bottle-grade PET from fibre-grade PET?
Bottle-grade PET (code 390761) has a viscosity number of 78 ml/g or more (IV above 0.72 dl/g), providing strength for bottle production. Fibre-grade PET (code 390769) has lower viscosity (IV 0.55-0.68 dl/g). Distinguishing requires intrinsic viscosity measurement documented in a certificate of analysis.
Does PET for BOPET film have a separate CN code?
No. PET for BOPET film production in granule form is classified under code 390769 if its viscosity number is below 78 ml/g. Finished BOPET films are classified under heading 3920 as plastic films. The tariff code depends on the form of the goods at the time of import.
Do anti-dumping duties on PET also cover code 390769?
Anti-dumping duties on PET may cover both code 390761 and 390769 depending on the product definition in the European Commission decision. Current trade defence measures should be checked in the TARIC system for the specific CN code and country of origin before importing.
What technical specifications are needed for import of CN 3907 69?
Import of CN 3907 69 requires specifications: molecular weight, density, MFI, comonomer composition. SDS and REACH registration above 1 tonne/year are mandatory. For food-contact applications, compliance with Regulation (EU) 10/2011 is required.
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