HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3912.90 – Cellulose and its chemical derivatives; n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms
HS code 3912.90 is the 6-digit subheading for cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms. It is used for microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate and regenerated cellulose.
What HS 3912.90 covers
This "not elsewhere specified" (NES) category for cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms captures a variety of specialized products not covered by more specific HS codes within heading 3912. This includes derivatives like cellulose acetates (if not in specific forms covered elsewhere), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and other less common modified celluloses. Importers are diverse, ranging from pharmaceutical companies in the USA and Europe to textile manufacturers in Asia, seeking specific functional properties. Exporters are typically specialized chemical producers globally. The trade in these goods often involves niche applications where precise physical and chemical properties are critical, such as binders, disintegrants, or film formers. Due diligence in product specification and end-use application is crucial for traders, as the "NES" nature implies a wide range of potential products and associated regulatory requirements.
- Covers
- Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)
- Cellulose acetate
- Cellulose propionate
- Cellulose butyrate
- Regenerated cellulose
- Cellulose acetate butyrate
- Cellulose acetate propionate
- Examples
- FMC Avicel MCC
- Eastman Cellulose Acetate
- Celanese Cellulose Acetate
- Daicel Cellulose Acetate
- JRS Pharma Vivapur MCC
Codes often confused with 3912.90
Common mistake. This code is a catch-all and is frequently confused with more specific cellulose derivatives under 391220 (cellulose nitrates) or 391231/391239 (cellulose ethers) if the product's exact chemical nature is not precisely declared.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 391290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 391290 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 10% 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 $353M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $210M 13% of world exports
- 3 China $206M 13% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $163M 10% of world imports
- 2 India $138M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 United States $129M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 3912.90 6
Brazil splits HS 3912.90 into 6 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3912.90.10 Cellulose propionatePropionato de celulose
- 3912.90.20 Cellulose acetate butyrateAcetobutanoato de celulose
- 3912.90.3 Microcrystalline celluloseCelulose microcristalina Group
- 3912.90.31 Microcrystalline cellulose powderEm pó
- 3912.90.39 Microcrystalline cellulose, not in powderOutras
- 3912.90.40 Other cellulose powdersOutras celuloses, em pó
- 3912.90.90 Other cellulose and derivatives in primary formsOutros
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 3912.90
What is HS code 391290?
HS code 391290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Cellulose and its chemical derivatives; n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms. This "not elsewhere specified" (NES) category for cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms captures a variety of specialized products not covered by more specific HS codes within heading 3912. This includes derivatives like cellulose acetates (if not in specific forms covered elsewhere), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), and other less common modified celluloses. Importers are diverse, ranging from pharmaceutical companies in the USA and Europe to textile manufacturers in Asia, seeking specific functional properties. Exporters are typically specialized chemical producers globally. The trade in these goods often involves niche applications where precise physical and chemical properties are critical, such as binders, disintegrants, or film formers. Due diligence in product specification and end-use application is crucial for traders, as the "NES" nature implies a wide range of potential products and associated regulatory requirements.
What products fall under HS code 391290?
Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), Cellulose acetate, Cellulose propionate, Cellulose butyrate, Regenerated cellulose, Cellulose acetate butyrate, Cellulose acetate propionate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 391290?
This code is a catch-all and is frequently confused with more specific cellulose derivatives under 391220 (cellulose nitrates) or 391231/391239 (cellulose ethers) if the product's exact chemical nature is not precisely declared.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 391290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 391290 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($353M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($210M) and China ($206M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 391290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 391290 in UN Comtrade data were China ($163M, 10% of world imports), India ($138M) and the United States ($129M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 391290 structured?
HS code 391290 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 391290?
Brazil splits HS code 391290 into 6 NCM codes: 3912.90.10 (Cellulose propionate), 3912.90.20 (Cellulose acetate butyrate), 3912.90.31 (Microcrystalline cellulose powder), 3912.90.39 (Microcrystalline cellulose, not in powder), 3912.90.40 (Other cellulose powders), 3912.90.90 (Other cellulose and derivatives in primary forms). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.