HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3909.40 – Phenolic resins; in primary forms
HS code 3909.40 is the 6-digit subheading for phenolic resins, in primary forms. It is used for novolac resins, resol resins, phenolic molding compounds, phenolic laminating resins and phenolic foam resins.
What HS 3909.40 covers
This HS code covers phenolic resins, also known as phenoplasts, in their primary forms such as liquids, powders, or flakes. These synthetic polymers are formed from phenol and formaldehyde and are highly valued in international trade for their exceptional heat resistance, hardness, and dimensional stability. They are critical components in a wide array of industrial applications, including abrasives, friction materials (e.g., brake pads), refractory products, laminates, and molding compounds for electrical components. Major importers are industries requiring high-performance, thermosetting materials, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and electrical manufacturing. Exporters are typically large chemical companies. The global trade in phenolic resins is robust, driven by the continuous demand for durable and heat-resistant components in demanding industrial environments.
- Covers
- Novolac resins
- Resol resins
- Phenolic molding compounds
- Phenolic laminating resins
- Phenolic foam resins
- Phenolic adhesive resins
- Phenolic coating resins
- Examples
- Hexion Phenolic Resins
- Sumitomo Bakelite Phenolic Compounds
- Georgia-Pacific Phenolic Resins
- SI Group Phenolic Resins
Codes often confused with 3909.40
Common mistake. Can be confused with other thermosetting resins like amino-resins (390939) or epoxy resins (390730) if not carefully identified, or with finished products like brake pads (Chapter 87) if not in primary forms.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 390940, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 390940 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 $254M 13% of world exports
- 2 China $240M 12% of world exports
- 3 Japan $188M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $309M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $131M 6.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $117M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 3909.40 4
Brazil splits HS 3909.40 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3909.40.1 Oil-soluble, pure or modifiedLipossolúveis, puras ou modificadas Group
- 3909.40.11 Oil-soluble phenol-formaldehyde resinsFenol-formaldeído
- 3909.40.19 Other oil-soluble phenolic resinsOutras
- 3909.40.9 OtherOutras Group
- 3909.40.91 Phenol-formaldehyde resins, not oil-solubleFenol-formaldeído
- 3909.40.99 Other phenolic resins in primary formsOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3909.40
What is HS code 390940?
HS code 390940 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Phenolic resins; in primary forms. This HS code covers phenolic resins, also known as phenoplasts, in their primary forms such as liquids, powders, or flakes. These synthetic polymers are formed from phenol and formaldehyde and are highly valued in international trade for their exceptional heat resistance, hardness, and dimensional stability. They are critical components in a wide array of industrial applications, including abrasives, friction materials (e.g., brake pads), refractory products, laminates, and molding compounds for electrical components. Major importers are industries requiring high-performance, thermosetting materials, such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and electrical manufacturing. Exporters are typically large chemical companies. The global trade in phenolic resins is robust, driven by the continuous demand for durable and heat-resistant components in demanding industrial environments.
What products fall under HS code 390940?
Novolac resins, Resol resins, Phenolic molding compounds, Phenolic laminating resins, Phenolic foam resins, Phenolic adhesive resins, Phenolic coating resins
What are common misclassifications for HS code 390940?
Can be confused with other thermosetting resins like amino-resins (390939) or epoxy resins (390730) if not carefully identified, or with finished products like brake pads (Chapter 87) if not in primary forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 390940?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 390940 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($254M, 13% of world exports), China ($240M) and Japan ($188M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 390940?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 390940 in UN Comtrade data were China ($309M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($131M) and the United States ($117M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 390940 structured?
HS code 390940 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 390940?
Brazil splits HS code 390940 into 4 NCM codes: 3909.40.11 (Oil-soluble phenol-formaldehyde resins), 3909.40.19 (Other oil-soluble phenolic resins), 3909.40.91 (Phenol-formaldehyde resins, not oil-soluble), 3909.40.99 (Other phenolic resins in primary forms). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.