Product classification
HS code for Starch based sizing agent: 3809.10
Finishing agents and dye carriers, to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in textile, paper, leather etc industries, with basis of amylaceous substances, n.e.c.
Classification of starch based sizing agent under HS 3809.10
Starch-based sizing agents are classified under HS code 3809.10 because they are chemical preparations used in the textile, paper, and leather industries to improve surface strength and finish. Heading 3809 covers finishing agents and dye carriers that are not specified elsewhere in the nomenclature. Subheading 3809.10 is specifically reserved for those preparations with a basis of amylaceous (starch) substances. The classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule 1, as the product's primary function is industrial finishing rather than being a pure chemical or a food-grade starch. These agents typically contain additives such as binders, lubricants, or anti-foaming agents that distinguish them from raw or modified starches found in Chapter 11 or 35.
- Covers
- Textile sizing agents based on corn starch
- Paper coating preparations with a starch base
- Stiffening agents for cotton fabrics
- Amylaceous finishing agents for leather treatment
- Warp sizing compounds for weaving
- Surface sizing agents for high-quality printing paper
- Modified starch preparations for industrial fabric stiffening
- Also under 3809.10
- Avebe Perfectamyl
- Roquette ClearFlow
- Cargill C*Tex
- Tate & Lyle Sta-Lok
- Penford Gum
Codes often confused with 3809.10
Common mistake. This product is frequently confused with HS code 1108, which covers pure starches and inulin. However, 1108 is for raw materials, whereas 3809.10 is for prepared industrial agents. Another common error is using HS code 3505, which covers dextrins and other modified starches. While 3505 includes chemically modified starches, 3809.10 is the correct choice when the starch is part of a complex preparation specifically formulated for the finishing of textiles or paper. If the product is a simple modified starch without other additives for finishing, 3505.10 should be used instead.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380910 (the code used for starch based sizing agent), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380910 (the code used for starch based sizing agent) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 25% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 14% 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 380910, not only starch based sizing agent.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $12M 25% of world exports
- 2 United States $11M 23% of world exports
- 3 Italy $4.5M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $49M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $9.6M 14% of world imports
- 2 Slovakia $5.9M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Portugal $5.0M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $68M 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 starch based sizing agent
Brazil splits HS 3809.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3809.10.10Starch-based finishing agents for textiles
- 3809.10.90Other starch-based finishing agents
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about starch based sizing agent
What is the HS code for Starch based sizing agent?
The HS code for Starch based sizing agent is 380910 (Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in textile, paper, leather etc industries, with basis of amylaceous substances, n.e.c.). The primary HS code for starch-based sizing agents used in industrial finishing is 3809.10.
How do I classify Starch based sizing agent for customs?
Starch based sizing agent is classified under HS code 380910 — Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in textile, paper, leather etc industries, with basis of amylaceous substances, n.e.c.. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 3809.10 differ from 3505.10?
HS code 3505.10 covers modified starches like dextrins or esterified starches as chemical products, while 3809.10 covers these substances when they are formulated into specific preparations for the textile or paper industries, often containing additional functional additives.
Which countries are the top exporters of starch based sizing agent (HS 380910)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380910 (the code used for starch based sizing agent) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($12M, 25% of world exports), the United States ($11M) and Italy ($4.5M). World exports came to about $49M, 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 starch based sizing agent (HS 380910)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380910 (the code used for starch based sizing agent) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($9.6M, 14% of world imports), Slovakia ($5.9M) and Portugal ($5.0M). World imports came to about $68M, 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 Starch based sizing agent the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380910 for Starch based sizing agent 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 starch based sizing agent in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 380910 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for starch based sizing agent depends on the product's details: 3809.10.10 (Starch-based finishing agents for textiles), 3809.10.90 (Other starch-based finishing agents).