HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3908.90 – Polyamides; n.e.c. in heading no. 3908, in primary forms
HS code 3908.90 is the 6-digit subheading for polyamides, n.e.c. in heading no. 3908, in primary forms. It is used for polyphthalamide (PPA) resin, transparent polyamide resin, bio-based polyamide pellets, polyamide MXD6 and polyamide 4,6.
What HS 3908.90 covers
This HS code covers polyamides in primary forms (pellets, granules) that are not specifically enumerated in 390810. This "not elsewhere specified" category includes a variety of specialty polyamides, such as high-performance polyamides (e.g., PPA - polyphthalamides), transparent polyamides, bio-based polyamides, and other less common nylon types. These materials offer enhanced properties like higher temperature resistance, improved chemical resistance, or better optical clarity, making them suitable for demanding applications in electronics, automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. Major importers are countries with advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries, such as Germany, Japan, and the USA. Exporters are often specialized chemical companies. Key aspects of trade involve the niche applications requiring superior performance, the continuous development of new polyamide chemistries, and the increasing demand for materials that can withstand harsh operating conditions or offer unique aesthetic properties.
- Covers
- Polyphthalamide (PPA) resin
- Transparent polyamide resin
- Bio-based polyamide pellets
- Polyamide MXD6
- Polyamide 4,6
- Polyamide 6T/6I
- Long-chain polyamides (e.g., PA 10,10)
- Examples
- Solvay Amodel (PPA)
- EMS-Grilamid (Transparent PA)
- Evonik VESTAMID (Specialty PA)
- DSM Stanyl (PA 4,6)
- Arkema Rilsan Clear (Transparent PA)
Codes often confused with 3908.90
Common mistake. The primary misclassification risk is with the more common polyamides listed in 390810; careful identification of the specific polyamide type is crucial. It could also be confused with other high-performance engineering plastics if the "polyamide" chemical identity is not confirmed.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390890, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390890 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 $803M 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $766M 17% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $543M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $815M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $529M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $277M 6.3% of world imports
World total: $4.4B 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 3908.90 3
Brazil splits HS 3908.90 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3908.90.10 Lauryl lactam copolymerCopolímero de lauril-lactama
- 3908.90.20 Dimer/trimer fatty acid-ethyleneamine polyamidesObtidas por condensação de ácidos graxos (gordos) dimerizados ou trimerizados com etilenaminas
- 3908.90.90 Other polyamides in primary formsOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3908.90
What is HS code 390890?
HS code 390890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Polyamides; n.e.c. in heading no. 3908, in primary forms. This HS code covers polyamides in primary forms (pellets, granules) that are not specifically enumerated in 390810. This "not elsewhere specified" category includes a variety of specialty polyamides, such as high-performance polyamides (e.g., PPA - polyphthalamides), transparent polyamides, bio-based polyamides, and other less common nylon types. These materials offer enhanced properties like higher temperature resistance, improved chemical resistance, or better optical clarity, making them suitable for demanding applications in electronics, automotive, aerospace, and medical industries. Major importers are countries with advanced manufacturing and high-tech industries, such as Germany, Japan, and the USA. Exporters are often specialized chemical companies. Key aspects of trade involve the niche applications requiring superior performance, the continuous development of new polyamide chemistries, and the increasing demand for materials that can withstand harsh operating conditions or offer unique aesthetic properties.
What products fall under HS code 390890?
Polyphthalamide (PPA) resin, Transparent polyamide resin, Bio-based polyamide pellets, Polyamide MXD6, Polyamide 4,6, Polyamide 6T/6I, Long-chain polyamides (e.g., PA 10,10)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390890?
The primary misclassification risk is with the more common polyamides listed in 390810; careful identification of the specific polyamide type is crucial. It could also be confused with other high-performance engineering plastics if the "polyamide" chemical identity is not confirmed.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390890?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390890 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($803M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($766M) and Switzerland ($543M). World exports came to about $4.4B, 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 390890?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390890 in UN Comtrade data were China ($815M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($529M) and Japan ($277M). World imports came to about $4.4B, 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 390890 structured?
HS code 390890 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) 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 390890?
Brazil splits HS code 390890 into 3 NCM codes: 3908.90.10 (Lauryl lactam copolymer), 3908.90.20 (Dimer/trimer fatty acid-ethyleneamine polyamides), 3908.90.90 (Other polyamides in primary forms). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.