Product classification
HS code for Ester gum: 3806.30
Ester gums.
Classification of ester gum under HS 3806.30
Ester gum is classified under HS code 3806.30. This product is a chemical derivative of rosin or resin acids. Heading 3806 covers rosin and resin acids, and their derivatives, including rosin spirit and rosin oils. Ester gum is specifically produced by the esterification of natural rosin with polyhydric alcohols, most commonly glycerol or pentaerythritol. This chemical modification alters the physical properties of the rosin, such as its melting point and acid value, making it suitable for industrial applications like the production of varnishes, lacquers, and adhesives, or as a clouding agent in beverages. The classification follows GRI 1, as the product is explicitly named in the subheadings of 3806. It is important to note that while it is a resinous substance, it is classified in Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products) rather than Chapter 39 (Plastics) because it is a modified natural resin rather than a fully synthetic polymer.
- Covers
- Glycerol esters of rosin
- Pentaerythritol esters of rosin
- Esterified resin acids
- Ester gum used as a food stabilizer
- Ester gum for adhesive formulations
- Ester gum for paint and varnish manufacturing
- Also under 3806.30
- DRT (pine chemicals)
- Kraton (pine chemicals)
- Eastman Chemical
- Wuzhou Pine Chemicals
- Lawter
Codes often confused with 3806.30
Common mistake. Ester gum is frequently confused with unmodified rosin, which is classified under HS code 3806.10. The key difference is the chemical process of esterification; once the rosin has reacted with an alcohol, it must move to 3806.30. It is also sometimes misclassified in heading 3907 (polyacetals and other polyethers) due to its resinous nature and use in coatings. However, Chapter 39 generally excludes modified natural resins like ester gums when they are specifically provided for in Chapter 38. Additionally, if the ester gum is prepared as a finished adhesive, it might be incorrectly placed in 3506, but in its raw resinous form, 3806.30 is the correct designation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380630 (the code used for ester gum), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380630 (the code used for ester gum) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 380630, not only ester gum.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $90M 20% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $88M 19% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $57M 13% of world exports
World total: $450M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $59M 12% of world imports
- 2 Italy $54M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $48M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $486M 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 ester gum
Brazil classifies ester gum under NCM 3806.30.00: HS 3806.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ester gum
What is the HS code for Ester gum?
The HS code for Ester gum is 380630 (Ester gums). The specific HS code for ester gums, which are glycerol or pentaerythritol esters of rosin, is 3806.30.
How do I classify Ester gum for customs?
Ester gum is classified under HS code 380630 — Ester gums. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ester gum used in food classified differently?
Even when used as a food additive (e.g., in chewing gum or beverages), the product is still chemically an ester gum and remains classified under HS code 3806.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of ester gum (HS 380630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380630 (the code used for ester gum) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($90M, 20% of world exports), Portugal ($88M) and Sweden ($57M). World exports came to about $450M, 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 ester gum (HS 380630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380630 (the code used for ester gum) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($59M, 12% of world imports), Italy ($54M) and the Netherlands ($48M). World imports came to about $486M, 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 Ester gum the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380630 for Ester gum 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 ester gum in Brazil?
In Brazil, ester gum (HS 380630) is classified under NCM 3806.30.00.