Product classification
HS code for Polyurethane: 3909.50
Polyurethanes, in primary forms.
Classification of polyurethane under HS 3909.50
Polyurethanes in primary forms are classified under HS code 3909.50. This classification follows the nomenclature of Chapter 39, which encompasses plastics and resins. Heading 3909 specifically includes amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes. The subheading 3909.50 is the specific international designation for polyurethanes. These materials are characterized by the presence of the urethane group in the polymer chain, typically formed by the reaction of polyisocyanates with polyols. To qualify for this code, the material must be in a primary form, such as granules, pellets, or liquid resins, and must not have been further processed into finished articles or semi-manufactured shapes like sheets or tubes. This code is essential for the trade of raw plastic materials used in everything from automotive parts to coatings.
- Covers
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) granules
- Polyurethane prepolymers
- Linear polyurethanes in liquid form
- Cross-linked polyurethanes in primary forms
- Also under 3909.50
- Covestro Desmodur/Desmopan
- BASF Elastollan/Lupranol
- Dow VORANOL/PAPI
- Huntsman Rubinate/Suprasec
Codes often confused with 3909.50
Common mistake. A common error is classifying polyurethane coatings under 3909.50. If the polyurethane is dissolved in a volatile organic solvent and the solvent exceeds 50% of the weight, it must be classified under HS code 3208.90. Furthermore, finished polyurethane foam products are often confused with the raw resin; however, cellular polyurethane sheets belong under 3921.13, not 3909.50.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390950 (the code used for polyurethane), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390950 (the code used for polyurethane) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 8.1% 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 390950, not only polyurethane.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.4B 19% of world exports
- 2 China $1.1B 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $855M 11% of world exports
World total: $7.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $597M 8.1% of world imports
- 2 United States $534M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Germany $481M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $7.3B 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 polyurethane
Brazil splits HS 3909.50 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3909.50.11Polyurethane solutions in organic solvents
- 3909.50.12Polyurethane aqueous dispersions
- 3909.50.19Other polyurethanes, liquid or paste forms
- 3909.50.21Hydroxylated adhesive polyurethanes, solid forms
- 3909.50.29Other polyurethanes, solid bulk forms
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyurethane
What is the HS code for Polyurethane?
The HS code for Polyurethane is 390950 (Polyurethanes; in primary forms). The HS code for polyurethane in primary forms is 3909.50.
How do I classify Polyurethane for customs?
Polyurethane is classified under HS code 390950 — Polyurethanes; in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are TPU granules classified under 3909.50?
Yes, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in the form of granules or pellets is classified under 3909.50 as a primary form of plastic.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyurethane (HS 390950)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390950 (the code used for polyurethane) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.4B, 19% of world exports), China ($1.1B) and the United States ($855M). World exports came to about $7.4B, 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 polyurethane (HS 390950)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390950 (the code used for polyurethane) in UN Comtrade data were China ($597M, 8.1% of world imports), the United States ($534M) and Germany ($481M). World imports came to about $7.3B, 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 Polyurethane the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390950 for Polyurethane 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 polyurethane in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390950 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for polyurethane depends on the product's details: 3909.50.11 (Polyurethane solutions in organic solvents), 3909.50.12 (Polyurethane aqueous dispersions), 3909.50.19 (Other polyurethanes, liquid or paste forms), 3909.50.21 (Hydroxylated adhesive polyurethanes, solid forms), 3909.50.29 (Other polyurethanes, solid bulk forms).