39232900
PLASTICS AND ARTICLES THEREOF›Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics
Of other plastics
Description of bags from plastics other than PE
CN code 3923 29 covers sacks, bags and cones of plastics other than polyethylene, for the conveyance or packing of goods. Materials used include polypropylene (PP) - both as film and woven PP fabric, polyester, polyamide, PLA (polylactic acid) and biodegradable plastics. Woven PP bags (Big Bags or FIBC - Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers) represent a significant segment and are widely used for transporting bulk materials: chemicals, fertilisers, grains and construction materials. Non-woven PP bags serve as reusable shopping bags. PLA bags are gaining popularity as a biodegradable alternative to PE for organic waste bags and food packaging. The diversity of materials means precise polymer identification is essential for classification.
Regulations and import requirements
Import of plastic bags into the EU is subject to REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) with requirements depending on polymer type. PP food contact bags must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011. FIBC for dangerous goods transport must be UN/ADR certified with UN marking. Biodegradable bags promoted as compostable must meet EN 13432 and hold appropriate certification. The SUP Directive imposes requirements on plastic carrier bags. The Packaging Directive and EPR apply. Importers of PLA bags should avoid unsubstantiated environmental claims under the Green Claims Directive.
Trade and tariff classification
Plastic bags other than PE under CN code 3923 29 represent a diverse packaging market segment. Woven PP FIBC constitute one of the highest-volume imports, originating from India, Vietnam, Bangladesh and China. Non-woven PP bags are imported from China and Asian countries. PLA bags are imported from China and European countries. In tariff classification, it is essential to confirm the material is not polyethylene (which would be 3923 21). Mixed PE-other polymer bags are classified by the dominant polymer by weight.
Properties of Bags of other plastics and trade applications
Plastic products classified under CN code 3923 29 may be subject to food contact material regulations (Regulation (EC) 1935/2004 and (EU) 10/2011) and the SUP Directive (EU) 2019/904 on single-use plastics restriction. Import requires food-contact compliance declarations, technical data sheets and REACH registration for chemical substances. Customs authorities verify product compliance with EU safety standards and environmental regulations.
Frequently asked questions
What materials are classified under code 3923 29?
CN code 3923 29 covers bags and sacks from plastics other than polyethylene. This includes polypropylene (PP) bags - both film and woven (Big Bags/FIBC), polyester, polyamide, PLA (bioplastic), biodegradable plastics and copolymers. Non-woven PP bags and woven reusable bags also fall under this code. The key criterion distinguishing from code 3923 21 is that the material is not polyethylene.
What certificates are required for Big Bags (FIBC)?
FIBC for bulk material transport must comply with ISO 21898. FIBC for dangerous goods transport require UN certification and ADR/IMDG-compliant markings including strength tests (drop test, static load test, stacking test). Certificates are issued by accredited testing laboratories. FIBC for food must additionally comply with food contact regulations.
Can PLA bags replace PE bags?
PLA bags represent a promising PE alternative in certain applications, particularly organic waste bags, as PLA is industrially compostable (EN 13432). However, PLA is not a direct PE substitute - it has lower mechanical strength, less flexibility and higher cost. PLA decomposes only under industrial composting conditions, not in the natural environment. PLA food bags must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011.
Are products CN 3923 29 affected by the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive?
Some products CN 3923 29 may be affected by SUP Directive (EU) 2019/904 restricting single-use plastics. Bans cover cutlery, plates and straws. Importers must verify whether their products fall under the restrictions.
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