Product classification

HS code for Ethyl cellulose: 3912.39

Cellulose ethers, (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms.

Classification of ethyl cellulose under HS 3912.39

Ethyl cellulose is classified under HS code 3912.39. Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System covers plastics and articles thereof, and heading 3912 specifically addresses cellulose and its chemical derivatives, not elsewhere specified or included, in primary forms. Cellulose ethers are a significant group within this heading. While 3912.31 is dedicated to carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and its salts, 3912.39 covers "other" cellulose ethers, which includes ethyl cellulose. Ethyl cellulose is a derivative of cellulose in which some of the hydroxyl groups on the repeating glucose units are converted into ethyl ether groups. For customs purposes, it is considered a polymer in a primary form, which includes powders, granules, or flakes. The classification depends on the chemical modification of the natural cellulose polymer, placing it firmly within the plastics chapter despite its frequent use as a binder or coating agent in non-plastic industries like pharmaceuticals and food production.

Covers
  • Ethyl cellulose powder
  • Ethyl cellulose granules or pellets
  • Ethyl cellulose used as a pharmaceutical excipient
  • Ethyl cellulose for use in lacquers and inks
  • Ethyl cellulose film-forming agents in primary form
Also under 3912.39
  • Dow Methocel
  • Ashland Benecel
  • Shin-Etsu Metolose
  • DuPont Ethocel
  • AkzoNobel Bermocoll

Codes often confused with 3912.39

Common mistake. Ethyl cellulose is frequently confused with carboxymethylcellulose, which is classified under 3912.31. It is also sometimes misclassified under 3912.90, which is the residual category for cellulose derivatives that are not ethers or esters (like cellulose nitrates). Another error involves Chapter 29; although it is a chemical derivative, polymers and their derivatives like cellulose ethers are specifically directed to Chapter 39. Finally, if ethyl cellulose is dissolved in volatile organic solvents and the solvent exceeds 50% of the weight, it might be classified under 3208 as a varnish or lacquer.

3912.31Cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms3912.90Cellulose and its chemical derivatives; n.e.c. in item no. 3912, in primary forms32.08Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

Top exporters and importers of HS 391239 (the code used for ethyl cellulose), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391239 (the code used for ethyl cellulose) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, 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 391239, not only ethyl cellulose.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $737M
  2. 2 China $553M
  3. 3 United States $504M

World total: $3.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $399M
  2. 2 United States $256M
  3. 3 Germany $160M

World total: $3.2B 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 ethyl cellulose

Brazil splits HS 3912.39 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about ethyl cellulose

What is the HS code for Ethyl cellulose?

The HS code for Ethyl cellulose is 391239 (Cellulose ethers; (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms). The HS code for ethyl cellulose in primary forms is 3912.39.

How do I classify Ethyl cellulose for customs?

Ethyl cellulose is classified under HS code 391239 — Cellulose ethers; (other than carboxymethylcellulose and its salts), in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is ethyl cellulose considered a food additive?

Yes, it is used as a food additive (E462), but for import/export, it is still classified under 3912.39 based on its chemical composition as a cellulose ether.

Which countries are the top exporters of ethyl cellulose (HS 391239)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391239 (the code used for ethyl cellulose) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($737M, 24% of world exports), China ($553M) and the United States ($504M). World exports came to about $3.0B, 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 ethyl cellulose (HS 391239)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 391239 (the code used for ethyl cellulose) in UN Comtrade data were India ($399M, 12% of world imports), the United States ($256M) and Germany ($160M). World imports came to about $3.2B, 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 Ethyl cellulose the same in all countries?

The base HS code 391239 for Ethyl cellulose 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 ethyl cellulose in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 391239 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for ethyl cellulose depends on the product's details: 3912.39.10 (Hydroxylated methyl-, ethyl- and propylcellulose), 3912.39.20 (Other methylcelluloses), 3912.39.30 (Other ethylcelluloses), 3912.39.90 (Other cellulose ethers in primary forms).