Product classification
HS code for Dextrin adhesive: 3505.20
Glues, based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches.
Classification of dextrin adhesive under HS 3505.20
HS code 3505.20 is reserved for glues based on starches, dextrins, or other modified starches. The classification is determined by the product's formulation as a prepared adhesive. Dextrins are a group of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of starch or glycogen. When these substances are prepared as glues—often by adding water, preservatives, or other additives—they fall under this specific subheading. This classification is distinct from the raw modified starches themselves, which are found in 3505.10. The use of dextrin-based adhesives is widespread in the paper and packaging industries due to their high tack, water solubility, and biodegradable nature. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 35 covers albuminoidal substances, modified starches, and glues. For a product to be classified under 3505.20, the starch or dextrin component must be the essential constituent that provides the adhesive property.
- Covers
- Dextrin-based liquid glues
- Starch-based adhesives for corrugated board
- Modified starch glues for labeling
- Envelope and postage stamp adhesives
- Vegetable-based glues for paper bags
- Also under 3505.20
- Henkel Aquence (some starch formulations)
- H.B. Fuller starch-based adhesives
- Ingredion starch glues
- UHU (some paper glues)
- National Starch (now Ingredion) starch glues
Codes often confused with 3505.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 3505.10, which covers dextrins and other modified starches that are not yet prepared as glues. Another common error is using 3506.10, which is for products suitable for use as glues or adhesives put up for retail sale in packages not exceeding 1 kg. If the dextrin glue is in a large industrial drum, 3505.20 is correct; if it is in a small 500g bottle for consumers, 3506.10 may take precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350520 (the code used for dextrin adhesive), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350520 (the code used for dextrin adhesive) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 9.3% 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 350520, not only dextrin adhesive.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $91M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $25M 9.2% of world exports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $20M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $274M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $31M 9.3% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $28M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Kuwait $25M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $333M 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 code for dextrin adhesive
Brazil classifies dextrin adhesive under NCM 3505.20.00: HS 3505.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dextrin adhesive
What is the HS code for Dextrin adhesive?
The HS code for Dextrin adhesive is 350520 (Glues; based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches). The HS code for adhesives and glues based on dextrins or starches is 3505.20.
How do I classify Dextrin adhesive for customs?
Dextrin adhesive is classified under HS code 350520 — Glues; based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 3505.20 differ from 3506.91?
HS code 3505.20 is specifically for starch/dextrin-based glues, while 3506.91 is for adhesives based on polymers or rubber, which are chemically distinct.
Which countries are the top exporters of dextrin adhesive (HS 350520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350520 (the code used for dextrin adhesive) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($91M, 33% of world exports), China ($25M) and Saudi Arabia ($20M). World exports came to about $274M, 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 dextrin adhesive (HS 350520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350520 (the code used for dextrin adhesive) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($31M, 9.3% of world imports), Thailand ($28M) and Kuwait ($25M). World imports came to about $333M, 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 Dextrin adhesive the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350520 for Dextrin adhesive 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 dextrin adhesive in Brazil?
In Brazil, dextrin adhesive (HS 350520) is classified under NCM 3505.20.00.