Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms

HS v2022 Code: 390770

About poly(lactic acid); in primary forms

HS code 390770 covers poly(lactic acid), a biodegradable and renewable polymer that has gained significant importance in the global economy. Poly(lactic acid), or PLA, is a versatile material used in a wide range of applications, from packaging and textiles to medical devices and 3D printing. As a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics, the demand for PLA has been steadily increasing, making it a crucial player in the transition towards a more environmentally-conscious economy.

Production process

The production of poly(lactic acid) typically involves the fermentation of renewable resources, such as corn, sugarcane, or other starch-rich feedstocks, to produce lactic acid. The lactic acid is then polymerized through a process called ring-opening polymerization, where the lactic acid monomers are linked together to form long polymer chains. This process can be carried out using various catalysts and reaction conditions to achieve the desired molecular weight and properties of the final PLA product.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of poly(lactic acid) include the renewable feedstocks (such as corn, sugarcane, or other starch-rich crops), as well as specialized equipment and machinery for the fermentation, polymerization, and processing of the PLA. Additionally, various additives and processing aids may be used to enhance the properties and performance of the final PLA product.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 390770 is poly(lactic acid) in its primary forms, such as pellets, granules, or powders. These PLA materials can then be further processed and transformed into a wide range of products, including 392010 Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, 392030 Plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics, cellular, 392690 Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914, and 900490 Spectacles, goggles and the like, corrective, protective or other, among others.

Revisions to 390770

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 390770. The most recent 1 version of this code (390770) is in the HS v2022 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 390770.

Family tree for poly(lactic acid); in primary forms

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/39'>39: Plastics and articles thereof</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/3907'>3907: Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390770'>390770: Poly(lactic acid); in primary forms</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390710'>390710: Polyacetals; in primary forms</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390721'>390721: Polyethers other than polyacetals; in primary forms, bis(polyoxyethylene) methylphosphonate</a>"]
B --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390729'>390729: Polyethers other than polyacetals, and bis(polyoxyethylene) methylphosphonate; in primary forms</a>"]
B --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390730'>390730: Epoxide resins; in primary forms</a>"]
B --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390740'>390740: Polycarbonates; in primary forms</a>"]
B --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390750'>390750: Alkyd resins; in primary forms</a>"]
B --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390761'>390761: Poly(ethylene terephthalate); in primary forms, having a viscosity of 78ml/g or higher</a>"]
B --> K["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390769'>390769: Poly(ethylene terephthalate); in primary forms, having a viscosity of less than 78ml/g</a>"]
B --> L["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390791'>390791: Polyesters; n.e.c. in heading no. 3907, unsaturated, in primary forms</a>"]
B --> M["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/390799'>390799: Polyesters; n.e.c. in heading no. 3907, saturated, in primary forms</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level6
class D level6
class E level6
class F level6
class G level6
class H level6
class I level6
class J level6
class K level6
class L level6
class M level6

  class C highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class C highlight