Product classification

HS code for PVA resin: 3905.19

Poly(vinyl acetate), (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms.

Classification of PVA resin under HS 3905.19

PVA resin is classified under HS code 3905.19. This classification applies to poly(vinyl acetate) in primary forms that are not in an aqueous dispersion. Heading 3905 encompasses polymers of vinyl acetate, and subheading 3905.19 serves as the residual category for the homopolymer when it is not dispersed in water. This typically includes solid states such as granules, pellets, beads, or powders. It also covers solutions of poly(vinyl acetate) in volatile organic solvents, provided that the weight of the solvent does not exceed 50% of the weight of the solution. The classification is based on the chemical identity of the vinyl acetate monomer and the physical presentation of the polymer. Under GRI 1, the product must be a primary form, meaning it has not yet been formed into a finished article or semi-finished shape like a sheet or film.

Covers
  • Poly(vinyl acetate) granules and pellets
  • Solid PVA resin beads for industrial use
  • PVA homopolymer in powder form
  • Solvent-based poly(vinyl acetate) solutions (primary form)
  • Vinyl acetate resins for chewing gum base
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 3905.30, which is for poly(vinyl alcohol). Despite the similar acronym (PVA), poly(vinyl alcohol) is a chemically distinct polymer produced by the hydrolysis of poly(vinyl acetate). Additionally, 3905.19 is often confused with 3905.12; the latter is strictly for water-based dispersions. If the resin is a copolymer (e.g., vinyl acetate-ethylene), it should be classified under 3905.29 rather than 3905.19. Finally, finished articles made from PVA resin must be classified in their respective headings, such as 3920 or 3926, rather than the primary form code.

3905.30Poly(vinyl alcohol); whether or not containing unhydrolysed acetate groups3905.12Poly(vinyl acetate); in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms3905.29Vinyl acetate copolymers; (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms39.20Plastics; plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive); non-cellular and not reinforced, laminated, supported or similarly combined with other materials, n.e.c. in chapter 3939.26Articles of plastics and articles of other materials of heading no. 3901 to 3914, n.e.c. in chapter 39

Top exporters and importers of HS 390519 (the code used for PVA resin), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390519 (the code used for PVA resin) 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 PVA resin.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $57M
  2. 2 India $19M
  3. 3 Italy $8.1M

World total: $115M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $32M
  2. 2 France $14M
  3. 3 Türkiye $12M

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 PVA resin

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 PVA resin

What is the HS code for PVA resin?

The HS code for PVA resin is 390519 (Poly(vinyl acetate); (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms). PVA resin in solid primary form or non-aqueous solution is classified under HS code 3905.19.

How do I classify PVA resin for customs?

PVA resin 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 Polyvinyl Alcohol?

No, they are different chemicals. Polyvinyl Acetate (PVA resin) is 3905.19, while Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVOH) is 3905.30.

Which countries are the top exporters of PVA resin (HS 390519)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390519 (the code used for PVA resin) 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 PVA resin (HS 390519)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390519 (the code used for PVA resin) 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 PVA resin the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390519 for PVA resin 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 resin in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 390519 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for PVA resin 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).