HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3905.12 – Poly(vinyl acetate); in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms
HS code 3905.12 is the 6-digit subheading for poly(vinyl acetate), in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms. It is used for PVA emulsion for wood glue, PVA dispersion for paint binder, PVA emulsion for paper coating, PVA dispersion for textile sizing and PVA emulsion for construction adhesives.
What HS 3905.12 covers
This HS code covers poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA) in its primary form, specifically when it is presented as an aqueous dispersion, often referred to as PVA emulsion or white glue. This form is highly versatile and widely used as a binder, adhesive, and coating agent due to its excellent film-forming properties, non-toxicity, and ease of application. It's a staple in industries such as woodworking, paper and packaging, textiles, and paints. Major importers are countries with significant manufacturing in these sectors, including China, India, the United States, and various European nations. Exporters typically include large chemical producers in the US, Germany, and Japan. Key considerations for trade include concentration of solids, viscosity, and specific additive packages that tailor the dispersion for different applications. Environmental regulations regarding VOC content and biodegradability are also increasingly important in international trade for these water-based systems.
- Covers
- PVA emulsion for wood glue
- PVA dispersion for paint binder
- PVA emulsion for paper coating
- PVA dispersion for textile sizing
- PVA emulsion for construction adhesives
- PVA dispersion for non-woven binders
- PVA emulsion for craft glue
- Examples
- Elmer's Glue-All
- Titebond Original Wood Glue
- BASF Acronal
- Wacker Vinnapas
- Celanese Emulsions
Codes often confused with 3905.12
Common mistake. This code is specifically for PVA in aqueous dispersion. It can be confused with 390519 if the PVA is not in aqueous dispersion (e.g., solid form), or with vinyl acetate copolymers (390521) if the product is not a homopolymer. The "aqueous dispersion" and "homopolymer" aspects are key.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390512, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390512 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 $62M 25% of world exports
- 2 Italy $29M 12% of world exports
- 3 Canada $24M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $249M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $26M 10% of world imports
- 2 Italy $17M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $16M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $253M 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 3905.12
Brazil does not split HS 3905.12: its NCM code is 3905.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3905.12
What is HS code 390512?
HS code 390512 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Poly(vinyl acetate); in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms. This HS code covers poly(vinyl acetate) (PVA) in its primary form, specifically when it is presented as an aqueous dispersion, often referred to as PVA emulsion or white glue. This form is highly versatile and widely used as a binder, adhesive, and coating agent due to its excellent film-forming properties, non-toxicity, and ease of application. It's a staple in industries such as woodworking, paper and packaging, textiles, and paints. Major importers are countries with significant manufacturing in these sectors, including China, India, the United States, and various European nations. Exporters typically include large chemical producers in the US, Germany, and Japan. Key considerations for trade include concentration of solids, viscosity, and specific additive packages that tailor the dispersion for different applications. Environmental regulations regarding VOC content and biodegradability are also increasingly important in international trade for these water-based systems.
What products fall under HS code 390512?
PVA emulsion for wood glue, PVA dispersion for paint binder, PVA emulsion for paper coating, PVA dispersion for textile sizing, PVA emulsion for construction adhesives, PVA dispersion for non-woven binders, PVA emulsion for craft glue
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390512?
This code is specifically for PVA in aqueous dispersion. It can be confused with 390519 if the PVA is not in aqueous dispersion (e.g., solid form), or with vinyl acetate copolymers (390521) if the product is not a homopolymer. The "aqueous dispersion" and "homopolymer" aspects are key.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390512?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390512 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($62M, 25% of world exports), Italy ($29M) and Canada ($24M). World exports came to about $249M, 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 390512?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390512 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 10% of world imports), Italy ($17M) and Germany ($16M). World imports came to about $253M, 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 390512 structured?
HS code 390512 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390512?
In Brazil, HS code 390512 is NCM 3905.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.