Buyer's guide
Common grades and specifications
- Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE) by MFI and density
- Polypropylene (homopolymer, copolymer)
- PVC (suspension, emulsion) by K-value
- PET (bottle, fibre, film grades) by IV
- Prime, off-grade (wide-spec) or recycled; state which you accept
Typical packaging
25 kg bags on pallets (commonly around 1.375 t per pallet), octabins, or bulk.
Typical minimum order
Commonly one 40 ft container.
HS code (4-digit headings)
| Heading | Description |
|---|---|
| 3901 | Polymers of ethylene |
| 3902 | Polymers of propylene |
| 3903 | Polymers of styrene |
| 3904 | Polymers of vinyl chloride |
| 3907 | Polyesters incl. PET, polycarbonates, epoxide resins |
| 3908 | Polyamides |
Guidance only. The exact 6- to 10-digit code depends on the product and the importing country's tariff. Confirm with your customs broker.
Incoterms tips
For containerised goods, FCA, CPT or CIP are usually a better fit than FOB/CIF, because the seller hands over at a terminal or warehouse rather than over the ship's rail. Use DAP or DDP only if the seller can really handle delivery (and, for DDP, import clearance) in your country.
Quality documents to request
- COA per lot
- Technical data sheet
- Food-contact compliance (e.g. EU 10/2011, FDA) if for food packaging
- SDS
- Certificate of origin
Sourcing notes
For food-contact use, ask about additives (e.g. slip agents) from animal sources.