Product classification

HS code for Methyl cellulose: 3912.39

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

Classification of methyl cellulose under HS 3912.39

Methyl cellulose is classified under HS code 3912.39. This code covers cellulose ethers in primary forms, excluding carboxymethylcellulose. Methyl cellulose is a chemical derivative of cellulose where hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups are replaced by methyl groups. As a polymer, it falls under Chapter 39, which covers plastics and articles thereof. Specifically, heading 3912 is reserved for cellulose and its chemical derivatives not elsewhere specified. Since methyl cellulose is an ether and is typically traded in primary forms like powder, granules, or flakes for use as a thickener, emulsifier, or stabilizer, it is correctly placed in the "other" category of cellulose ethers. The classification is determined by the chemical modification of the natural cellulose polymer. It is widely used in the food industry, construction materials (like mortar additives), and pharmaceuticals due to its ability to form gels and retain water.

Covers
  • Methylcellulose powder
  • Methylcellulose granules
  • Industrial grade methyl cellulose
  • Food grade methyl cellulose (E461)
  • Methyl cellulose flakes
Also under 3912.39
  • Dow Methocel
  • Ashland Benecel
  • Shin-Etsu Metolose
  • DuPont Ethocel
  • AkzoNobel Bermocoll

Codes often confused with 3912.39

Common mistake. Methyl cellulose is frequently misclassified under HS code 3912.31, which is specifically for carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and its salts. While both are cellulose ethers, CMC has a different chemical structure. It may also be confused with HS code 3913, which covers other natural polymers. Additionally, if methyl cellulose is prepared as a finished adhesive for retail sale, it might be incorrectly placed in heading 3506, but in its primary form, it belongs in 3912.39.

3912.31Cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose and its salts, in primary forms39.13Natural polymers (e.g. alginic acid) and modified natural polymers (e.g. hardened proteins, chemical derivatives of natural rubber), n.e.c. or included, in primary forms35.06Prepared glues and other prepared adhesives, n.e.c. or included; products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, not exceeding 1kg net weight

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 391239 (the code used for methyl 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 methyl 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 methyl 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 methyl cellulose

What is the HS code for Methyl cellulose?

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

How do I classify Methyl cellulose for customs?

Methyl 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.

Does this code include methyl cellulose solutions?

Yes, if the methyl cellulose is in a primary form such as a solution or dispersion in water, it remains under 3912.39, provided it has not been further processed into a finished product.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 391239 (the code used for methyl 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 methyl cellulose (HS 391239)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 391239 (the code used for methyl 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 Methyl cellulose the same in all countries?

The base HS code 391239 for Methyl 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 methyl cellulose in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 391239 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for methyl 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).