Product classification
HS code for PVOH resin: 3905.30
Poly(vinyl alcohol), whether or not containing unhydrolysed acetate groups.
Classification of PVOH resin under HS 3905.30
PVOH (Polyvinyl Alcohol) resin is classified under HS code 3905.30. This heading covers polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters, in primary forms, as well as other vinyl polymers. Specifically, 3905.30 is dedicated to poly(vinyl alcohol), whether or not containing unhydrolysed acetate groups. As a \"primary form,\" the resin is typically traded in the form of pellets, powder, granules, or flakes. PVOH is a unique water-soluble synthetic polymer produced by the hydrolysis of polyvinyl acetate. The classification is straightforward because the HS nomenclature provides a specific named subheading for this chemical compound. It is vital to distinguish PVOH from PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), as they have different chemical structures and industrial applications. PVOH is widely used in adhesives, paper coatings, and water-soluble packaging films. The classification remains in 3905.30 as long as the resin has not been converted into a finished article or a specific preparation like a formulated glue. Under Chapter 39 Note 6, 'primary forms' are strictly defined as liquids, pastes, blocks, lumps, powders, granules, and similar bulk forms.
- Covers
- Polyvinyl alcohol powder
- PVOH granules for extrusion
- Fully hydrolyzed PVOH resin
- Partially hydrolyzed PVOH resin
- PVOH pellets for water-soluble film production
- Also under 3905.30
- Kuraray Poval
- Sekisui Selvol
- Nippon Gohsei Gohsenol
- DuPont Elvanol
Codes often confused with 3905.30
Common mistake. PVOH resin is often confused with PVC resin (HS code 3904) due to the similarity in names. However, they are chemically distinct. Another common misclassification is HS code 3506, which covers prepared glues and other prepared adhesives. While PVOH is a base for many glues, it only moves to 3506 if it has been formulated with additives and is packaged for retail sale as an adhesive.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390530 (the code used for PVOH resin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390530 (the code used for PVOH resin) 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 PVOH resin.
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 PVOH resin
Brazil classifies PVOH resin 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 PVOH resin
What is the HS code for PVOH resin?
The HS code for PVOH resin is 390530 (Poly(vinyl alcohol); whether or not containing unhydrolysed acetate groups). The specific HS code for Poly(vinyl alcohol) in primary forms is 3905.30.
How do I classify PVOH resin for customs?
PVOH resin 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 PVOH film classified under this code?
No, PVOH film is a finished plastic product and is typically classified under HS code 3920.99 or 3921, depending on its construction.
Which countries are the top exporters of PVOH resin (HS 390530)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390530 (the code used for PVOH resin) 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 PVOH resin (HS 390530)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390530 (the code used for PVOH resin) 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 PVOH resin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390530 for PVOH 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 PVOH resin in Brazil?
In Brazil, PVOH resin (HS 390530) is classified under NCM 3905.30.00.