Product classification
HS code for Ion-exchange resin: 3914.00
Ion-exchangers, based on polymers of heading no. 3901 to 3913, in primary forms.
Classification of ion-exchange resin under HS 3914.00
Ion-exchange resins are polymers that act as a medium for ion exchange. They are classified under HS code 3914.00. This heading is unique because it covers "Ion-exchangers based on polymers of headings 39.01 to 39.13, in primary forms." According to the Chapter 39 notes, primary forms include liquids, pastes, blocks, lumps, powders, granules, and flakes. These resins are typically cross-linked polystyrene or acrylic polymers that have been functionalized with acidic or basic groups. Because the primary function of the material is ion exchange, and it is based on synthetic polymers, it is excluded from general polymer headings (like 3903 for polystyrene) and placed into this specific functional category. This classification is used for resins employed in water softening, purification, and metal separation processes.
- Covers
- Cation exchange resins
- Anion exchange resins
- Chelating resins
- Mixed bed ion-exchange resins
- Sulfonated polystyrene resins
- Amberlite and similar functional polymers
- Also under 3914.00
- Dowex Ion Exchange Resins
- Purolite Ion Exchange Resins
- Lanxess Lewatit
- Mitsubishi Diaion
- Thermax Tulsion
Codes often confused with 3914.00
Common mistake. These resins are often misclassified under 3824.99 (chemical products not elsewhere specified) or under the specific polymer headings such as 3903.90 (other polystyrene). However, Note 6 to Chapter 39 specifically directs ion-exchangers to heading 3914. Another common error is using 8421.21 for the resin itself; 8421.21 is for water filtering machinery, not the chemical resin media.
Top exporters and importers of HS 391400 (the code used for ion-exchange resin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391400 (the code used for ion-exchange resin) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 391400, not only ion-exchange resin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $396M 18% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $393M 18% of world exports
- 3 United States $348M 16% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $364M 15% of world imports
- 2 China $235M 9.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $213M 8.5% of world imports
World total: $2.5B 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 ion-exchange resin
Brazil splits HS 3914.00 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3914.00.11Sulphonated styrene-divinylbenzene ion-exchangers
- 3914.00.19Other polystyrene-based ion-exchangers
- 3914.00.90Other ion-exchangers based on polymers
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ion-exchange resin
What is the HS code for Ion-exchange resin?
The HS code for Ion-exchange resin is 391400 (Ion-exchangers; based on polymers of heading no. 3901 to 3913, in primary forms). The HS code for ion-exchange resin in primary forms is 3914.00.
How do I classify Ion-exchange resin for customs?
Ion-exchange resin is classified under HS code 391400 — Ion-exchangers; based on polymers of heading no. 3901 to 3913, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ion-exchange resins in cartridges classified here?
No, if the resin is already contained within a cartridge or housing for use in a machine, it is usually classified as a part of a filtering apparatus under HS code 8421.
Which countries are the top exporters of ion-exchange resin (HS 391400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391400 (the code used for ion-exchange resin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($396M, 18% of world exports), Sweden ($393M) and the United States ($348M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of ion-exchange resin (HS 391400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 391400 (the code used for ion-exchange resin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($364M, 15% of world imports), China ($235M) and Germany ($213M). World imports came to about $2.5B, 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 Ion-exchange resin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 391400 for Ion-exchange resin 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 ion-exchange resin in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 391400 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for ion-exchange resin depends on the product's details: 3914.00.11 (Sulphonated styrene-divinylbenzene ion-exchangers), 3914.00.19 (Other polystyrene-based ion-exchangers), 3914.00.90 (Other ion-exchangers based on polymers).