HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 3906.90 – Acrylic polymers; (other than polymethyl methacrylate), in primary forms

HS code 3906.90 is the 6-digit subheading for acrylic polymers, (other than polymethyl methacrylate), in primary forms. It is used for poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(butyl acrylate), poly(acrylic acid), acrylic acid copolymers and styrene-acrylic copolymers.

What HS 3906.90 covers

This HS code covers a broad range of acrylic polymers in primary forms, excluding poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). This category includes polymers derived from other acrylic monomers like ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and acrylic acid, as well as their copolymers. These "other" acrylic polymers are incredibly versatile, known for their excellent adhesion, flexibility, weatherability, and chemical resistance. They are extensively used as binders in paints and coatings, adhesives, textile and paper coatings, sealants, and superabsorbent polymers. Countries with large manufacturing sectors, particularly in construction, automotive, and consumer goods, are major importers, utilizing these polymers as essential raw materials. Exporters are typically nations with strong chemical industries. The trade in these polymers is driven by their adaptability to various performance requirements, from enhancing durability in exterior paints to providing absorbency in hygiene products, making them crucial for modern industrial applications.

Covers
  • Poly(ethyl acrylate)
  • Poly(butyl acrylate)
  • Poly(acrylic acid)
  • Acrylic acid copolymers
  • Styrene-acrylic copolymers
  • Acrylate emulsions
  • Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs)
Examples
  • BASF Acronal
  • Dow Chemical Primal
  • Arkema Kynar
  • Evonik Degussa Vestoplast

Codes often confused with 3906.90

Common mistake. This code is often confused with 390610 (poly(methyl methacrylate)) if the specific acrylic monomer is not clearly defined, or with 3905 (vinyl polymers) if the polymer contains vinyl components but is predominantly acrylic.

3906.10Acrylic polymers; poly(methyl methacrylate), in primary forms39.05Polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters, in primary forms; other vinyl polymers in primary forms

Top exporters and importers of HS code 390690, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390690 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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. 1 China $2.3B
  2. 2 South Korea $1.7B
  3. 3 United States $1.6B

World total: $14.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $2.1B
  2. 2 United States $1.1B
  3. 3 Germany $1.1B

World total: $17.5B 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 3906.90 20

Brazil splits HS 3906.90 into 20 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.

  1. 3906.90.1 In the forms provided for in Note 6 (a) to this Chapter, in waterNas formas previstas na Nota 6 a) deste Capítulo, em água Group
  2. 3906.90.11 Poly(acrylic acid) and salts, in waterPoli(ácido acrílico) e seus sais
  3. 3906.90.12 Sodium poly(acrylamidic acid), in waterSal sódico do poli(ácido acrilamídico), solúvel em água
  4. 3906.90.19 Other acrylic polymers in water, liquid or pasteOutros
  5. 3906.90.2 In the forms provided for in Note 6 (a) to this Chapter, in organic solventsNas formas previstas na Nota 6 a) deste Capítulo, em solventes orgânicos Group
  6. 3906.90.21 Poly(acrylic acid) and salts, in organic solventsPoli(ácido acrílico) e seus sais
  7. 3906.90.22 Diisopropylaminoethyl-decyl methacrylate copolymerCopolímero de metacrilato de 2-di-isopropilaminoetila e metacrilato de n-decila, em suspensão de dimetilacetamida
  8. 3906.90.29 Other acrylic polymers, in organic solventsOutros
  9. 3906.90.3 In the forms provided for in Note 6 (a) to this Chapter, in other solvents or without solventNas formas previstas na Nota 6 a) deste Capítulo, em outros solventes ou sem solvente Group
  10. 3906.90.31 Poly(acrylic acid) and salts, other/no solventPoli(ácido acrílico) e seus sais
  11. 3906.90.32 Sodium poly(acrylamidic acid), other/no solventSal sódico do poli(ácido acrilamídico), solúvel em água
  12. 3906.90.39 Other acrylic liquids or pastes, other/no solventOutros
  13. 3906.90.5 In the forms provided for in Note 6 (b) to this Chapter, other than copolymersNas formas previstas na Nota 6 b) deste Capítulo, exceto copolímeros Group
  14. 3906.90.51 Poly(acrylic acid) and salts, solid bulk formsPoli(ácido acrílico) e seus sais
  15. 3906.90.52 Sodium poly(acrylamidic acid), solid bulk formsSal sódico do poli(ácido acrilamídico), solúvel em água
  16. 3906.90.53 Carboxypolymethylene powderCarboxipolimetileno, em pó
  17. 3906.90.54 Sodium polyacrylate, saline absorbency 20x or morePoli(acrilato de sódio), com capacidade de absorção de uma solução aquosa de cloreto de sódio 0,9 %, em peso, igual ou superior a vinte vezes seu próprio peso
  18. 3906.90.59 Other non-copolymer acrylic polymers, solid formsOutros
  19. 3906.90.6 Copolymers in the forms provided for in Note 6 (b) to this ChapterCopolímeros nas formas previstas na Nota 6 b) deste Capítulo Group
  20. 3906.90.61 Potassium acrylate-acrylamide absorbent copolymerCopolímero de acrilato de potássio e acrilamida, com capacidade de absorção de água destilada de até quatrocentas vezes seu próprio peso
  21. 3906.90.62 Methyl acrylate-ethylene copolymer, 50%+ acrylateCopolímeros de acrilato de metila-etileno com um conteúdo de acrilato de metila igual ou superior a 50 %, em peso
  22. 3906.90.63 Ethyl/n-butyl/2-methoxyethyl acrylate copolymerCopolímero de acrilato de etila, acrilato de n-butila e acrilato de 2-metoxietila
  23. 3906.90.64 Potassium acrylate-acrylic acid absorbent polymerCopolímero de acrilato de potássio e ácido acrílico, com capacidade de absorção de água destilada de até quatrocentas vezes seu próprio peso
  24. 3906.90.65 Acrylamide-sodium acrylate copolymerCopolímero de acrilamida e acrilato de sódio
  25. 3906.90.69 Other acrylic copolymers, solid bulk formsOutros

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.06 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 3906.90

What is HS code 390690?

HS code 390690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Acrylic polymers; (other than polymethyl methacrylate), in primary forms. This HS code covers a broad range of acrylic polymers in primary forms, excluding poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). This category includes polymers derived from other acrylic monomers like ethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, and acrylic acid, as well as their copolymers. These "other" acrylic polymers are incredibly versatile, known for their excellent adhesion, flexibility, weatherability, and chemical resistance. They are extensively used as binders in paints and coatings, adhesives, textile and paper coatings, sealants, and superabsorbent polymers. Countries with large manufacturing sectors, particularly in construction, automotive, and consumer goods, are major importers, utilizing these polymers as essential raw materials. Exporters are typically nations with strong chemical industries. The trade in these polymers is driven by their adaptability to various performance requirements, from enhancing durability in exterior paints to providing absorbency in hygiene products, making them crucial for modern industrial applications.

What products fall under HS code 390690?

Poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(butyl acrylate), poly(acrylic acid), acrylic acid copolymers, styrene-acrylic copolymers, acrylate emulsions, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs)

What are common misclassifications for HS code 390690?

This code is often confused with 390610 (poly(methyl methacrylate)) if the specific acrylic monomer is not clearly defined, or with 3905 (vinyl polymers) if the polymer contains vinyl components but is predominantly acrylic.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390690?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390690 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.3B, 15% of world exports), South Korea ($1.7B) and the United States ($1.6B). World exports came to about $14.8B, 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 390690?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390690 in UN Comtrade data were China ($2.1B, 12% of world imports), the United States ($1.1B) and Germany ($1.1B). World imports came to about $17.5B, 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 390690 structured?

HS code 390690 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390690?

Brazil splits HS code 390690 into 20 NCM codes: 3906.90.11 (Poly(acrylic acid) and salts, in water), 3906.90.12 (Sodium poly(acrylamidic acid), in water), 3906.90.19 (Other acrylic polymers in water, liquid or paste), 3906.90.21 (Poly(acrylic acid) and salts, in organic solvents), 3906.90.22 (Diisopropylaminoethyl-decyl methacrylate copolymer), 3906.90.29 (Other acrylic polymers, in organic solvents), 3906.90.31 (Poly(acrylic acid) and salts, other/no solvent), 3906.90.32 (Sodium poly(acrylamidic acid), other/no solvent), and more listed on this page. The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.