Product classification
HS code for Rubber plasticizers: 3812.20
Plasticisers, compound, for rubber or plastics.
Classification of rubber plasticizers under HS 3812.20
Rubber plasticizers are classified under HS code 3812.20 because they represent compound plasticizers specifically prepared for use in the rubber or plastics industries. This classification is found within Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System, which is dedicated to miscellaneous chemical products. The primary reason for this classification is that these substances are not separate chemically defined elements or compounds, which would typically fall under Chapter 28 or 29. Instead, they are mixtures or preparations designed to improve the physical properties of rubber, such as increasing its flexibility, transparency, or ease of processing. The classification follows the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) 1 and 6, focusing on the description of the goods as "compound plasticizers." These additives are vital in the rubber compounding process, allowing manufacturers to achieve the desired Shore hardness and elongation characteristics in the final vulcanized product. Furthermore, the inclusion in 3812.20 is mandated when the product is a mixture of two or more plasticizers or a plasticizer mixed with other rubber-processing chemicals, provided the plasticizing function remains the primary characteristic of the preparation. This ensures that industrial-grade additives are distinguished from high-purity laboratory chemicals used in research.
- Covers
- Phthalate-based compound plasticizers for rubber
- Adipate-based plasticizing mixtures
- Polymeric plasticizers for synthetic rubber
- Chlorinated paraffin preparations used as secondary plasticizers
- Blended esters of phosphoric acid for flame-retardant rubber
- Complex mixtures of epoxidized vegetable oils
- Also under 3812.20
- DOP (Dioctyl phthalate)
- DINP (Diisononyl phthalate)
- DOTP (Dioctyl terephthalate)
- DEHP (Diethylhexyl phthalate)
- TOTM (Trioctyl trimellitate)
Codes often confused with 3812.20
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion involves HS code 2917, which covers polycarboxylic acids and their derivatives. While many plasticizers are chemically esters of these acids (like DOP or DINP), they only fall under Chapter 29 if they are separate chemically defined compounds of high purity. Once they are blended or prepared as "compound plasticizers" for industrial use, they must be moved to 3812.20. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 3824.99, a residual code for miscellaneous chemical products not elsewhere specified. However, because 3812.20 specifically mentions plasticizers for rubber or plastics, it takes precedence according to the principle of specific description over general description.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381220 (the code used for rubber plasticizers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381220 (the code used for rubber plasticizers) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.7% 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 381220, not only rubber plasticizers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $140M 20% of world exports
- 2 China $112M 16% of world exports
- 3 Indonesia $77M 11% of world exports
World total: $705M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $77M 9.7% of world imports
- 2 China $67M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $62M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $789M 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 rubber plasticizers
Brazil classifies rubber plasticizers under NCM 3812.20.00: HS 3812.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rubber plasticizers
What is the HS code for Rubber plasticizers?
The HS code for Rubber plasticizers is 381220 (Plasticisers, compound; for rubber or plastics). The specific HS code for compound plasticizers intended for use with rubber or plastics is 3812.20.
How do I classify Rubber plasticizers for customs?
Rubber plasticizers is classified under HS code 381220 — Plasticisers, compound; for rubber or plastics. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 3812.20 differ from 3812.10?
HS code 3812.10 is reserved for prepared rubber accelerators, which are chemicals used to speed up the vulcanization process, whereas 3812.20 is specifically for plasticizers that modify the physical softness and flexibility of the material.
Which countries are the top exporters of rubber plasticizers (HS 381220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381220 (the code used for rubber plasticizers) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($140M, 20% of world exports), China ($112M) and Indonesia ($77M). World exports came to about $705M, 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 rubber plasticizers (HS 381220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381220 (the code used for rubber plasticizers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($77M, 9.7% of world imports), China ($67M) and Saudi Arabia ($62M). World imports came to about $789M, 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 Rubber plasticizers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381220 for Rubber plasticizers 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 rubber plasticizers in Brazil?
In Brazil, rubber plasticizers (HS 381220) is classified under NCM 3812.20.00.