HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3911.20 – Petroleum resins, poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate), in primary forms
HS code 3911.20 is the 6-digit subheading for petroleum resins, poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate), in primary forms. It is used for poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate) powder, poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate) granules, flame retardant masterbatches (containing this polymer), phosphonate polymer additives and engineering plastic flame retardants.
What HS 3911.20 covers
This highly specific HS code covers poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate) in primary forms. This particular polymer is a niche but important flame retardant, often used in engineering plastics and composites to meet stringent fire safety standards. Unlike general petroleum resins, its primary function is not tackification but rather to impart flame resistance and thermal stability. Importers are typically specialized manufacturers in the electronics, automotive, and construction industries, where fire safety and high-performance materials are paramount. Exporters are chemical companies producing advanced flame retardant additives. The international trade volume might be smaller compared to more general resins, but its strategic importance in high-performance, safety-critical applications makes it a valuable commodity in global supply chains, particularly for high-tech manufacturing.
- Covers
- Poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate) powder
- Poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate) granules
- Flame retardant masterbatches (containing this polymer)
- Phosphonate polymer additives
- Engineering plastic flame retardants
- Examples
- Clariant Exolit OP series (similar chemistry)
- Adeka FR series (similar chemistry)
- Lanxess Disflamoll (similar chemistry)
Codes often confused with 3911.20
Common mistake. This is a very specific chemical, so misclassification is less likely with broad categories but could be confused with other flame retardants (e.g., brominated or halogen-free types in Chapter 29 or 38) if not precisely identified as this specific polymer.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391120 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 23% 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 $821K 24% of world exports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$600K 18% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Austria $512K 15% of world exports
World total: $3.4M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $4.3M 23% of world imports
- 2 Germany $3.8M 21% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $3.8M 20% of world imports
World total: $19M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 3911.20
Brazil does not split HS 3911.20: its NCM code is 3911.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3911.20
What is HS code 391120?
HS code 391120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Petroleum resins, poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate), in primary forms. This highly specific HS code covers poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate) in primary forms. This particular polymer is a niche but important flame retardant, often used in engineering plastics and composites to meet stringent fire safety standards. Unlike general petroleum resins, its primary function is not tackification but rather to impart flame resistance and thermal stability. Importers are typically specialized manufacturers in the electronics, automotive, and construction industries, where fire safety and high-performance materials are paramount. Exporters are chemical companies producing advanced flame retardant additives. The international trade volume might be smaller compared to more general resins, but its strategic importance in high-performance, safety-critical applications makes it a valuable commodity in global supply chains, particularly for high-tech manufacturing.
What products fall under HS code 391120?
Poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate) powder, Poly(1,3-phenylene methylphosphonate) granules, Flame retardant masterbatches (containing this polymer), Phosphonate polymer additives, Engineering plastic flame retardants
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391120?
This is a very specific chemical, so misclassification is less likely with broad categories but could be confused with other flame retardants (e.g., brominated or halogen-free types in Chapter 29 or 38) if not precisely identified as this specific polymer.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($821K, 24% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $600K) and Austria ($512K). World exports came to about $3.4M, 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 391120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391120 in UN Comtrade data were France ($4.3M, 23% of world imports), Germany ($3.8M) and Mexico ($3.8M). World imports came to about $19M, 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 391120 structured?
HS code 391120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 391120?
In Brazil, HS code 391120 is NCM 3911.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.