Product classification
HS code for Polyvinyl alcohol: 3905.30
Poly(vinyl alcohol), whether or not containing unhydrolysed acetate groups.
Classification of polyvinyl alcohol under HS 3905.30
Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is classified under HS code 3905.30. This classification is situated within Chapter 39 (Plastics). Heading 3905 covers polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters, in primary forms, as well as other vinyl polymers in primary forms. Subheading 3905.30 is specifically dedicated to poly(vinyl alcohol), whether or not containing unhydrolysed acetate groups. PVA is unique because it is not prepared by the polymerization of a corresponding monomer but rather by the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. The HS nomenclature explicitly provides for this polymer under 3905.30, regardless of the degree of hydrolysis, provided it remains in a primary form such as powder, granules, or aqueous solution. It is extensively used in the textile, paper, and adhesive industries.
- Covers
- Polyvinyl alcohol powder
- PVA granules or pellets
- Aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol
- Partially or fully hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol
- Also under 3905.30
- Kuraray Poval
- Sekisui Selvol
- Nippon Gohsei Gohsenol
- DuPont Elvanol
Codes often confused with 3905.30
Common mistake. PVA is sometimes misclassified under 3905.12 or 3905.19, which are for polyvinyl acetate. While PVA is derived from polyvinyl acetate, it is chemically distinct. Another error involves classifying PVA-based adhesives under 3905.30; if the product is a prepared glue put up for retail sale or consists of multiple components, it should be classified under 3506.10 or 3506.91.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390530 (the code used for polyvinyl alcohol), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390530 (the code used for polyvinyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 13% 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 390530, not only polyvinyl alcohol.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $387M 31% of world exports
- 2 United States $204M 16% of world exports
- 3 Japan $200M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $207M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $142M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $141M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 code for polyvinyl alcohol
Brazil classifies polyvinyl alcohol under NCM 3905.30.00: HS 3905.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyvinyl alcohol
What is the HS code for Polyvinyl alcohol?
The HS code for Polyvinyl alcohol is 390530 (Poly(vinyl alcohol); whether or not containing unhydrolysed acetate groups). The HS code for polyvinyl alcohol in primary forms is 3905.30.
How do I classify Polyvinyl alcohol for customs?
Polyvinyl alcohol is classified under HS code 390530 — Poly(vinyl alcohol); whether or not containing unhydrolysed acetate groups. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is water-soluble PVA film classified here?
No, PVA film is a processed article and is typically classified under heading 3920 or 3921, depending on its structure, rather than 3905.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyvinyl alcohol (HS 390530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390530 (the code used for polyvinyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were China ($387M, 31% of world exports), the United States ($204M) and Japan ($200M). World exports came to about $1.3B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of polyvinyl alcohol (HS 390530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390530 (the code used for polyvinyl alcohol) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($207M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($142M) and Belgium ($141M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 alcohol the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390530 for Polyvinyl alcohol 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 alcohol in Brazil?
In Brazil, polyvinyl alcohol (HS 390530) is classified under NCM 3905.30.00.