HS Code 35.06 – Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, n.e.c. or included; products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding 1kg net weight

HS code 3506 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, n.e.c. or included; products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding 1kg net weight. Heading 3506 covers prepared glues and other prepared adhesives not elsewhere specified or included, and products suitable for use as glues or adhesives put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding 1kg net weight. This is a broad, residual category for adhesives that do not fall under more specific headings, such as starch- or dextrin-based glues (3505), rubber-based adhesives (4005), or certain plastic-based adhesives in primary forms (Chapter 39). It encompasses a vast range of synthetic polymer adhesives (e.g., epoxy, polyurethane, acrylic, cyanoacrylate), as well as natural polymer adhesives (other than starch) once they are 'prepared' for use. The inclusion of retail-packed adhesives under 1kg highlights the consumer market aspect of this heading. This classification is vital for industries from construction and automotive to packaging and DIY. Proper classification is critical for customs duties, import restrictions, and product safety regulations, as many adhesives contain chemicals that may be restricted. While Chapter 35 broadly deals with albuminoidal substances and certain glues, this heading specifically captures the 'prepared' nature and residual scope of adhesives not covered elsewhere.

Cyanoacrylate adhesives (super glue), epoxy resin adhesives (two-part), polyurethane adhesives, acrylic adhesives, hot-melt adhesives (EVA, polyamide), solvent-based contact adhesives, polyvinyl acetate (PVA) wood glues, silicone sealants (primarily adhesive), animal glues (prepared forms), casein glues (prepared forms), office liquid glues, glue sticks, adhesive pastes, cement adhesives, construction adhesives, automotive adhesives, shoe repair adhesives, general-purpose household glues, industrial assembly glues, laminating adhesives, pressure-sensitive adhesives (in bulk liquid form for application).

Common misclassifications occur when adhesives are confused with their raw polymer forms (Chapter 39), which are not yet 'prepared' as adhesives. For instance, a pure epoxy resin in primary form is 3907, but once mixed with a hardener or formulated as a ready-to-use adhesive, it falls under 3506. Glues specifically based on starch or dextrins belong to HS 3505. Additionally, rubber solutions for adhesives are classified under HS 4005. The key is determining if the product is a 'prepared' adhesive and its primary chemical basis, if specified elsewhere.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3506 in UN Comtrade data were China ($3.4B, 21% of world exports), Germany ($2.6B) and the United States ($1.7B). World exports came to about $16.2B, 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 3506 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.5B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($1.0B) and Vietnam (about $933M). World imports came to about $16.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 13% of its imports here ($128M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.

HS code 3506 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 35 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (35) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.