Product classification
HS code for Polymer adhesive: 3506.91
Adhesives, prepared, based on polymers of heading 3901 to 3913 or on rubber.
Classification of polymer adhesive under HS 3506.91
Polymer adhesives are classified under HS code 3506.91 because they represent prepared glues and other prepared adhesives that are not elsewhere specified or included, specifically those based on polymers of headings 39.01 to 39.13 or on rubber. This classification is determined by the chemical composition of the adhesive's bonding agent. Heading 3506 is reserved for products suitable for use as glues or adhesives, put up for retail sale as such, or consisting of mixtures of two or more ingredients which have been mixed for use as adhesives. The subheading 3506.91 is a specific carve-out for those formulations where the primary active component is a synthetic polymer or a rubber-based compound. This includes a wide range of industrial and consumer adhesives used in construction, automotive assembly, and packaging. The classification relies on the fact that the product is a \"prepared\" adhesive, meaning it is a finished formulation ready for application, rather than a raw polymer resin in primary form. To qualify for this code, the product must be intended for use as an adhesive and must contain the necessary additives, solvents, or fillers that distinguish it from a pure chemical substance.
- Covers
- Epoxy resin adhesives
- Polyurethane-based glues
- Acrylic structural adhesives
- Cyanoacrylate (super glue)
- Silicone-based adhesives
- Rubber cement
- Hot melt adhesives based on EVA
- Also under 3506.91
- SikaBond
- 3M VHB Tapes (adhesive component)
- Henkel Loctite (industrial range)
- Bostik industrial adhesives
- Dow Corning silicone sealants
Codes often confused with 3506.91
Common mistake. Polymer adhesives are frequently confused with products under HS code 3214, which covers glaziers' putty, grafting putty, resin cements, and other mastics. While both are used for bonding, 3214 is generally for fillers and sealants rather than pure adhesives. Another common error is classifying them under 3901 through 3913. These codes are for polymers in primary forms (like raw resins) that have not yet been formulated into a prepared adhesive. If the product is a pure resin without adhesive additives, it belongs in Chapter 39.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350691 (the code used for polymer adhesive), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350691 (the code used for polymer adhesive) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 17% of world imports. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.6% of its imports here ($44M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 350691, not only polymer adhesive.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.9B 19% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.8B 19% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.2B 12% of world exports
World total: $9.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.7B 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $697M 7.1% of world imports
- 3 United States $524M 5.4% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.6% of its imports here ($44M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $9.8B 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 polymer adhesive
Brazil splits HS 3506.91 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3506.91.10Rubber-based adhesives
- 3506.91.20Water-dispersible polymer-based adhesives
- 3506.91.90Other polymer-based adhesives
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polymer adhesive
What is the HS code for Polymer adhesive?
The HS code for Polymer adhesive is 350691 (Adhesives; prepared, based on polymers of heading 3901 to 3913 or on rubber). The primary HS code for prepared adhesives based on polymers or rubber is 3506.91.
How do I classify Polymer adhesive for customs?
Polymer adhesive is classified under HS code 350691 — Adhesives; prepared, based on polymers of heading 3901 to 3913 or on rubber. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include retail-sized glue bottles?
Yes, however, if the adhesive is put up for retail sale in packages not exceeding a net weight of 1 kg, it may also be classified under 3506.10, regardless of its chemical composition.
Which countries are the top exporters of polymer adhesive (HS 350691)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350691 (the code used for polymer adhesive) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.9B, 19% of world exports), Germany ($1.8B) and the United States ($1.2B). World exports came to about $9.7B, 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 polymer adhesive (HS 350691)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350691 (the code used for polymer adhesive) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 17% of world imports), Germany ($697M) and the United States ($524M). World imports came to about $9.8B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.6% of its imports here ($44M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Polymer adhesive the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350691 for Polymer adhesive 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 polymer adhesive in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 350691 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for polymer adhesive depends on the product's details: 3506.91.10 (Rubber-based adhesives), 3506.91.20 (Water-dispersible polymer-based adhesives), 3506.91.90 (Other polymer-based adhesives).