Product classification

HS code for Melamine formaldehyde resin: 3909.20

Amino-resins, melamine resins, in primary forms.

Classification of melamine formaldehyde resin under HS 3909.20

Melamine formaldehyde resin is classified under HS code 3909.20, which falls within Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System covering plastics and articles thereof. Specifically, Heading 3909 covers amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes in primary forms. Melamine resins are a type of amino-resin formed by the condensation of melamine with formaldehyde. The term "primary forms" is strictly defined in Note 6 to Chapter 39 and includes liquids, pastes, blocks, lumps, powders, granules, and similar bulk forms. This classification is based on the chemical composition of the polymer. Melamine formaldehyde is valued for its hardness, heat resistance, and chemical stability, often used in the production of laminates, molding compounds, and coatings. It is crucial to distinguish the resin in its raw, primary form from finished articles made from the resin, as the latter are classified elsewhere based on their function or form. For example, a bag of melamine resin powder used for industrial molding is 3909.20, but a melamine plate is 3924.10. The classification remains 3909.20 even if the resin contains additives like fillers (e.g., wood flour or cellulose), pigments, or plasticizers, provided the melamine resin remains the essential polymer component. This code is used globally to track the trade of these thermosetting plastics, which are vital in the construction, automotive, and kitchenware industries. Importers should provide a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to confirm the chemical identity as a melamine-based amino-resin.

Covers
  • Melamine formaldehyde molding powder
  • Liquid melamine resin for laminating
  • Melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resins
  • Granular melamine resin with cellulose filler
  • Melamine resin solutions in organic solvents
Also under 3909.20
  • Arpa Industriale (for laminates)
  • Hexion MF resins
  • BASF Luwipal
  • Sumitomo Bakelite MF resins
  • Mitsui Chemicals MF resins

Codes often confused with 3909.20

Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with 3909.10, which is for urea resins. While both are amino-resins, they have different chemical structures and properties. Another error is classifying finished products, like melamine tableware, under this code; finished goods belong in 3924.10. Additionally, melamine chemical (the monomer) is classified in 2933.61, not 3909.20.

3909.10Amino-resins; urea and thiourea resins, in primary forms3924.10Plastics; tableware and kitchenware2933.61Heterocyclic compounds; containing an unfused triazine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure, melamine

Top exporters and importers of HS 390920 (the code used for melamine formaldehyde resin), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390920 (the code used for melamine formaldehyde resin) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.5% 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 390920, not only melamine formaldehyde resin.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $96M
  2. 2 Germany $78M
  3. 3 United States $58M

World total: $621M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $69M
  2. 2 Italy $44M
  3. 3 United States $40M

World total: $729M 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 melamine formaldehyde resin

Brazil splits HS 3909.20 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 melamine formaldehyde resin

What is the HS code for Melamine formaldehyde resin?

The HS code for Melamine formaldehyde resin is 390920 (Amino-resins; melamine resins, in primary forms). The HS code is 3909.20, which covers melamine resins in primary forms such as powders, granules, or liquids.

How do I classify Melamine formaldehyde resin for customs?

Melamine formaldehyde resin is classified under HS code 390920 — Amino-resins; melamine resins, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is finished melamine dinnerware classified under this code?

No, finished dinnerware is classified under HS code 3924.10. Code 3909.20 is only for the raw resin material in its primary form.

Which countries are the top exporters of melamine formaldehyde resin (HS 390920)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390920 (the code used for melamine formaldehyde resin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($96M, 15% of world exports), Germany ($78M) and the United States ($58M). World exports came to about $621M, 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 melamine formaldehyde resin (HS 390920)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390920 (the code used for melamine formaldehyde resin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($69M, 9.5% of world imports), Italy ($44M) and the United States ($40M). World imports came to about $729M, 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 Melamine formaldehyde resin the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390920 for Melamine formaldehyde 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 melamine formaldehyde resin in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 390920 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for melamine formaldehyde resin depends on the product's details: 3909.20.11 (Filled melamine-formaldehyde powder), 3909.20.19 (Other filled melamine resins), 3909.20.21 (Unfilled melamine-formaldehyde powder), 3909.20.29 (Other unfilled melamine resins).