HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3912.12 – Cellulose acetates; plasticised, in primary forms
HS code 3912.12 is the 6-digit subheading for cellulose acetates, plasticised, in primary forms. It is used for plasticised cellulose acetate granules, cellulose acetate molding compounds, plasticised cellulose acetate flakes, cellulose acetate film grade resins and cellulose acetate sheet resins.
What HS 3912.12 covers
This HS code specifically covers cellulose acetates in primary forms that have been plasticised. Plasticisation adds flexibility, toughness, and processability to the otherwise rigid cellulose acetate, making it suitable for a wider range of applications. These plasticised forms are traded as granules, flakes, or powders and are crucial for applications requiring improved ductility and impact resistance. They are widely used in spectacle frames, tool handles, certain types of films, and injection-molded articles. Importers are typically manufacturers in consumer goods, eyewear, and automotive industries. Exporters are chemical companies specializing in polymer compounds. The international trade in plasticised cellulose acetates is driven by the need for a bio-based polymer that can be easily molded and processed into durable, aesthetically pleasing, and often transparent products, offering a balance of performance and environmental considerations for various consumer and industrial goods.
- Covers
- Plasticised cellulose acetate granules
- Cellulose acetate molding compounds
- Plasticised cellulose acetate flakes
- Cellulose acetate film grade resins
- Cellulose acetate sheet resins
- Cellulose acetate for eyewear
- Cellulose acetate for tool handles
- Examples
- Mazzucchelli 1849 Cellulose Acetate (for eyewear)
- Eastman Tenite Cellulose Acetate
- Daicel Plasticised Cellulose Acetate
Codes often confused with 3912.12
Common mistake. The primary confusion is with non-plasticised cellulose acetates (391211); careful attention to the presence and amount of plasticizer is key. It can also be confused with finished articles like spectacle frames (Chapter 90) if not in primary forms.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391212, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391212 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 11% 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 $12M 46% of world exports
- 2 Italy $3.5M 14% of world exports
- 3 Japan $2.7M 11% of world exports
World total: $26M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $3.0M 11% of world imports
- 2 China $2.3M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$2.1M 7.4% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $29M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 3912.12
Brazil does not split HS 3912.12: its NCM code is 3912.12.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 39.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3912.12
What is HS code 391212?
HS code 391212 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cellulose acetates; plasticised, in primary forms. This HS code specifically covers cellulose acetates in primary forms that have been plasticised. Plasticisation adds flexibility, toughness, and processability to the otherwise rigid cellulose acetate, making it suitable for a wider range of applications. These plasticised forms are traded as granules, flakes, or powders and are crucial for applications requiring improved ductility and impact resistance. They are widely used in spectacle frames, tool handles, certain types of films, and injection-molded articles. Importers are typically manufacturers in consumer goods, eyewear, and automotive industries. Exporters are chemical companies specializing in polymer compounds. The international trade in plasticised cellulose acetates is driven by the need for a bio-based polymer that can be easily molded and processed into durable, aesthetically pleasing, and often transparent products, offering a balance of performance and environmental considerations for various consumer and industrial goods.
What products fall under HS code 391212?
Plasticised cellulose acetate granules, Cellulose acetate molding compounds, Plasticised cellulose acetate flakes, Cellulose acetate film grade resins, Cellulose acetate sheet resins, Cellulose acetate for eyewear, Cellulose acetate for tool handles
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391212?
The primary confusion is with non-plasticised cellulose acetates (391211); careful attention to the presence and amount of plasticizer is key. It can also be confused with finished articles like spectacle frames (Chapter 90) if not in primary forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391212?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391212 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($12M, 46% of world exports), Italy ($3.5M) and Japan ($2.7M). World exports came to about $26M, 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 391212?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391212 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($3.0M, 11% of world imports), China ($2.3M) and Taiwan (about $2.1M). World imports came to about $29M, 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 391212 structured?
HS code 391212 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (39) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 391212?
In Brazil, HS code 391212 is NCM 3912.12.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.