HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3905.21 – Vinyl acetate copolymers; in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms
HS code 3905.21 is the 6-digit subheading for vinyl acetate copolymers, in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms. It is used for vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) emulsion, vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymer dispersion, vinyl acetate-versatate copolymer emulsion, polymer binder for paints and adhesive for wood.
What HS 3905.21 covers
This HS code covers vinyl acetate copolymers presented in aqueous dispersion and in primary forms. This means the polymers are suspended in water, making them easy to handle and environmentally friendly compared to solvent-based alternatives. These dispersions are widely utilized as binders, adhesives, and coatings across various industries, including paints and coatings, textiles, paper, and construction. Importers and exporters typically include chemical manufacturers, paint producers, textile mills, and construction material suppliers. Key aspects of trade involve the specific polymer properties (e.g., adhesion strength, flexibility, water resistance), solids content, viscosity, and compliance with environmental regulations for water-based systems. They offer versatility and performance in many applications.
- Covers
- Vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) emulsion
- Vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymer dispersion
- Vinyl acetate-versatate copolymer emulsion
- Polymer binder for paints
- Adhesive for wood
- Textile sizing agent
- Non-woven binder
- Cement additive.
- Examples
- Wacker Vinnapas
- Celanese Mowilith
- BASF Acronal
- Dow Chemical Primal
- Arkema Encor
- Synthomer Revacryl.
Codes often confused with 3905.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with other vinyl polymers (e.g., 390512 for polyvinyl acetate in aqueous dispersion) or other acrylic copolymers (390690) if the specific vinyl acetate copolymer nature is not clear.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390521, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390521 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 6.9% 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 $200M 26% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $97M 12% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $61M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $782M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $51M 6.9% of world imports
- 2 United States $50M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $43M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $742M 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 3905.21
Brazil does not split HS 3905.21: its NCM code is 3905.21.00.
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 3905.21
What is HS code 390521?
HS code 390521 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vinyl acetate copolymers; in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms. This HS code covers vinyl acetate copolymers presented in aqueous dispersion and in primary forms. This means the polymers are suspended in water, making them easy to handle and environmentally friendly compared to solvent-based alternatives. These dispersions are widely utilized as binders, adhesives, and coatings across various industries, including paints and coatings, textiles, paper, and construction. Importers and exporters typically include chemical manufacturers, paint producers, textile mills, and construction material suppliers. Key aspects of trade involve the specific polymer properties (e.g., adhesion strength, flexibility, water resistance), solids content, viscosity, and compliance with environmental regulations for water-based systems. They offer versatility and performance in many applications.
What products fall under HS code 390521?
Vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) emulsion, vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymer dispersion, vinyl acetate-versatate copolymer emulsion, polymer binder for paints, adhesive for wood, textile sizing agent, non-woven binder, cement additive.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390521?
Can be confused with other vinyl polymers (e.g., 390512 for polyvinyl acetate in aqueous dispersion) or other acrylic copolymers (390690) if the specific vinyl acetate copolymer nature is not clear.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390521?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390521 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($200M, 26% of world exports), the Netherlands ($97M) and Singapore ($61M). World exports came to about $782M, 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 390521?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390521 in UN Comtrade data were India ($51M, 6.9% of world imports), the United States ($50M) and the United Kingdom ($43M). World imports came to about $742M, 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 390521 structured?
HS code 390521 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390521?
In Brazil, HS code 390521 is NCM 3905.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.