CN code 390769 covers polyethylene terephthalate (PET) having a viscosity number below 78 ml/g and other terephthalic acid-based polyesters in primary forms. Lower-viscosity PET is intended mainly for textile fibre, film, tape and other applications requiring lower molecular weight than bottle-grade PET. Fibre-grade PET has a typical intrinsic viscosity IV of 0.55-0.68 dl/g (corresponding to viscosity number below 78 ml/g). PET for BOPET (biaxially oriented) film production is also classified here. Products come as granules, flakes or chips. The viscosity number is decisive – below 78 ml/g the product is classified under code 390769, above 78 ml/g under code 390761.

Importing lower-viscosity PET into the EU is subject to REACH regarding monomers and additives. Food-contact PET (e.g. BOPET packaging films) must comply with Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 with migration limits for terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Fibre-grade PET is subject to textile product safety regulations including REACH restrictions on substances in articles. Colourants and additives in fibre PET may require separate regulatory assessment. Recycled PET for food applications is subject to Regulation (EU) 2022/1616. The importer should have a certificate of analysis confirming viscosity and residual monomer content.

When importing PET under CN code 390769, customs documentation should include a specification with viscosity number (IV), residual acetaldehyde content, colour and intended use. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC – anti-dumping duties on PET from specific countries may apply. Fibre and film-grade PET is the subject of intensive global trade. Major producers include Indorama, Reliance, Far Eastern, Sinopec and Korean manufacturers. Fibre-grade PET represents the majority of global PET production. Transport is in big bags on pallets or in containers.