Product classification

HS code for Paper sizing agent: 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 sizing agent under HS 3809.92

Paper sizing agents are classified under HS code 380992. This code is part of Chapter 38, which encompasses miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3809 specifically covers finishing agents, dye carriers to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dyestuffs, and other products and preparations (for example, dressings and mordants) used in the textile, paper, leather, or like industries, not elsewhere specified or included. Subheading 380992 is reserved for those preparations used specifically in the paper or paperboard industry. Sizing agents are chemicals applied to paper during the manufacturing process to improve surface strength, printability, and water resistance. They can be applied internally (added to the pulp) or externally (surface sizing). The classification is based on the chemical preparation's function as a finishing agent within the specific context of paper manufacturing.

Covers
  • Alkyl Succinic Anhydride (ASA) sizing agents
  • Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) dispersions
  • Rosin-based sizing preparations for paper
  • Surface sizing agents (non-starch based)
  • Wet-strength resins used as paper additives
Also under 3809.92
  • Kemira FennoSize
  • Solenis Hercobond
  • BASF Basoplast
  • Dow Coating Materials
  • Nalco Water

Codes often confused with 3809.92

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification involves HS code 350510, which covers modified starches and other amylaceous substances. Many sizing agents are starch-based; however, the 380992 description explicitly excludes products with a basis of amylaceous substances. If the sizing agent is primarily starch, it must go to 3505. Another confusion arises with 390690 (acrylic polymers) if the agent is a pure polymer rather than a prepared finishing agent. Always check if the product is a "preparation" or a raw chemical.

3505.10Dextrins and other modified starches35.05Dextrins and other modified starches (e.g. pregelatinised or esterified starches); glues based on starches or on dextrins or other modified starches3906.90Acrylic polymers; (other than polymethyl methacrylate), in primary forms

Top exporters and importers of HS 380992 (the code used for paper sizing agent), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380992 (the code used for paper sizing agent) 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 sizing agent.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $110M
  2. 2 United States $107M
  3. 3 Norway $96M

World total: $922M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Germany $89M
  2. 2 Indonesia $58M
  3. 3 China $53M

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 sizing agent

Brazil splits HS 3809.92 into 3 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 paper sizing agent

What is the HS code for Paper sizing agent?

The HS code for Paper sizing agent 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 chemical sizing agents used in the paper industry (excluding starch-based ones) is 380992.

How do I classify Paper sizing agent for customs?

Paper sizing agent 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.

Are starch-based sizing agents included in 380992?

No, starch-based (amylaceous) sizing agents are excluded from this code and are typically classified under heading 3505.

Which countries are the top exporters of paper sizing agent (HS 380992)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380992 (the code used for paper sizing agent) 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 sizing agent (HS 380992)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 380992 (the code used for paper sizing agent) 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 sizing agent the same in all countries?

The base HS code 380992 for Paper sizing agent 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 sizing agent in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 380992 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for paper sizing agent 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).