Product classification
HS code for Cellulose ether: 3912.39
Cellulose ethers, (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms.
Classification of cellulose ether under HS 3912.39
Cellulose ethers are classified under HS code 3912.39. This classification is located within Chapter 39, which encompasses plastics and plastic-based materials. Heading 3912 is dedicated to cellulose and its chemical derivatives in primary forms. Within this heading, the 3912.3x series specifically covers cellulose ethers. While 3912.31 is reserved for carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and its salts, 3912.39 is the residual subheading for all other cellulose ethers. Cellulose ethers are polymers where the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups in the cellulose chain are replaced by alkyl or substituted alkyl groups. Common examples include methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). To be classified under 3912.39, the product must be in a primary form, such as a powder or granule, as defined by Chapter 39 Note 6. The classification is determined by the chemical structure of the ether group. These substances are widely utilized as rheology modifiers, water-retention agents, and binders in various industries, including construction, food processing, and pharmaceuticals. Misclassification often occurs when these ethers are mixed with other substances, potentially moving them to Chapter 38 as prepared binders or additives.
- Covers
- Methylcellulose in primary forms
- Ethylcellulose in primary forms
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
- Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)
- Also under 3912.39
- Dow Methocel
- Ashland Benecel
- Shin-Etsu Metolose
- DuPont Ethocel
- AkzoNobel Bermocoll
Codes often confused with 3912.39
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3912.31, which is exclusively for carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). Importers must distinguish between CMC and other ethers like HPMC or MC. Another common error is classification under 3912.90, which is for other cellulose derivatives (esters), whereas 3912.39 is specific to ethers. Additionally, if the cellulose ether is part of a prepared mixture (like a ready-to-use tile adhesive), it may be classified under 3824.50 or 3214.10 depending on the composition and intended use.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391239 (the code used for cellulose ether), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391239 (the code used for cellulose ether) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 12% 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 391239, not only cellulose ether.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $737M 24% of world exports
- 2 China $553M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $504M 17% of world exports
World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $399M 12% of world imports
- 2 United States $256M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Germany $160M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $3.2B 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 ether
Brazil splits HS 3912.39 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3912.39.10Hydroxylated methyl-, ethyl- and propylcellulose
- 3912.39.20Other methylcelluloses
- 3912.39.30Other ethylcelluloses
- 3912.39.90Other cellulose ethers in primary forms
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cellulose ether
What is the HS code for Cellulose ether?
The HS code for Cellulose ether is 391239 (Cellulose ethers; (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms). The HS code for cellulose ethers (excluding carboxymethylcellulose) in primary forms is 3912.39.
How do I classify Cellulose ether for customs?
Cellulose ether is classified under HS code 391239 — Cellulose ethers; (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) classified here?
Yes, HPMC is a cellulose ether and is classified under HS code 3912.39 as it is not carboxymethylcellulose.
Which countries are the top exporters of cellulose ether (HS 391239)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391239 (the code used for cellulose ether) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($737M, 24% of world exports), China ($553M) and the United States ($504M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 cellulose ether (HS 391239)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391239 (the code used for cellulose ether) in UN Comtrade data were India ($399M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($256M) and Germany ($160M). World imports came to about $3.2B, 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 ether the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391239 for Cellulose ether 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 ether in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 391239 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for cellulose ether depends on the product's details: 3912.39.10 (Hydroxylated methyl-, ethyl- and propylcellulose), 3912.39.20 (Other methylcelluloses), 3912.39.30 (Other ethylcelluloses), 3912.39.90 (Other cellulose ethers in primary forms).