About HS Code 3506
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.
Products Under This Code
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).
Real World Examples
An automotive manufacturer in the United States imports specialized industrial-grade polyurethane adhesives from Germany for bonding components in vehicle assembly, ensuring high strength and durability. Concurrently, a large retailer in the European Union sources millions of small tubes of cyanoacrylate (super glue) from China, packaged for consumer retail, catering to the DIY and household repair market. Another significant trade route involves a Japanese electronics company exporting hot-melt adhesives (EVA-based) to Mexico for use in packaging and product assembly within its manufacturing facilities there.
Common Misclassification
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.
Subheadings 3
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
The market for HS 3506 goods is global, with major manufacturing and trade hubs in Asia (China, Japan, South Korea), Europe (Germany, France, Italy), and North America (USA). These countries are both significant producers and consumers of diverse adhesives. Tariffs can vary significantly based on the chemical composition of the adhesive and whether it's in bulk or retail packaging. Products often face stringent regulatory requirements concerning chemical safety and environmental impact, which can be more challenging than tariffs, especially for imports into the EU and USA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 3506?
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.
What products fall under HS code 3506?
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).
What are common misclassifications for HS code 3506?
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.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 3506?
The market for HS 3506 goods is global, with major manufacturing and trade hubs in Asia (China, Japan, South Korea), Europe (Germany, France, Italy), and North America (USA). These countries are both significant producers and consumers of diverse adhesives. Tariffs can vary significantly based on the chemical composition of the adhesive and whether it's in bulk or retail packaging. Products often face stringent regulatory requirements concerning chemical safety and environmental impact, which can be more challenging than tariffs, especially for imports into the EU and USA.
How is HS code 3506 structured?
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.