HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3806.30 – Ester gums
HS code 3806.30 is the 6-digit subheading for ester gums. It is used for glycerol ester of rosin, pentaerythritol ester of rosin, methyl ester of rosin, hydrogenated rosin ester and polymerized rosin ester.
What HS 3806.30 covers
Ester gums are crucial derivatives of rosin, produced by esterifying rosin or modified rosin with polyhydric alcohols like glycerol or pentaerythritol. This chemical modification significantly alters the properties of the original rosin, enhancing its heat stability, solubility, and compatibility with other polymers. In international trade, ester gums are highly valued as tackifiers and film-forming resins, making them indispensable in various formulations. They are widely used in the manufacture of adhesives (especially pressure-sensitive and hot-melt adhesives), chewing gum bases, lacquers, varnishes, and printing inks. Exporters are specialized chemical manufacturers, while importers are typically companies in the adhesive, coating, and food industries. The type of alcohol used and the degree of esterification determine the specific properties and applications of the ester gum, catering to diverse industrial needs.
- Covers
- Glycerol ester of rosin
- Pentaerythritol ester of rosin
- Methyl ester of rosin
- Hydrogenated rosin ester
- Polymerized rosin ester
- Modified rosin ester
- Examples
- DRT (pine chemicals)
- Kraton (pine chemicals)
- Eastman Chemical
- Wuzhou Pine Chemicals
- Lawter
Codes often confused with 3806.30
Common mistake. Ester gums are distinct from raw rosin (380610) and salts of rosin (380620), as they involve a specific esterification process to create a new chemical entity with different properties.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 380630, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 380630 in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 Netherlands $90M 20% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $88M 19% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $57M 13% of world exports
World total: $450M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $59M 12% of world imports
- 2 Italy $54M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $48M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $486M 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 3806.30
Brazil does not split HS 3806.30: its NCM code is 3806.30.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3806.30
What is HS code 380630?
HS code 380630 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ester gums. Ester gums are crucial derivatives of rosin, produced by esterifying rosin or modified rosin with polyhydric alcohols like glycerol or pentaerythritol. This chemical modification significantly alters the properties of the original rosin, enhancing its heat stability, solubility, and compatibility with other polymers. In international trade, ester gums are highly valued as tackifiers and film-forming resins, making them indispensable in various formulations. They are widely used in the manufacture of adhesives (especially pressure-sensitive and hot-melt adhesives), chewing gum bases, lacquers, varnishes, and printing inks. Exporters are specialized chemical manufacturers, while importers are typically companies in the adhesive, coating, and food industries. The type of alcohol used and the degree of esterification determine the specific properties and applications of the ester gum, catering to diverse industrial needs.
What products fall under HS code 380630?
Glycerol ester of rosin, Pentaerythritol ester of rosin, Methyl ester of rosin, Hydrogenated rosin ester, Polymerized rosin ester, Modified rosin ester
What are common misclassifications for HS code 380630?
Ester gums are distinct from raw rosin (380610) and salts of rosin (380620), as they involve a specific esterification process to create a new chemical entity with different properties.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 380630?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 380630 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($90M, 20% of world exports), Portugal ($88M) and Sweden ($57M). World exports came to about $450M, 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 380630?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 380630 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($59M, 12% of world imports), Italy ($54M) and the Netherlands ($48M). World imports came to about $486M, 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 380630 structured?
HS code 380630 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 380630?
In Brazil, HS code 380630 is NCM 3806.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.