HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3809.91 – Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances)
HS code 3809.91 is the 6-digit subheading for finishing agents and dye carriers, to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances). It is used for acrylic sizing agents, silicone softeners, fluorocarbon water repellents, polyurethane coatings for textiles and non-starch dye fixing agents.
What HS 3809.91 covers
This category encompasses finishing agents and dye carriers specifically for the textile industry, excluding those based on amylaceous substances. These advanced chemical preparations are vital for imparting a wide range of properties to fabrics, such as wrinkle resistance, water repellency, flame retardancy, enhanced softness, and improved color fastness. They are essential for producing high-performance textiles, technical fabrics, and apparel. Key players in this international trade include specialized textile chemical manufacturers, dye houses, and fabric producers globally. Important aspects include compliance with environmental regulations, compatibility with various fiber types (natural and synthetic), and the ability to meet specific performance demands for end-use applications, driving innovation in textile chemistry.
- Covers
- Acrylic sizing agents
- Silicone softeners
- Fluorocarbon water repellents
- Polyurethane coatings for textiles
- Non-starch dye fixing agents
- Optical brighteners for fabrics
- Anti-pilling agents
- Examples
- Archroma NuvaCryl
- Huntsman Terasil
- BASF Basosoft
- Dow Corning Syl-Off
- Tanatex Chemicals Tanapel
Codes often confused with 3809.91
Common mistake. Often confused with 380910 if the 'amylaceous substances' distinction is missed, or with 380992/380993 if the specific industry (textile) is not correctly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 380991, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 380991 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.8% 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 $376M 12% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $297M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 France $283M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $272M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 China $251M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $199M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $3.5B 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 codes for 3809.91 6
Brazil splits HS 3809.91 into 6 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3809.91.10 Prepared textile dressingsAprestos preparados
- 3809.91.20 Textile mordant preparationsPreparações mordentes
- 3809.91.30 Textile fireproofing productsProdutos ignífugos
- 3809.91.4 Waterproofing agentsImpermeabilizantes Group
- 3809.91.41 Paraffin or fatty acid textile waterproofersÀ base de parafina ou de derivados de ácidos graxos (gordos)
- 3809.91.49 Other textile waterproofing agentsOutros
- 3809.91.90 Other textile finishing agentsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3809.91
What is HS code 380991?
HS code 380991 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances). This category encompasses finishing agents and dye carriers specifically for the textile industry, excluding those based on amylaceous substances. These advanced chemical preparations are vital for imparting a wide range of properties to fabrics, such as wrinkle resistance, water repellency, flame retardancy, enhanced softness, and improved color fastness. They are essential for producing high-performance textiles, technical fabrics, and apparel. Key players in this international trade include specialized textile chemical manufacturers, dye houses, and fabric producers globally. Important aspects include compliance with environmental regulations, compatibility with various fiber types (natural and synthetic), and the ability to meet specific performance demands for end-use applications, driving innovation in textile chemistry.
What products fall under HS code 380991?
Acrylic sizing agents, Silicone softeners, Fluorocarbon water repellents, Polyurethane coatings for textiles, Non-starch dye fixing agents, Optical brighteners for fabrics, Anti-pilling agents
What are common misclassifications for HS code 380991?
Often confused with 380910 if the 'amylaceous substances' distinction is missed, or with 380992/380993 if the specific industry (textile) is not correctly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 380991?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 380991 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($376M, 12% of world exports), Czechia ($297M) and France ($283M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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 380991?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 380991 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($272M, 7.8% of world imports), China ($251M) and the United Kingdom ($199M). World imports came to about $3.5B, 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 380991 structured?
HS code 380991 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 380991?
Brazil splits HS code 380991 into 6 NCM codes: 3809.91.10 (Prepared textile dressings), 3809.91.20 (Textile mordant preparations), 3809.91.30 (Textile fireproofing products), 3809.91.41 (Paraffin or fatty acid textile waterproofers), 3809.91.49 (Other textile waterproofing agents), 3809.91.90 (Other textile finishing agents). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.