Product classification

HS code for Bakelite sheets: 3920.94

Plastics, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of phenolic resins, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials.

Classification of bakelite sheets under HS 3920.94

Bakelite sheets are classified under HS code 3920.94 because they are composed of phenolic resins, a type of thermosetting plastic. Heading 3920 applies to plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics that are non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, or supported by other materials. Bakelite is chemically known as polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride, a phenol-formaldehyde resin. For classification in 3920.94, the sheets must be in a primary form and not further worked into specific parts. The classification is guided by Chapter 39 Note 10, which defines the scope of plates and sheets. If the Bakelite is in a simple rectangular shape and has not been combined with textiles or other reinforcing layers, it falls under this specific subheading for phenolic resins. This code is essential for identifying raw industrial plastic materials used for electrical insulation and heat-resistant applications.

Covers
  • Unreinforced phenolic resin sheets
  • Flat Bakelite plates for industrial use
  • Non-cellular phenol-formaldehyde strips
  • Solid Bakelite foil for electrical insulation
  • Standard rectangular Bakelite panels
Also under 3920.94
  • Bakelite (historical, but brand still exists)
  • Sumitomo Bakelite
  • Hexion (phenolic resins)
  • Georgia-Pacific (phenolic resins)
  • Norplex-Micarta (laminates)

Codes often confused with 3920.94

Common mistake. Bakelite sheets are often confused with HS code 3921.90. Code 3921 is used for plates and sheets that are reinforced, laminated, or supported with other materials (such as paper or fabric layers common in industrial laminates). If the Bakelite sheet contains a paper core (often called Phenolic Paper Laminate), it must move to 3921. Additionally, finished components made from Bakelite, such as handles or knobs, should be classified under 3926.90 as other articles of plastics.

3921.90Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellular39.21Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip n.e.c. in chapter 393926.90Plastics; other articles n.e.c. in chapter 39

Top exporters and importers of HS 392094 (the code used for bakelite sheets), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 392094 (the code used for bakelite sheets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 75% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vietnam, with about 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 392094, not only bakelite sheets.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $129M
  2. 2 United States $21M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $4.7M

World total: $172M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Vietnam* ~$20M
  2. 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$13M
  3. 3 United States $10M

World total: $136M 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 bakelite sheets

Brazil classifies bakelite sheets under NCM 3920.94.00: HS 3920.94 with 00 added.

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

Questions about bakelite sheets

What is the HS code for Bakelite sheets?

The HS code for Bakelite sheets is 392094 (Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of phenolic resins, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials). The HS code for Bakelite sheets is 3920.94, provided they are non-cellular and not reinforced or laminated with other materials.

How do I classify Bakelite sheets for customs?

Bakelite sheets is classified under HS code 392094 — Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of phenolic resins, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I classify Bakelite sheets with a paper reinforcement?

If the Bakelite sheet is reinforced with paper or fabric, it is classified under HS code 3921.90 instead of 3920.94, as it is no longer considered a simple plastic sheet.

Which countries are the top exporters of bakelite sheets (HS 392094)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 392094 (the code used for bakelite sheets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($129M, 75% of world exports), the United States ($21M) and the United Kingdom ($4.7M). World exports came to about $172M, 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 sheets (HS 392094)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 392094 (the code used for bakelite sheets) in UN Comtrade data were Vietnam (about $20M, 15% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $13M) and the United States ($10M). World imports came to about $136M, 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 sheets the same in all countries?

The base HS code 392094 for Bakelite sheets 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 sheets in Brazil?

In Brazil, bakelite sheets (HS 392094) is classified under NCM 3920.94.00.