39072900
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 (4)
Classification scope and products
CN code 390729 covers polyethers in primary forms other than polyethylene glycol (PEG). This residual heading includes polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF, polyoxybutylene glycol), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyphenylene ethers (PPE/PPO), polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES) and other technical polyethers. PTHF is a key intermediate for synthesising polyurethane elastomers and spandex. PPG is used in polyurethane foam production. PPE/PPO are engineering polymers with excellent dimensional stability and thermal resistance. Products come as granules, powder, liquids or blocks.
Regulatory requirements
Polyethers imported under code 390729 are subject to REACH regarding monomers and additive substances. Monomers for individual polyethers have varying CLP classifications - e.g. propylene oxide (for PPG) is carcinogenic Category 1B. Engineering polyethers PPE and PSU used in electrical equipment are subject to the RoHS Directive. Polyethers for food contact must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. PTHF for medical applications is subject to the Medical Devices Regulation. The importer should have documentation identifying the polyether type, molecular weight and residual monomer content.
Trade and customs procedures
When importing polyethers under CN code 390729, customs documentation should include identification of the polyether type, molecular weight, commercial form and intended use. Duty rates should be verified in the TARIC system. The polyether market is diversified - PTHF (BASF, Invista), PPG (Dow, BASF, Covestro), PPE (SABIC, Mitsubishi) and PSU (Solvay, BASF). Liquid polyethers are transported in tanks or drums, solid forms on pallets. Preferential duty rates may be available under FTA agreements.
Properties of Other polyethers and trade applications
Other polyethers classified under CN code 3907 29 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
Which polyethers are classified under code 390729?
Code 390729 covers all polyethers in primary forms other than PEG (code 390721). This includes PTHF (polytetrahydrofuran), PPG (polypropylene glycol), PPE/PPO (polyphenylene ethers), PSU (polysulfone), PES (polyethersulfone) and other polyethers. Identification requires technical documentation.
Is PPG the same as PPE?
No. PPG is polypropylene glycol - an aliphatic polyether used in polyurethane foam and brake fluid production. PPE (polyphenylene ether, Noryl) is an aromatic polyether - an engineering polymer with high thermal resistance. Both are classified under code 390729 but are entirely different polymers with different applications.
Does PTHF for spandex production have special requirements?
PTHF (polytetrahydrofuran) for spandex production is classified under code 390729. No special import requirements apply beyond standard REACH regulations. The technical specification should indicate the PTHF molecular weight as it affects the final elastomer properties.
What technical specifications are needed for import of CN 3907 29?
Import of CN 3907 29 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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