HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3905.91 – Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers; n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, copolymers
HS code 3905.91 is the 6-digit subheading for vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers, n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, copolymers. It is used for vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) copolymers, vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymers, vinyl acetate-versatate copolymers, vinyl acetate homopolymer emulsions and vinyl acetate-maleate copolymers.
What HS 3905.91 covers
This HS code encompasses copolymers of vinyl acetate and other vinyl esters, as well as other vinyl polymers not specifically covered elsewhere in heading 3905, all in primary forms. These versatile polymers are fundamental building blocks for a vast array of industrial products, primarily serving as binders, adhesives, and film-formers. They are extensively used in paints and coatings, adhesives for woodworking and packaging, textile finishing, and construction materials. Countries with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly in construction, automotive, and consumer goods, are major importers, seeking these polymers as raw materials. Key exporters are typically nations with advanced chemical industries. Understanding the specific monomer composition and polymerization process is crucial for accurate classification, as these factors dictate the polymer's end-use properties. The trade in these copolymers is driven by their adaptability and cost-effectiveness in enhancing product performance and durability across diverse applications.
- Covers
- Vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) copolymers
- Vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymers
- Vinyl acetate-versatate copolymers
- Vinyl acetate homopolymer emulsions
- Vinyl acetate-maleate copolymers
- Vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride copolymers
- Examples
- Wacker Vinnapas
- Celanese Mowilith
- BASF Acronal
- Dow Chemical Primal
Codes often confused with 3905.91
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 390599 (other vinyl polymers, not copolymers) if the "copolymer" aspect is overlooked, or with 3904 (vinyl chloride polymers) if vinyl chloride is a major component but not the primary defining characteristic.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390591, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390591 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% 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 United States $317M 20% of world exports
- 2 Japan $263M 16% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $263M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $188M 12% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $169M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $114M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 3905.91 2
Brazil splits HS 3905.91 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3905.91.30 Vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate, alcoholic solutionDe vinilpirrolidona e acetato de vinila, em solução alcoólica
- 3905.91.90 Other vinyl copolymers in primary formsOutros
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 3905.91
What is HS code 390591?
HS code 390591 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers; n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, copolymers. This HS code encompasses copolymers of vinyl acetate and other vinyl esters, as well as other vinyl polymers not specifically covered elsewhere in heading 3905, all in primary forms. These versatile polymers are fundamental building blocks for a vast array of industrial products, primarily serving as binders, adhesives, and film-formers. They are extensively used in paints and coatings, adhesives for woodworking and packaging, textile finishing, and construction materials. Countries with robust manufacturing sectors, particularly in construction, automotive, and consumer goods, are major importers, seeking these polymers as raw materials. Key exporters are typically nations with advanced chemical industries. Understanding the specific monomer composition and polymerization process is crucial for accurate classification, as these factors dictate the polymer's end-use properties. The trade in these copolymers is driven by their adaptability and cost-effectiveness in enhancing product performance and durability across diverse applications.
What products fall under HS code 390591?
Vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) copolymers, vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymers, vinyl acetate-versatate copolymers, vinyl acetate homopolymer emulsions, vinyl acetate-maleate copolymers, vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride copolymers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390591?
This code can be confused with 390599 (other vinyl polymers, not copolymers) if the "copolymer" aspect is overlooked, or with 3904 (vinyl chloride polymers) if vinyl chloride is a major component but not the primary defining characteristic.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390591?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390591 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($317M, 20% of world exports), Japan ($263M) and Belgium ($263M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 390591?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390591 in UN Comtrade data were China ($188M, 12% of world imports), the Netherlands ($169M) and Germany ($114M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 390591 structured?
HS code 390591 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 (91) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390591?
Brazil splits HS code 390591 into 2 NCM codes: 3905.91.30 (Vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate, alcoholic solution), 3905.91.90 (Other vinyl copolymers in primary forms). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.