Product classification

HS code for Cellulose derivative: 3912.90

Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms.

Classification of cellulose derivative under HS 3912.90

Cellulose derivatives are classified under HS code 3912.90. This classification is found in Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, which covers plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3912 specifically addresses cellulose and its chemical derivatives that are not specified or included elsewhere, provided they are in primary forms. Subheading 3912.90 serves as the \"other\" category for derivatives that do not fit into the more specific subheadings like cellulose acetates (3912.11 and 3912.12), cellulose nitrates (3912.20), or cellulose ethers (3912.31 and 3912.39). 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. This classification includes chemical modifications of cellulose such as cellulose propionate, cellulose butyrate, and mixed esters like cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB), provided they are not already covered by more specific codes. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the polymer and its physical state. These derivatives are essential in the manufacturing of specialized plastics, high-performance coatings, and pharmaceutical excipients.

Covers: Cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) in primary forms
Cellulose propionate in primary forms
Cellulose butyrate in primary forms
Other chemical derivatives of cellulose n.e.c.
Also under 3912.90: FMC Avicel MCC
Eastman Cellulose Acetate
Celanese Cellulose Acetate
Daicel Cellulose Acetate
JRS Pharma Vivapur MCC

Codes often confused with 3912.90

Common mistake. Cellulose derivatives are often misclassified under 3912.11 or 3912.12 if they contain acetate groups, but if they are mixed esters (like CAB), 3912.90 is more appropriate. They are also confused with 3912.39 (cellulose ethers). The distinction depends on whether the chemical modification is an esterification (derivative) or an etherification (ether). Furthermore, if the derivative is already shaped into a finished article or a semi-manufactured shape like a sheet or rod, it must be classified in headings 3916 through 3926 rather than 3912.

3912.11Cellulose acetates; non-plasticised, in primary forms 3912.12Cellulose acetates; plasticised, in primary forms 3912.39Cellulose ethers; (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms 39.16Monofilament of which any cross-sectional dimension exceeds 1mm, rods, sticks and profile shapes, whether or not surface-worked but not otherwise worked, of plastics 39.26Articles of plastics and articles of other materials of heading no. 3901 to 3914, n.e.c. in chapter 39 39.12Cellulose and its chemical derivatives, n.e.c. or included, in primary forms

Top exporters and importers of HS 391290 (the code used for cellulose derivative), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391290 (the code used for cellulose derivative) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 391290, not only cellulose derivative.

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 cellulose derivative

Brazil splits HS 3912.90 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

3912.90.10Cellulose propionate
3912.90.20Cellulose acetate butyrate
3912.90.31Microcrystalline cellulose powder
3912.90.39Microcrystalline cellulose, not in powder
3912.90.40Other cellulose powders
3912.90.90Other cellulose and derivatives in primary forms

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

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Questions about cellulose derivative

What is the HS code for Cellulose derivative?

The HS code for Cellulose derivative is 391290 (Cellulose and its chemical derivatives; n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms).

How do I classify Cellulose derivative for customs?

Cellulose derivative is classified under HS code 391290 — Cellulose and its chemical derivatives; n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for cellulose derivatives?

The HS code for cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms, not elsewhere specified, is 3912.90.

What qualifies as a primary form for cellulose derivatives?

Primary forms include liquids, pastes, powders, granules, flakes, and blocks, as defined in Note 6 to Chapter 39 of the HS nomenclature.

Which countries are the top exporters of cellulose derivative (HS 391290)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391290 (the code used for cellulose derivative) 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 cellulose derivative (HS 391290)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 391290 (the code used for cellulose derivative) 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.

Is the HS code for Cellulose derivative the same in all countries?

The base HS code 391290 for Cellulose derivative 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 cellulose derivative in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 391290 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for cellulose derivative depends on the product's details: 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).