Product classification
HS code for Rosin ester: 3806.30
Ester gums.
Classification of rosin ester under HS 3806.30
Rosin esters, also known as ester gums, are classified under HS code 3806.30. Heading 3806 covers rosin and resin acids, as well as their derivatives. Rosin esters are produced through the chemical process of esterification, where rosin (derived from pine oleoresin) or resin acids are reacted with polyhydric alcohols like glycerol, pentaerythritol, or methyl alcohol. This chemical modification enhances the stability, oxidation resistance, and melting point of the rosin, making it suitable for industrial use in adhesives, coatings, and printing inks. Because these products are chemically modified derivatives of natural resins rather than simple mixtures or synthetic polymers of Chapter 39, they are specifically allocated to subheading 3806.30. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the rosin source is wood rosin, gum rosin, or tall oil rosin, provided the resulting substance is an esterified product.
- Covers
- Glycerol esters of wood rosin (E445)
- Pentaerythritol esters of rosin
- Methyl esters of hydrogenated rosin
- Ester gums used in chewing gum base
- Rosin-based tackifiers for adhesives
- Also under 3806.30
- DRT (pine chemicals)
- Kraton (pine chemicals)
- Eastman Chemical
- Wuzhou Pine Chemicals
- Lawter
Codes often confused with 3806.30
Common mistake. Rosin esters are often confused with raw rosin (3806.10) or resin acids (3806.10). The distinction lies in the esterification process; 3806.10 is for the unmodified material. They may also be misclassified in Chapter 39 (Plastics) under 3907 or 3911, but since they are derived from natural rosin and specifically named in 3806.30, the Chapter 38 code takes precedence according to the legal notes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380630 (the code used for rosin ester), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380630 (the code used for rosin ester) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 380630, not only rosin ester.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $90M 20% of world exports
- 2 Portugal $88M 19% of world exports
- 3 Sweden $57M 13% of world exports
World total: $450M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $59M 12% of world imports
- 2 Italy $54M 11% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $48M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $486M 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 rosin ester
Brazil classifies rosin ester under NCM 3806.30.00: HS 3806.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rosin ester
What is the HS code for Rosin ester?
The HS code for Rosin ester is 380630 (Ester gums). The HS code for rosin esters, or ester gums, is 3806.30.
How do I classify Rosin ester for customs?
Rosin ester is classified under HS code 380630 — Ester gums. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is food-grade ester gum classified differently?
No, even if the glycerol ester of wood rosin is used as a food additive (E445), it is still classified under HS code 3806.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of rosin ester (HS 380630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380630 (the code used for rosin ester) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($90M, 20% of world exports), Portugal ($88M) and Sweden ($57M). World exports came to about $450M, 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 rosin ester (HS 380630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380630 (the code used for rosin ester) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($59M, 12% of world imports), Italy ($54M) and the Netherlands ($48M). World imports came to about $486M, 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 Rosin ester the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380630 for Rosin ester 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 rosin ester in Brazil?
In Brazil, rosin ester (HS 380630) is classified under NCM 3806.30.00.