Product classification
HS code for Collodion: 3912.20
Cellulose nitrates (including collodions), in primary forms.
Classification of collodion under HS 3912.20
Collodion is classified under HS code 3912.20, which specifically covers cellulose nitrates, including collodions, in primary forms. This classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1 and 6. Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System governs plastics and their chemical derivatives. According to Note 6 to Chapter 39, the term \"primary forms\" includes liquids and pastes, such as solutions consisting of nitrocellulose dissolved in a mixture of ether and alcohol. Because collodion is a solution of cellulose nitrate, it is explicitly named in the subheading 3912.20. The classification remains here as long as the product is not put up for retail sale as a medicament or incorporated into a finished medical dressing. The chemical identity of the cellulose nitrate polymer is the primary factor for this heading, regardless of the solvent used, provided the solvent does not exceed 50% of the weight of the solution unless it is specifically for use as a plastic.
- Covers
- Flexible collodion
- Non-flexible (USP) collodion
- Nitrocellulose solutions in ether-alcohol mixtures
- Salicylic acid collodion (if not for retail medical sale)
- Also under 3912.20
- DuPont Nitrocellulose
- Nobel Sport Nitrocellulose
- Hercules Nitrocellulose
- Collodion USP
- Eastman Cellulose Nitrate
Codes often confused with 3912.20
Common mistake. Collodion is frequently misclassified under HS code 3005.10, which covers adhesive dressings and other articles having an adhesive layer. This occurs when the collodion is intended for medical use; however, unless it is impregnated with pharmaceutical substances and packaged for retail sale, it remains in Chapter 39. Another common error is HS code 3208.90, which covers paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers. While collodion can form a film, it is chemically distinct as a cellulose derivative and is specifically provided for in heading 3912.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391220 (the code used for collodion), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391220 (the code used for collodion) 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 collodion.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Thailand $130M 17% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $130M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $120M 15% of world exports
World total: $784M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $139M 18% of world imports
- 2 Canada $76M 9.6% of world imports
- 3 France $66M 8.3% of world imports
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 collodion
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 collodion
What is the HS code for Collodion?
The HS code for Collodion is 391220 (Cellulose nitrates (including collodions); in primary forms). The HS code for Collodion is 3912.20, which falls under the category of cellulose nitrates in primary forms.
How do I classify Collodion for customs?
Collodion is classified under HS code 391220 — Cellulose nitrates (including collodions); in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is collodion classified as a medicament?
Generally, no. Unless it is specifically prepared and packaged for retail sale with therapeutic properties, it is classified as a chemical derivative of cellulose in Chapter 39 rather than Chapter 30.
Which countries are the top exporters of collodion (HS 391220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391220 (the code used for collodion) 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 collodion (HS 391220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391220 (the code used for collodion) 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 Collodion the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391220 for Collodion 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 collodion in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 391220 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for collodion 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).