HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3809.93 – Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the leather or like (excluding paper and textile) industries, (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances)
HS code 3809.93 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 leather or like (excluding paper and textile) industries, (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances). It is used for synthetic fatliquors for leather, synthetic retanning agents, leather dyes (synthetic carriers), waterproofing agents for leather and leather finishing lacquers.
What HS 3809.93 covers
This category includes finishing agents and dye carriers for the leather and similar industries, excluding those based on amylaceous substances, and distinct from paper and textile applications. These specialized chemical preparations are essential for transforming raw hides into finished leather, imparting properties such as softness, flexibility, water resistance, durability, and uniform color. They are crucial for producing high-quality leather for footwear, apparel, upholstery, and accessories. Key participants in this trade include chemical manufacturers specializing in leather auxiliaries, tanneries, and producers of leather goods. Important aspects include stringent environmental regulations concerning tanning chemicals, the specific type of leather being processed, and the desired aesthetic and performance characteristics of the final product.
- Covers
- Synthetic fatliquors for leather
- Synthetic retanning agents
- Leather dyes (synthetic carriers)
- Waterproofing agents for leather
- Leather finishing lacquers
- Protein fillers for leather
- Degreasing agents for hides
- Examples
- Stahl EasyWhite
- Lanxess Baygenal
- TFL Lederfix
- BASF Basyntan
- Clariant Cartasol
Codes often confused with 3809.93
Common mistake. Often confused with 380910 if the non-amylaceous basis is missed, or with 380991/380992 if the specific industry (leather) is not correctly identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 380993, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 380993 in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world imports. Taiwan 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 72% of its exports here ($38M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. 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 60% of its imports here ($37M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $92M 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $54M 17% of world exports
- 3 Spain $26M 8.2% of world exports
Taiwan 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 72% of its exports here ($38M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $321M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $75M 20% of world imports
- 2 India $28M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Italy $24M 6.2% of world imports
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 60% of its imports here ($37M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $383M 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 3809.93 3
Brazil splits HS 3809.93 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3809.93.1 Waterproofing agentsImpermeabilizantes Group
- 3809.93.11 Paraffin or fatty acid leather waterproofersÀ base de parafina ou de derivados de ácidos graxos (gordos)
- 3809.93.19 Other leather waterproofing agentsOutros
- 3809.93.90 Other leather 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 3809.93
What is HS code 380993?
HS code 380993 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 leather or like (excluding paper and textile) industries, (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances). This category includes finishing agents and dye carriers for the leather and similar industries, excluding those based on amylaceous substances, and distinct from paper and textile applications. These specialized chemical preparations are essential for transforming raw hides into finished leather, imparting properties such as softness, flexibility, water resistance, durability, and uniform color. They are crucial for producing high-quality leather for footwear, apparel, upholstery, and accessories. Key participants in this trade include chemical manufacturers specializing in leather auxiliaries, tanneries, and producers of leather goods. Important aspects include stringent environmental regulations concerning tanning chemicals, the specific type of leather being processed, and the desired aesthetic and performance characteristics of the final product.
What products fall under HS code 380993?
Synthetic fatliquors for leather, Synthetic retanning agents, Leather dyes (synthetic carriers), Waterproofing agents for leather, Leather finishing lacquers, Protein fillers for leather, Degreasing agents for hides
What are common misclassifications for HS code 380993?
Often confused with 380910 if the non-amylaceous basis is missed, or with 380991/380992 if the specific industry (leather) is not correctly identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 380993?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 380993 in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($92M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($54M) and Spain ($26M). World exports came to about $321M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan 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 72% of its exports here ($38M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 380993?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 380993 in UN Comtrade data were China ($75M, 20% of world imports), India ($28M) and Italy ($24M). World imports came to about $383M, 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 60% of its imports here ($37M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 380993 structured?
HS code 380993 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 (93) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 380993?
Brazil splits HS code 380993 into 3 NCM codes: 3809.93.11 (Paraffin or fatty acid leather waterproofers), 3809.93.19 (Other leather waterproofing agents), 3809.93.90 (Other leather finishing agents). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.