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U.S. imports of expandable polystyrene (eps) in primary forms (HS 390311) totaled $36.2M in July 2026, traded with 19 countries.
Importers of Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) in Primary Forms paid $831K in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $5.8M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Expandable Polystyrene (EPS) in Primary Forms imports of $36.2M in July 2026 ran 18% above the year-to-date monthly average of $30.6M.
Last updated: July 2026 dataExpandable polystyrene — universally known as EPS — is polystyrene beads impregnated with a blowing agent (typically pentane) that expand when heated to produce lightweight foam for packaging, insulation board, and protective molding. The entire heading resolves to a single 10-digit line (3903110000), so classification disputes more often involve distinguishing EPS from non-expandable polystyrene (heading 390319) based on the presence and content of the blowing agent. Mexico and Canada are the leading US suppliers, with South Korea also a notable source. EPS imports from Mexico may qualify for USMCA preferential treatment when rules-of-origin requirements are satisfied.
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818 shipments/mo
The defining characteristic is the presence of an incorporated blowing agent — typically pentane — within the bead structure. CBP may request a certificate of analysis or technical data sheet confirming blowing-agent content and bead morphology. Material that lacks an incorporated blowing agent is classified under heading 390319 as non-expandable polystyrene.
EPS beads contain residual pentane, a flammable hydrocarbon, which triggers hazardous-materials handling requirements under DOT regulations for certain shipment modes. Importers should confirm that shipping documentation (including Safety Data Sheets) correctly identifies the flammability classification and that carriers are equipped to handle the material in compliance with 49 CFR hazmat rules.
HSChapter 39
Subheading 2 of 5 in heading 3903
Subheading 390311 · $36.2M of $109.9M
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3903110000 | Polystyrene,Expandable | $36.2M | 2.30% | 16.16% | $831K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3903110000 | Polystyrene,Expandable | $12.8M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
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ImportsExports
Imports
$36.2MYoY · Pro
Exports
$12.8MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Mexico and Canada together supply 83% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
83.8% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 2.30%.