Product classification

HS code for Melamine resin: 3909.20

Amino-resins, melamine resins, in primary forms.

Classification of melamine resin under HS 3909.20

Melamine resin is classified under HS code 3909.20. This classification is found within Chapter 39, which covers plastics and articles thereof. Specifically, heading 3909 is reserved for amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes in primary forms. Melamine resins are a type of amino-resin formed by the chemical reaction (polycondensation) between melamine and formaldehyde. To be classified under 3909.20, the resin must be in 'primary forms,' which according to Note 6 to Chapter 39, includes liquids, pastes, blocks, irregular lumps, powders, granules, and flakes. These resins are widely used in the production of high-pressure laminates, surface coatings, and molding compounds. The classification is determined by the polymeric nature of the substance and its specific chemical composition as a melamine-based amino-resin.

Covers
  • Melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resins
  • Melamine resin molding powders
  • Liquid melamine resins for laminating
  • Modified melamine resins in primary forms
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. Melamine resin is often confused with its raw material, pure melamine, which is classified under HS code 2933.61. The distinction is that 3909.20 is for the polymer, while 2933.61 is for the monomer. Another common error is classifying finished melamine products, such as laminate sheets, under this code; however, finished sheets are typically classified under 3920 or 3921 depending on their construction.

3909.39Amino-resins; n.e.c. in heading no. 3909, in primary forms, other than poly(methylene phenyl isocyanate) (Crude MDI, polymeric MDI)2933.61Heterocyclic compounds; containing an unfused triazine ring (whether or not hydrogenated) in the structure, melamine39.20Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive); non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, n.e.c. in chapter 3939.21Plastic plates, sheets, film, foil and strip n.e.c. in chapter 39

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390920 (the code used for melamine 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 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 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 resin

What is the HS code for Melamine resin?

The HS code for Melamine resin is 390920 (Amino-resins; melamine resins, in primary forms). The HS code for melamine resin in primary forms is 3909.20.

How do I classify Melamine resin for customs?

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

Does this code include melamine glue?

If the glue is essentially a melamine resin in liquid or powder form, it is classified here. However, if it is a prepared adhesive with added fillers or additives, it might fall under 3506.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390920 (the code used for melamine 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 resin (HS 390920)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390920 (the code used for melamine 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 resin the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390920 for Melamine 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 resin in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 390920 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for melamine 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).