Product classification

HS code for Bakelite: 3909.40

Phenolic resins, in primary forms.

Classification of bakelite under HS 3909.40

Bakelite, scientifically known as polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, is one of the earliest synthetic plastic resins. In its primary form—such as liquids, pastes, blocks, lumps, or powders—it is classified under HS code 3909.40. This code is part of Chapter 39, which governs plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3909 specifically covers amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes in primary forms. Since Bakelite is a phenolic resin (a thermosetting plastic formed from the condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde), it is categorized under the 3909.40 subheading. This classification applies to the raw material before it has been molded or processed into specific shapes or finished goods. According to Note 6 to Chapter 39, "primary forms" refers to liquids and pastes, including dispersions and solutions, or blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms. Bakelite in these states is essential for manufacturers who then use heat and pressure to mold the resin into final products. The chemical stability and heat resistance of phenolic resins make them distinct from other polymers in Chapter 39, such as polyethylenes or PVC.

Covers
  • Phenol-formaldehyde resins
  • Bakelite molding powders
  • Liquid phenolic resins
  • Phenolic resin granules
  • Novolac and Resole resins
Also under 3909.40
  • Hexion Phenolic Resins
  • Sumitomo Bakelite Phenolic Compounds
  • Georgia-Pacific Phenolic Resins
  • SI Group Phenolic Resins

Codes often confused with 3909.40

Common mistake. Bakelite is often misclassified under HS code 3921 or 3926 when it has already been shaped into sheets or finished articles. HS code 3909.40 is strictly for the resin in its primary, unworked state. Another common error is classifying it under 8546 as an electrical insulator. While Bakelite is an excellent insulator, 8546 is only for finished insulators, not the raw resin material. Confusion also occurs with 3907 (polyacetals/polyethers), but Bakelite’s chemical structure as a phenolic resin mandates 3909.40.

39.21Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip n.e.c. in chapter 3939.26Articles of plastics and articles of other materials of heading no. 3901 to 3914, n.e.c. in chapter 3985.46Electrical insulators of any material39.07Polyacetals, other polyethers and epoxide resins, in primary forms; polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters, in primary forms

Top exporters and importers of HS 390940 (the code used for bakelite), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390940 (the code used for bakelite) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 390940, not only bakelite.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $254M
  2. 2 China $240M
  3. 3 Japan $188M

World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $309M
  2. 2 Germany $131M
  3. 3 United States $117M

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 bakelite

Brazil splits HS 3909.40 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about bakelite

What is the HS code for Bakelite?

The HS code for Bakelite is 390940 (Phenolic resins; in primary forms). The HS code for Bakelite in primary form is 3909.40, which covers phenolic resins.

How do I classify Bakelite for customs?

Bakelite is classified under HS code 390940 — Phenolic resins; in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is Bakelite classified as a hazardous material?

While the HS code 3909.40 identifies the material type, safety classifications for transport (like UN numbers) are separate from the HS code system used for customs duties.

Which countries are the top exporters of bakelite (HS 390940)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390940 (the code used for bakelite) 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 bakelite (HS 390940)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390940 (the code used for bakelite) 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.

Is the HS code for Bakelite the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390940 for Bakelite 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 bakelite in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 390940 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for bakelite depends on the product's details: 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).