Product classification
HS code for Alginic acid: 3913.10
Polymers, natural, alginic acid, its salts and esters, in primary forms.
Classification of alginic acid under HS 3913.10
Alginic acid is classified under HS code 391310 due to its nature as a natural polymer. Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System covers "Plastics and articles thereof," and within this, heading 3913 specifically addresses "Natural polymers (for example, alginic acid) and modified natural polymers (for example, hardened proteins, chemical derivatives of natural rubber), not elsewhere specified or included, in primary forms." Subheading 391310 is dedicated to "Alginic acid, its salts and esters." This classification accurately reflects alginic acid's chemical composition as a polysaccharide derived from brown algae and its presentation in primary forms, such as powders or granules, ready for industrial application.
- Covers
- Alginic acid powder
- Alginic acid granules
- Sodium alginate
- Potassium alginate
- Calcium alginate
- Propylene glycol alginate
- Also under 3913.10
- DuPont Danisco GRINDSTED Alginate
- FMC BioPolymer Protanal
- Kimica Alginate
- Bright Moon Seaweed Alginate
- Cargill Alginate
Codes often confused with 3913.10
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves HS 2918 (Carboxylic acids with additional oxygen function). While alginic acid is an organic acid, its polymeric structure and natural origin differentiate it from the distinct, non-polymeric organic chemical compounds typically found in Chapter 29. Chapter 29 is reserved for specific organic chemicals, not polymers. Another potential confusion is with HS 1302 (Vegetable saps and extracts). Although alginic acid is extracted from algae, it undergoes significant processing to become a refined chemical polymer, distinguishing it from crude vegetable saps or extracts.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391310 (the code used for alginic acid), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391310 (the code used for alginic acid) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 391310, not only alginic acid.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $32M 16% of world exports
- 2 France $30M 15% of world exports
- 3 Japan $28M 14% of world exports
World total: $201M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $77M 18% of world imports
- 2 Japan $31M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $28M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $426M 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 code for alginic acid
Brazil classifies alginic acid under NCM 3913.10.00: HS 3913.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about alginic acid
What is the HS code for Alginic acid?
The HS code for Alginic acid is 391310 (Polymers, natural; alginic acid, its salts and esters, in primary forms). The HS code for Alginic acid is 391310.
How do I classify Alginic acid for customs?
Alginic acid is classified under HS code 391310 — Polymers, natural; alginic acid, its salts and esters, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What are "primary forms" in the context of HS 391310?
In the context of HS 391310, "primary forms" refers to products in bulk, such as liquids, pastes, powders, granules, flakes, blocks, or other similar forms. These are typically raw materials ready for further processing or manufacturing into finished goods, rather than articles made from the polymer.
Which countries are the top exporters of alginic acid (HS 391310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391310 (the code used for alginic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($32M, 16% of world exports), France ($30M) and Japan ($28M). World exports came to about $201M, 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 alginic acid (HS 391310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391310 (the code used for alginic acid) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($77M, 18% of world imports), Japan ($31M) and the Netherlands ($28M). World imports came to about $426M, 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.
Is the HS code for Alginic acid the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391310 for Alginic acid is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for alginic acid in Brazil?
In Brazil, alginic acid (HS 391310) is classified under NCM 3913.10.00.