Product classification

HS code for Phenolic resin: 3909.40

Phenolic resins, in primary forms.

Classification of phenolic resin under HS 3909.40

Phenolic resins in primary forms are classified under HS code 3909.40. This code falls within Chapter 39, which covers plastics and articles thereof. Heading 3909 specifically addresses amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes in primary forms. The term "primary forms" is strictly defined in Note 6 to Chapter 39, referring to liquids and pastes (including dispersions and solutions) or blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms. Phenolic resins are thermosetting polymers produced by the condensation of phenol or a substituted phenol with an aldehyde, most commonly formaldehyde. This classification is essential for distinguishing raw polymer materials from semi-finished or finished plastic products. The chemical identity of the resin, whether it is a novolac (acid-catalyzed) or a resol (base-catalyzed), does not change the 3909.40 classification as long as the material remains in a primary form and has not been further worked into a specific shape.

Covers
  • Novolac resins in powder or flake form
  • Resol resins in liquid or solution form
  • Phenol-formaldehyde resins
  • Modified phenolic resins in primary forms
Also under 3909.40
  • Hexion Phenolic Resins
  • Sumitomo Bakelite Phenolic Compounds
  • Georgia-Pacific Phenolic Resins
  • SI Group Phenolic Resins

Codes often confused with 3909.40

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs between 3909.40 and 3824.99 (prepared binders for foundry moulds). If the phenolic resin is mixed with specific additives that make it a prepared binder rather than a raw plastic, it may move to Chapter 38. Additionally, phenolic resins already shaped into sheets or plates are classified under 3920.94 or 3921.90, depending on whether they are reinforced or laminated. Importers often mistakenly use the resin code for finished plastic components.

3824.99Chemical products, mixtures and preparations; n.e.c. heading 38243920.94Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), of phenolic resins, non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials3921.90Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, other than cellular

Top exporters and importers of HS 390940 (the code used for phenolic resin), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390940 (the code used for phenolic resin) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 15% 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 390940, not only phenolic resin.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $254M
  2. 2 China $240M
  3. 3 Japan $188M

World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $309M
  2. 2 Germany $131M
  3. 3 United States $117M

World total: $2.1B 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 phenolic resin

Brazil splits HS 3909.40 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 phenolic resin

What is the HS code for Phenolic resin?

The HS code for Phenolic resin is 390940 (Phenolic resins; in primary forms). Phenolic resins in primary forms, such as liquids, powders, or granules, are classified under HS code 3909.40.

How do I classify Phenolic resin for customs?

Phenolic resin is classified under HS code 390940 — Phenolic resins; in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are phenolic molding compounds included here?

Yes, phenolic molding compounds consisting of the resin mixed with fillers (like wood flour or mineral fibers) are still considered primary forms under 3909.40.

Which countries are the top exporters of phenolic resin (HS 390940)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390940 (the code used for phenolic resin) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($254M, 13% of world exports), China ($240M) and Japan ($188M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 phenolic resin (HS 390940)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390940 (the code used for phenolic resin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($309M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($131M) and the United States ($117M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Phenolic resin the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390940 for Phenolic 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 phenolic resin in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 390940 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for phenolic resin depends on the product's details: 3909.40.11 (Oil-soluble phenol-formaldehyde resins), 3909.40.19 (Other oil-soluble phenolic resins), 3909.40.91 (Phenol-formaldehyde resins, not oil-soluble), 3909.40.99 (Other phenolic resins in primary forms).