Product classification
HS code for Casein glue: 3501.90
Caseinates and other casein derivatives, casein glues.
Classification of casein glue under HS 3501.90
Casein glue is classified under HS code 350190. This code is situated within Chapter 35, which covers albuminoidal substances, modified starches, glues, and enzymes. Heading 3501 specifically covers casein, caseinates, and other casein derivatives. Casein is a phosphoprotein found in milk, and when it is reacted with alkaline substances, it produces a highly effective adhesive known as casein glue. The classification under 350190 is appropriate because it specifically identifies casein glues as a derivative of the base protein. This classification is distinct from general-purpose adhesives because of the specific biological origin of the primary ingredient. Casein glues are valued for their moisture resistance and are traditionally used in woodworking, bottle labeling, and aircraft construction. The technical nature of the substance—being a milk-derived protein adhesive—is the primary driver for its placement in heading 3501 rather than the general glue heading of 3506. Customs authorities look for the presence of caseinates to confirm this classification.
- Covers
- Milk-protein based adhesives
- Casein-derived woodworking glues
- Casein-based labeling adhesives for glass
- Powdered casein glue for reconstitution
- Caseinates used as binding agents
- Also under 3501.90
- Arla Foods Ingredients Caseinates
- Fonterra Caseinates
- FrieslandCampina Caseinates
- Kerry Group Caseinates
- DMV Caseinates
Codes often confused with 3501.90
Common mistake. Casein glue is often misclassified under HS code 3506, which covers prepared glues and other prepared adhesives not elsewhere specified. However, because casein glue is specifically mentioned as a derivative in 3501, the more specific code 350190 takes precedence. It may also be confused with HS code 3505, which covers dextrins and other starch-based glues, but the protein versus carbohydrate origin distinguishes them.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350190 (the code used for casein glue), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350190 (the code used for casein glue) in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% 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 350190, not only casein glue.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 New Zealand $380M 47% of world exports
- 2 Germany $96M 12% of world exports
- 3 Ireland $87M 11% of world exports
World total: $803M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $259M 20% of world imports
- 2 United States $220M 17% of world imports
- 3 Germany $118M 9.1% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 casein glue
Brazil splits HS 3501.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3501.90.11Sodium caseinate
- 3501.90.19Other caseinates and casein derivatives
- 3501.90.20Casein glues
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about casein glue
What is the HS code for Casein glue?
The HS code for Casein glue is 350190 (Caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues). The specific HS code for casein glue and caseinates is 350190.
How do I classify Casein glue for customs?
Casein glue is classified under HS code 350190 — Caseinates and other casein derivatives; casein glues. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is casein glue the same as white PVA glue?
No, white PVA glue is a synthetic polymer and is classified under HS code 350691, whereas casein glue is a natural protein-based adhesive.
Which countries are the top exporters of casein glue (HS 350190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350190 (the code used for casein glue) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($380M, 47% of world exports), Germany ($96M) and Ireland ($87M). World exports came to about $803M, 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 casein glue (HS 350190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350190 (the code used for casein glue) in UN Comtrade data were China ($259M, 20% of world imports), the United States ($220M) and Germany ($118M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Casein glue the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350190 for Casein glue 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 casein glue in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 350190 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for casein glue depends on the product's details: 3501.90.11 (Sodium caseinate), 3501.90.19 (Other caseinates and casein derivatives), 3501.90.20 (Casein glues).