HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3812.20 – Plasticisers, compound; for rubber or plastics
HS code 3812.20 is the 6-digit subheading for plasticisers, compound, for rubber or plastics. It is used for phthalate plasticisers, adipate plasticisers, trimellitate plasticisers, polymeric plasticisers and citrate plasticisers.
What HS 3812.20 covers
Compound plasticisers are chemical additives used to increase the flexibility, workability, and extensibility of plastics and rubber, making them softer and easier to process. They are indispensable in the manufacturing of a vast array of products, from flexible PVC items like cables and flooring to automotive interiors and medical devices. The global trade in these plasticisers involves chemical producers, compounders, and manufacturers in the plastics and rubber industries. Key considerations include the specific polymer being modified, the desired end-use properties, and regulatory compliance, especially concerning phthalate-free alternatives due to health and environmental concerns. The market is dynamic, with continuous innovation in bio-based and non-phthalate plasticisers. Importers and exporters often deal with large volumes of these chemicals, which are critical raw materials for downstream manufacturing. The performance characteristics, such as low temperature flexibility, heat stability, and migration resistance, are vital for product selection.
- Covers
- Phthalate plasticisers
- Adipate plasticisers
- Trimellitate plasticisers
- Polymeric plasticisers
- Citrate plasticisers
- Epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO)
- Phosphate plasticisers
- Sebacate plasticisers
- Examples
- DOP (Dioctyl phthalate)
- DINP (Diisononyl phthalate)
- DOTP (Dioctyl terephthalate)
- DEHP (Diethylhexyl phthalate)
- TOTM (Trioctyl trimellitate)
Codes often confused with 3812.20
Common mistake. This code could be confused with 390422 (plasticised polyvinyl chloride, in primary forms) if the plasticiser is already incorporated into the polymer, or with other chemical additives like stabilizers (381239) if their primary function isn't clearly identified as plasticisation.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 381220, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 381220 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.7% 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 $140M 20% of world exports
- 2 China $112M 16% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $77M 11% of world exports
World total: $705M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $77M 9.7% of world imports
- 2 China $67M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $62M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $789M 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 3812.20
Brazil does not split HS 3812.20: its NCM code is 3812.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3812.20
What is HS code 381220?
HS code 381220 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Plasticisers, compound; for rubber or plastics. Compound plasticisers are chemical additives used to increase the flexibility, workability, and extensibility of plastics and rubber, making them softer and easier to process. They are indispensable in the manufacturing of a vast array of products, from flexible PVC items like cables and flooring to automotive interiors and medical devices. The global trade in these plasticisers involves chemical producers, compounders, and manufacturers in the plastics and rubber industries. Key considerations include the specific polymer being modified, the desired end-use properties, and regulatory compliance, especially concerning phthalate-free alternatives due to health and environmental concerns. The market is dynamic, with continuous innovation in bio-based and non-phthalate plasticisers. Importers and exporters often deal with large volumes of these chemicals, which are critical raw materials for downstream manufacturing. The performance characteristics, such as low temperature flexibility, heat stability, and migration resistance, are vital for product selection.
What products fall under HS code 381220?
Phthalate plasticisers, Adipate plasticisers, Trimellitate plasticisers, Polymeric plasticisers, Citrate plasticisers, Epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO), Phosphate plasticisers, Sebacate plasticisers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 381220?
This code could be confused with 390422 (plasticised polyvinyl chloride, in primary forms) if the plasticiser is already incorporated into the polymer, or with other chemical additives like stabilizers (381239) if their primary function isn't clearly identified as plasticisation.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 381220?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 381220 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($140M, 20% of world exports), China ($112M) and Indonesia ($77M). World exports came to about $705M, 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 381220?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 381220 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($77M, 9.7% of world imports), China ($67M) and Saudi Arabia ($62M). World imports came to about $789M, 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 381220 structured?
HS code 381220 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 381220?
In Brazil, HS code 381220 is NCM 3812.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.