Product classification
HS code for Polyvinyl acetate: 3905.19
Poly(vinyl acetate), (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms.
Classification of polyvinyl acetate under HS 3905.19
Polyvinyl acetate (PVA) in primary forms, excluding aqueous dispersions, is classified under HS code 3905.19. The Harmonized System defines \"primary forms\" in Note 6 to Chapter 39 as liquids and pastes (including dispersions and solutions) or blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms. Subheading 3905.19 is a specific category for PVA that is not in an aqueous dispersion (which would fall under 3905.12). This typically includes solid resins or PVA dissolved in organic solvents. PVA is a synthetic polymer prepared by the polymerization of vinyl acetate monomers. It is widely used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and finishes. The classification under 3905.19 requires that the substance has not been further processed into finished articles and is not mixed with other materials in a way that would move it to a different chapter, such as prepared glues in Chapter 35. The distinction between 3905.19 and other subheadings depends entirely on the physical state of the polymer and the medium in which it is carried. For instance, if the PVA is intended for use as a glue and is put up in packaging for retail sale not exceeding 1 kg, it would be classified under 3506.10 regardless of its chemical purity. However, in industrial bulk shipments of the raw polymer resin, 3905.19 remains the correct classification. This code covers the polymer in its non-aqueous states, which are often used as precursors for other chemical formulations or as hot-melt adhesive bases.
- Covers
- Polyvinyl acetate resin beads
- Solid PVA granules for industrial use
- PVA dissolved in organic solvents (non-aqueous)
- Polyvinyl acetate lumps and blocks
- Unmixed PVA powder
- Also under 3905.19
- Wacker Vinnapas Solid
- Celanese Polyvinyl Acetate Solid
- Kuraray PVA Solid
- Sekisui PVA Solid
- Nippon Gohsei PVA Solid
Codes often confused with 3905.19
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 3905.12, which is reserved for PVA in aqueous dispersions (water-based). Another frequent error is classifying bulk PVA as a prepared glue under 3506.91. Heading 3506 is for products specially formulated for use as adhesives, whereas 3905.19 is for the raw polymer in primary form. If the product contains additives that make it a ready-to-use adhesive, Chapter 35 is more appropriate.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390519 (the code used for polyvinyl acetate), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390519 (the code used for polyvinyl acetate) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% 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 390519, not only polyvinyl acetate.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $57M 49% of world exports
- 2 India $19M 16% of world exports
- 3 Italy $8.1M 7.0% of world exports
World total: $115M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $32M 19% of world imports
- 2 France $14M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $12M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $170M 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 polyvinyl acetate
Brazil splits HS 3905.19 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3905.19.10Bulk poly(vinyl acetate) with vinyl alcohol groups
- 3905.19.90Other poly(vinyl acetate), not aqueous dispersion
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyvinyl acetate
What is the HS code for Polyvinyl acetate?
The HS code for Polyvinyl acetate is 390519 (Poly(vinyl acetate); (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms). The HS code for polyvinyl acetate in primary forms (other than aqueous dispersions) is 3905.19.
How do I classify Polyvinyl acetate for customs?
Polyvinyl acetate is classified under HS code 390519 — Poly(vinyl acetate); (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is PVA resin the same as PVA glue?
Not in customs terms. PVA resin (3905.19) is the raw polymer, while PVA glue (3506) is a prepared adhesive formulation often containing plasticizers and fillers.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyvinyl acetate (HS 390519)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390519 (the code used for polyvinyl acetate) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($57M, 49% of world exports), India ($19M) and Italy ($8.1M). World exports came to about $115M, 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 polyvinyl acetate (HS 390519)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390519 (the code used for polyvinyl acetate) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($32M, 19% of world imports), France ($14M) and Türkiye ($12M). World imports came to about $170M, 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 Polyvinyl acetate the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390519 for Polyvinyl acetate 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 polyvinyl acetate in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390519 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for polyvinyl acetate depends on the product's details: 3905.19.10 (Bulk poly(vinyl acetate) with vinyl alcohol groups), 3905.19.90 (Other poly(vinyl acetate), not aqueous dispersion).