HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3505.20 – Glues; based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches
HS code 3505.20 is the 6-digit subheading for glues, based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches. It is used for starch-based carton glue, dextrin adhesive for labels, wallpaper paste (starch-based), paper bag adhesive and corrugated board glue.
What HS 3505.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers glues and adhesives formulated with starches, dextrins, or other modified starches as their primary binding agents. These plant-based adhesives are highly valued for their non-toxic nature, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness, making them a preferred choice in various industries. They are extensively utilized in the paper and packaging sectors for applications such as corrugated board manufacturing, paper bag production, and labeling. Other uses include bookbinding and certain textile applications. Major importers are packaging manufacturers, printing houses, and stationery suppliers worldwide. Exporters are typically countries with significant starch production capabilities and well-developed chemical formulation industries. Key trade considerations include adhesive strength, drying time, viscosity, shelf life, and suitability for specific application machinery. Environmental regulations also increasingly favor these natural-based adhesives over synthetic alternatives.
- Covers
- Starch-based carton glue
- Dextrin adhesive for labels
- Wallpaper paste (starch-based)
- Paper bag adhesive
- Corrugated board glue
- Envelope gum
- Bookbinding glue (starch)
- Examples
- Henkel Aquence (some starch formulations)
- H.B. Fuller starch-based adhesives
- Ingredion starch glues
- UHU (some paper glues)
- National Starch (now Ingredion) starch glues
Codes often confused with 3505.20
Common mistake. Often confused with other prepared glues (3506xx), especially those based on synthetic polymers (350691) or other natural glues (350300), but the specific starch/dextrin base is the defining characteristic for this classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 350520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 350520 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 9.3% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $91M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $25M 9.2% of world exports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $20M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $274M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $31M 9.3% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $28M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Kuwait $25M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $333M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 3505.20
Brazil does not split HS 3505.20: its NCM code is 3505.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 35.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3505.20
What is HS code 350520?
HS code 350520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Glues; based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches. This HS code specifically covers glues and adhesives formulated with starches, dextrins, or other modified starches as their primary binding agents. These plant-based adhesives are highly valued for their non-toxic nature, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness, making them a preferred choice in various industries. They are extensively utilized in the paper and packaging sectors for applications such as corrugated board manufacturing, paper bag production, and labeling. Other uses include bookbinding and certain textile applications. Major importers are packaging manufacturers, printing houses, and stationery suppliers worldwide. Exporters are typically countries with significant starch production capabilities and well-developed chemical formulation industries. Key trade considerations include adhesive strength, drying time, viscosity, shelf life, and suitability for specific application machinery. Environmental regulations also increasingly favor these natural-based adhesives over synthetic alternatives.
What products fall under HS code 350520?
Starch-based carton glue, dextrin adhesive for labels, wallpaper paste (starch-based), paper bag adhesive, corrugated board glue, envelope gum, bookbinding glue (starch)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 350520?
Often confused with other prepared glues (3506xx), especially those based on synthetic polymers (350691) or other natural glues (350300), but the specific starch/dextrin base is the defining characteristic for this classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 350520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 350520 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($91M, 33% of world exports), China ($25M) and Saudi Arabia ($20M). World exports came to about $274M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 350520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 350520 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($31M, 9.3% of world imports), Thailand ($28M) and Kuwait ($25M). World imports came to about $333M, 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.
How is HS code 350520 structured?
HS code 350520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (35) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 350520?
In Brazil, HS code 350520 is NCM 3505.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.