Product classification
HS code for Paper dye fixative: 3809.92
Finishing agents and dye carriers, to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the paper industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances).
Classification of paper dye fixative under HS 3809.92
Paper dye fixatives are classified under HS code 3809.92. This heading covers finishing agents, dye carriers to accelerate the dyeing or fixing of dyestuffs, and other products and preparations (for example, dressings and mordants) of a kind used in the paper industry. These are chemical preparations, not pure chemical elements or compounds. The classification 3809.92 is specific to the paper and paperboard industry. These fixatives work by creating a chemical bond between the dye molecules and the cellulose fibers, ensuring that the color remains stable and does not bleed when the paper is exposed to moisture. This classification excludes products based on amylaceous substances (starches), which are classified elsewhere. The chemical composition of these fixatives often involves polyamines or other cationic polymers that neutralize the anionic charge of the cellulose fibers and the dyes. This specific classification allows for the monitoring of chemical additives used in the paper manufacturing process, which is important for both environmental regulation and industrial standards. They are typically sold in liquid or powder form and added to the pulp slurry or applied during the surface sizing stage.
- Covers
- Cationic polymer fixatives for paper dyeing
- Color-fixing agents for recycled paper pulp
- Retention aids used as dye carriers
- Mordants specifically formulated for paperboard
- Wet-end chemical additives for color stability
- Dyeing accelerators for the paper industry
- Also under 3809.92
- Kemira FennoSize
- Solenis Hercobond
- BASF Basoplast
- Dow Coating Materials
- Nalco Water
Codes often confused with 3809.92
Common mistake. Paper dye fixatives are often misclassified under 3204, which covers synthetic organic coloring matter. However, fixatives are auxiliary chemicals that assist the dye, not the dye itself. Another common error is using 3809.91 (for the textile industry) or 3809.93 (for the leather industry). It is vital to select 3809.92 because the HS system differentiates these chemicals based on the industry of use. Finally, if the fixative is a simple, chemically defined compound, it might be incorrectly placed in Chapter 28 or 29, but as a prepared industrial auxiliary, Chapter 38 is generally correct.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380992 (the code used for paper dye fixative), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380992 (the code used for paper dye fixative) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 9.4% 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 380992, not only paper dye fixative.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $110M 12% of world exports
- 2 United States $107M 12% of world exports
- 3 Norway $96M 10% of world exports
World total: $922M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $89M 9.4% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $58M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 China $53M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $942M 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 paper dye fixative
Brazil splits HS 3809.92 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3809.92.11Paraffin or fatty acid paper waterproofers
- 3809.92.19Other paper waterproofing agents
- 3809.92.90Other paper finishing agents
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paper dye fixative
What is the HS code for Paper dye fixative?
The HS code for Paper dye fixative is 380992 (Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the paper industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances)). The HS code for paper dye fixatives is 3809.92, which is for finishing agents used in the paper industry.
How do I classify Paper dye fixative for customs?
Paper dye fixative is classified under HS code 380992 — Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the paper industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can this fixative be used for textile dyeing?
While chemically similar, fixatives intended for the textile industry should be classified under HS code 3809.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of paper dye fixative (HS 380992)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380992 (the code used for paper dye fixative) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($110M, 12% of world exports), the United States ($107M) and Norway ($96M). World exports came to about $922M, 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 paper dye fixative (HS 380992)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380992 (the code used for paper dye fixative) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($89M, 9.4% of world imports), Indonesia ($58M) and China ($53M). World imports came to about $942M, 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 Paper dye fixative the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380992 for Paper 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 paper dye fixative in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 380992 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for paper dye fixative depends on the product's details: 3809.92.11 (Paraffin or fatty acid paper waterproofers), 3809.92.19 (Other paper waterproofing agents), 3809.92.90 (Other paper finishing agents).