39029000
PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF›Polymers of propylene or of other olefins, in primary forms
Other
Subcodes (3)
39029010Duty: 0%
A-B-A block copolymer of polystyrene, ethylene-butylene copolymer and polystyrene, containing by weight 35% or less of styrene, in one of the forms mentioned in note6(b) to this chapter
39029020Duty: 0%
Polybut-1-ene, a copolymer of but-1-ene with ethylene containing by weight 10% or less of ethylene, or a blend of polybut-1-ene with polyethylene and/or polypropylene containing by weight 10% or le...
39029090Duty: 0-6,5%
Other
Classification scope and products covered
CN code 390290 covers propylene polymers in primary forms that are not classified under codes 390210 (PP homopolymer) or 390230 (propylene copolymers). This residual heading includes primarily modified propylene polymers, terpolymers of propylene with ethylene and other monomers, and atactic polypropylene (APP) used as a component in adhesives and bituminous compounds. The heading also covers syndiotactic polypropylene (sPP), which has different properties from isotactic PP due to its different crystalline structure. Products are supplied in primary forms as granules, powder, blocks or liquid in the case of low-molecular-weight atactic PP. Classification under this code requires demonstrating that the product does not fall within the more specific subheadings of heading 3902.
Regulations and import requirements
Propylene polymers imported under code 390290 are subject to REACH regarding monomers and additive substances. Low-molecular-weight atactic polypropylene may require specific assessment regarding the REACH polymer definition. Propylene terpolymers may contain monomers requiring separate REACH registration. For food contact materials, Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 applies. Atactic PP used in bitumen modification is subject to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011) to the extent it forms part of construction products. Importers should have a product technical data sheet indicating polymer composition, molecular weight and intended use, facilitating both tariff classification and regulatory assessment.
Trade aspects and customs procedures
Importing propylene polymers under CN code 390290 requires detailed technical documentation enabling identification of the polymer type. The customs declaration should include a chemical description, monomer identification, molecular weight and commercial form. Duty rates for products under this residual heading may differ from those for PP homopolymer or standard copolymers - current rates should be verified in the TARIC system. The atactic polypropylene market is relatively niche compared to isotactic PP, with major suppliers being petrochemical producers from Asia and the Middle East. Propylene terpolymers are often speciality products supplied by global chemical manufacturers. Proof of origin documentation is essential for claiming any tariff preferences.
Properties of Other propylene polymers and trade applications
Other propylene polymers classified under CN code 3902 90 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
What is atactic polypropylene and how is it classified?
Atactic polypropylene (APP) is a form of PP with a disordered spatial arrangement of methyl groups, resulting in an amorphous, soft and tacky consistency. APP in primary forms is classified under code 390290 as another propylene polymer. It is used primarily as a component of hot-melt adhesives, bituminous compounds and asphalt modifiers.
Do propylene terpolymers have a separate CN code?
No. Propylene terpolymers, e.g. with ethylene and butene, where propylene predominates by weight, are classified under code 390290 as other propylene polymers unless they meet the criteria of code 390230 for propylene copolymers. The decisive factor is the weight composition and comonomer type indicated in the technical documentation.
Is APP used in bituminous compounds subject to special regulations?
Atactic polypropylene used for bitumen modification is subject to the Construction Products Regulation (CPR 305/2011) to the extent it forms part of construction products. APP itself imported in primary form under code 390290 does not require CE marking, but the manufacturer of the finished bituminous product must ensure compliance with relevant harmonised standards.
What technical specifications are needed for import of CN 3902 90?
Import of CN 3902 90 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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