HS Code 35.05 – Dextrins and other modified starches (e.g. pregelatinised or esterified starches); glues based on starches or on dextrins or other modified starches

HS code 3505 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dextrins and other modified starches (e.g. pregelatinised or esterified starches); glues based on starches or on dextrins or other modified starches. HS Heading 3505 covers dextrins and other modified starches, such as pregelatinised or esterified starches, as well as glues based on starches or on dextrins or other modified starches. This category is distinct from unmodified native starches, which are classified under Chapter 11. The 'modification' can be physical (e.g., pregelatinisation), chemical (e.g., esterification, etherification, oxidation), or enzymatic, altering the starch's properties to suit specific industrial applications. Dextrins, resulting from the partial hydrolysis of starch, are a key component of this heading. The scope also extends to adhesive preparations where starch or its derivatives form the primary base. This heading is critical for industries such as food and beverage (thickeners, stabilizers), paper (sizing, coating), textile (sizing), and adhesives (packaging, wallpaper). Accurate classification is essential for trade compliance, as tariffs and regulations often differentiate between native and modified starches, and their end-use can impact duties. The significant global trade in these products reflects their versatility and importance across various manufacturing sectors, relating to Chapter 35's focus on albuminoidal substances, which includes other natural polymers.

Dextrins (white, yellow), maltodextrins, pregelatinized corn starch, oxidized potato starch, esterified tapioca starch, etherified waxy maize starch, starch acetate, starch phosphate, starch-based glues, dextrin-based adhesives, wallpaper paste (starch-based), textile sizing agents (modified starch), paper coating starches, cationic starches, anionic starches, amphoteric starches, resistant dextrins, cyclodextrins, soluble starches, cold-water soluble starches, starch ethers, starch esters, cross-linked starches, starch gums.

A common mistake is classifying unmodified starches (HS 1108) under this heading; the key differentiator is the 'modification' process. Traders also sometimes confuse starch hydrolysates that are primarily sugars (e.g., glucose syrup, HS 1702) with dextrins, but dextrins retain more of the polymeric structure. Conversely, glues not based on starch or dextrins (e.g., synthetic polymer glues) should be classified under HS 3506. Understanding the specific chemical or physical modification and the primary base material is crucial for avoiding misclassification.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3505 in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($887M, 19% of world exports), the Netherlands ($767M) and Germany ($619M). World exports came to about $4.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3505 in UN Comtrade data were China ($471M, 8.8% of world imports), Germany ($444M) and Japan ($404M). World imports came to about $5.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 3505 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 35 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (35) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.