Product classification

HS code for Cellulose nitrate: 3912.20

Cellulose nitrates (including collodions), in primary forms.

Classification of cellulose nitrate under HS 3912.20

Cellulose nitrate, including collodions, is classified under HS code 3912.20. This classification is found within heading 3912, which encompasses cellulose and its chemical derivatives not elsewhere specified, provided they are in primary forms. According to Note 6 to Chapter 39, 'primary forms' include liquids, pastes, dispersions, solutions, blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, and flakes. Cellulose nitrate is a chemical derivative formed by the nitration of cellulose fibers. It is a versatile material used in the production of plastics, lacquers, and even explosives. For customs purposes, the material must be in one of these bulk, unprocessed states to qualify for 3912.20. This subheading specifically includes various grades of nitrocellulose, such as those used for industrial coatings or plastic manufacturing. The inclusion of collodions—solutions of nitrocellulose in ether and alcohol—is also a specific feature of this code. The classification remains here as long as the material has not been further processed into finished articles or specific chemical preparations that would trigger classification in other chapters.

Covers
  • Nitrocellulose in granules or flakes
  • Collodion solutions
  • Cellulose nitrate gun cotton (primary form)
  • Pyroxylin in bulk form
  • Cellulose nitrate plasticized with camphor
Also under 3912.20
  • DuPont Nitrocellulose
  • Nobel Sport Nitrocellulose
  • Hercules Nitrocellulose
  • Collodion USP
  • Eastman Cellulose Nitrate

Codes often confused with 3912.20

Common mistake. Cellulose nitrate is frequently confused with HS code 3602.00, which covers prepared explosives. While nitrocellulose is an ingredient in explosives, it remains in 3912.20 unless it is specifically prepared as an explosive. Another common error is HS code 3208.20, which applies if the cellulose nitrate is dissolved in a volatile organic solvent where the solvent exceeds 50% of the weight of the solution, making it a lacquer or varnish.

3602.00Explosives, prepared; other than propellent powders3208.20Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

Top exporters and importers of HS 391220 (the code used for cellulose nitrate), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391220 (the code used for cellulose nitrate) in UN Comtrade data was Thailand, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 391220, not only cellulose nitrate.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Thailand $130M
  2. 2 Czechia $130M
  3. 3 Germany $120M

World total: $784M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $139M
  2. 2 Canada $76M
  3. 3 France $66M

World total: $788M 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 nitrate

Brazil splits HS 3912.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 3912.20.10Filled cellulose nitrates (incl. collodions)
  • 3912.20.21Cellulose nitrate in alcohol, 65%+ non-volatiles
  • 3912.20.29Other unfilled cellulose nitrates

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

Questions about cellulose nitrate

What is the HS code for Cellulose nitrate?

The HS code for Cellulose nitrate is 391220 (Cellulose nitrates (including collodions); in primary forms). The HS code for cellulose nitrates, including collodions, in primary forms is 3912.20.

How do I classify Cellulose nitrate for customs?

Cellulose nitrate is classified under HS code 391220 — Cellulose nitrates (including collodions); in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is nitrocellulose for nail polish classified here?

If it is the raw nitrocellulose resin in primary form, it is 3912.20. If it is already mixed as a finished nail lacquer, it is classified under 3304.30.

Which countries are the top exporters of cellulose nitrate (HS 391220)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391220 (the code used for cellulose nitrate) in UN Comtrade data were Thailand ($130M, 17% of world exports), Czechia ($130M) and Germany ($120M). World exports came to about $784M, 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 nitrate (HS 391220)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 391220 (the code used for cellulose nitrate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($139M, 18% of world imports), Canada ($76M) and France ($66M). World imports came to about $788M, 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 nitrate the same in all countries?

The base HS code 391220 for Cellulose nitrate 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 nitrate in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 391220 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for cellulose nitrate depends on the product's details: 3912.20.10 (Filled cellulose nitrates (incl. collodions)), 3912.20.21 (Cellulose nitrate in alcohol, 65%+ non-volatiles), 3912.20.29 (Other unfilled cellulose nitrates).