Product classification
HS code for Dyeing auxiliary: 3809.91
Finishing agents and dye carriers, to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances).
Classification of dyeing auxiliary under HS 3809.91
Dyeing auxiliaries are classified under HS code 3809.91. These substances are chemical preparations used in the textile industry to enhance the dyeing process, improve dye uptake, or ensure color uniformity. Heading 38.09 covers finishing agents, dye carriers to accelerate the dyeing or fixing of dyestuffs, and other products and preparations used in the textile, paper, or leather industries. Subheading 3809.91 is specifically reserved for those used in the textile industry or similar industries, provided they are not based on amylaceous (starchy) substances. These auxiliaries include leveling agents, wetting agents, and fixatives that do not have the primary function of a dye themselves but are essential for the application of color to fibers.
- Covers
- Textile leveling agents
- Dyeing carriers for polyester
- Color fixatives for reactive dyes
- Wetting agents for textile dyeing
- Dispersing agents used in textile vats
- Also under 3809.91
- Archroma NuvaCryl
- Huntsman Terasil
- BASF Basosoft
- Dow Corning Syl-Off
- Tanatex Chemicals Tanapel
Codes often confused with 3809.91
Common mistake. Dyeing auxiliaries are sometimes incorrectly classified under HS code 3204, which is reserved for synthetic organic coloring matter (the dyes themselves). Auxiliaries do not impart color but assist the process. Another common error is classification under 3809.10, which is only for agents with a basis of amylaceous substances (starch). Furthermore, if the product is a simple surfactant not specifically prepared as a textile auxiliary, it might be misclassified under 3402.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380991 (the code used for dyeing auxiliary), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380991 (the code used for dyeing auxiliary) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.8% 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 380991, not only dyeing auxiliary.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $376M 12% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $297M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 France $283M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $272M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 China $251M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $199M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $3.5B 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 dyeing auxiliary
Brazil splits HS 3809.91 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3809.91.10Prepared textile dressings
- 3809.91.20Textile mordant preparations
- 3809.91.30Textile fireproofing products
- 3809.91.41Paraffin or fatty acid textile waterproofers
- 3809.91.49Other textile waterproofing agents
- 3809.91.90Other textile finishing agents
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about dyeing auxiliary
What is the HS code for Dyeing auxiliary?
The HS code for Dyeing auxiliary is 380991 (Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances)). The HS code for dyeing auxiliaries used in the textile industry is 3809.91.
How do I classify Dyeing auxiliary for customs?
Dyeing auxiliary is classified under HS code 380991 — Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these the same as textile dyes?
No, dyes are classified in Chapter 32. Dyeing auxiliaries (3809.91) are chemicals that assist the dyeing process but are not pigments or dyes themselves.
Which countries are the top exporters of dyeing auxiliary (HS 380991)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380991 (the code used for dyeing auxiliary) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($376M, 12% of world exports), Czechia ($297M) and France ($283M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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 dyeing auxiliary (HS 380991)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380991 (the code used for dyeing auxiliary) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($272M, 7.8% of world imports), China ($251M) and the United Kingdom ($199M). World imports came to about $3.5B, 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 Dyeing auxiliary the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380991 for Dyeing auxiliary 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 dyeing auxiliary in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 380991 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for dyeing auxiliary depends on the product's details: 3809.91.10 (Prepared textile dressings), 3809.91.20 (Textile mordant preparations), 3809.91.30 (Textile fireproofing products), 3809.91.41 (Paraffin or fatty acid textile waterproofers), 3809.91.49 (Other textile waterproofing agents), 3809.91.90 (Other textile finishing agents).