Product classification
HS code for PVA emulsion: 3905.12
Poly(vinyl acetate), in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms.
Classification of PVA emulsion under HS 3905.12
PVA emulsion is classified under HS code 3905.12 because it consists of poly(vinyl acetate) in an aqueous dispersion. According to the Harmonized System, heading 3905 covers polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters in primary forms. Subheading 3905.12 is specifically reserved for poly(vinyl acetate) when it is presented as a dispersion in water. This classification is determined by General Interpretative Rules (GRI) 1 and 6, which prioritize the chemical composition and the physical state of the substance. For a product to fall under this code, the polymer must be in a primary form—which includes liquids and pastes—and the medium of dispersion must be water. This is distinct from solid resins or solutions in organic solvents. The aqueous nature of the emulsion is the defining characteristic for this specific six-digit code.
- Covers
- Poly(vinyl acetate) homopolymer dispersions
- Water-based PVA wood glues in bulk primary form
- Aqueous vinyl acetate emulsions for architectural coatings
- Textile sizing agents based on aqueous PVA
- Paper adhesives in bulk aqueous dispersion
- Also under 3905.12
- Elmer's Glue-All
- Titebond Original Wood Glue
- BASF Acronal
- Wacker Vinnapas
- Celanese Emulsions
Codes often confused with 3905.12
Common mistake. PVA emulsion is frequently misclassified under HS code 3905.19, which is intended for poly(vinyl acetate) in primary forms other than aqueous dispersions, such as solid resins or solvent-based solutions. Another common error is classifying retail-ready adhesives under HS code 3506.91. While PVA emulsion is a primary ingredient in many glues, heading 3506 is reserved for products put up for retail sale as glues or adhesives, usually in packaging not exceeding 1 kg. If the product is a copolymer rather than a homopolymer, it may also be incorrectly placed here instead of under 3905.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390512 (the code used for PVA emulsion), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390512 (the code used for PVA emulsion) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 390512, not only PVA emulsion.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $62M 25% of world exports
- 2 Italy $29M 12% of world exports
- 3 Canada $24M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $249M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $26M 10% of world imports
- 2 Italy $17M 6.6% of world imports
- 3 Germany $16M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $253M 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 PVA emulsion
Brazil classifies PVA emulsion under NCM 3905.12.00: HS 3905.12 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about PVA emulsion
What is the HS code for PVA emulsion?
The HS code for PVA emulsion is 390512 (Poly(vinyl acetate); in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms). The standard international HS code for PVA emulsion (poly(vinyl acetate) in aqueous dispersion) is 3905.12.
How do I classify PVA emulsion for customs?
PVA emulsion is classified under HS code 390512 — Poly(vinyl acetate); in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include PVA copolymers?
No, vinyl acetate copolymers in aqueous dispersion are generally classified under HS code 3905.21, as 3905.12 is specific to the homopolymer.
Which countries are the top exporters of PVA emulsion (HS 390512)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390512 (the code used for PVA emulsion) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($62M, 25% of world exports), Italy ($29M) and Canada ($24M). World exports came to about $249M, 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 PVA emulsion (HS 390512)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390512 (the code used for PVA emulsion) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 10% of world imports), Italy ($17M) and Germany ($16M). World imports came to about $253M, 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 PVA emulsion the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390512 for PVA emulsion 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 PVA emulsion in Brazil?
In Brazil, PVA emulsion (HS 390512) is classified under NCM 3905.12.00.