Product classification
HS code for Leather dye fixative: 3809.93
Finishing agents and dye carriers, to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the leather or like (excluding paper and textile) industries, (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances).
Classification of leather dye fixative under HS 3809.93
Leather dye fixative is classified under HS code 3809.93. This code is part of Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3809 is specifically for finishing agents, dye carriers to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dyestuffs, and other preparations used in various industries like textile, paper, or leather. Subheading 3809.93 is designated for products used in the leather or like industries, excluding those based on amylaceous substances. These chemicals are essential in the post-tanning phase of leather production to ensure that dyes remain stable and do not bleed, fade, or rub off. The classification is determined by the chemical's function as a "finishing agent" and its specific application in leather processing. It is distinct from the dyes themselves, which are classified in Chapter 32. The use of these fixatives is a standard industrial process, and the HS code reflects its role as an auxiliary chemical in manufacturing.
- Covers
- Leather tanning auxiliaries
- Dye fixing agents for leather
- Leather finishing chemicals
- Color fastness improvers for leather
- Cationic fixing agents for leather dyes
- Also under 3809.93
- Stahl EasyWhite
- Lanxess Baygenal
- TFL Lederfix
- BASF Basyntan
- Clariant Cartasol
Codes often confused with 3809.93
Common mistake. Leather dye fixatives are often misclassified under HS code 3204.12, which is for the acid dyes themselves. They are also confused with HS code 3212.90, which covers dyes and other coloring matter put up in forms for retail sale. Another common error is 3403.11, which is for lubricating preparations used in leather dressing, but these do not perform the chemical fixing of dyes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380993 (the code used for leather dye fixative), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380993 (the code used for leather dye fixative) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 20% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 72% of its exports here ($38M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 60% of its imports here ($37M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 380993, not only leather dye fixative.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $92M 29% of world exports
- 2 Germany $54M 17% of world exports
- 3 Spain $26M 8.2% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 72% of its exports here ($38M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $321M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $75M 20% of world imports
- 2 India $28M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Italy $24M 6.2% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 60% of its imports here ($37M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $383M 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 leather dye fixative
Brazil splits HS 3809.93 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3809.93.11Paraffin or fatty acid leather waterproofers
- 3809.93.19Other leather waterproofing agents
- 3809.93.90Other leather finishing agents
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about leather dye fixative
What is the HS code for Leather dye fixative?
The HS code for Leather dye fixative is 380993 (Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the leather or like (excluding paper and textile) industries, (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances)). The HS code for leather dye fixative used in the leather industry is 3809.93.
How do I classify Leather dye fixative for customs?
Leather dye fixative is classified under HS code 380993 — Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the leather or like (excluding paper and textile) industries, (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the leather dye?
No, dyes are generally classified under Chapter 32; 3809.93 is specifically for the chemical agents that help fix the dye to the leather fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of leather dye fixative (HS 380993)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380993 (the code used for leather dye fixative) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($92M, 29% of world exports), Germany ($54M) and Spain ($26M). World exports came to about $321M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 72% of its exports here ($38M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of leather dye fixative (HS 380993)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380993 (the code used for leather dye fixative) in UN Comtrade data were China ($75M, 20% of world imports), India ($28M) and Italy ($24M). World imports came to about $383M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 60% of its imports here ($37M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Leather dye fixative the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380993 for Leather dye fixative 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 leather dye fixative in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 380993 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for leather dye fixative depends on the product's details: 3809.93.11 (Paraffin or fatty acid leather waterproofers), 3809.93.19 (Other leather waterproofing agents), 3809.93.90 (Other leather finishing agents).