Product classification
HS code for Starch glue: 3505.20
Glues, based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches.
Classification of starch glue under HS 3505.20
Starch-based glues are classified under HS code 3505.20. This classification is reserved for adhesives that are formulated using starches, dextrins, or other modified starches as the essential constituent. These products are created by cooking raw starch or by chemically modifying it to achieve specific adhesive properties, such as improved tack or water resistance. The Harmonized System distinguishes between modified starches used for industrial purposes (3505.10) and those prepared specifically as glues (3505.20). To be classified here, the product must be put up for sale as an adhesive or be a mixture specifically intended for use as a glue. These glues are widely used in the paper, textile, and woodworking industries due to their natural origin and effective bonding on cellulose-based materials.
- Covers
- Dextrin-based adhesives
- Liquid starch glues for paper
- Prepared wallpaper paste (starch-based)
- Modified starch adhesives for corrugated board
- Vegetable glues based on roasted starch
- Also under 3505.20
- Henkel Aquence (some starch formulations)
- H.B. Fuller starch-based adhesives
- Ingredion starch glues
- UHU (some paper glues)
- National Starch (now Ingredion) starch glues
Codes often confused with 3505.20
Common mistake. Starch glues are often confused with HS code 3505.10, which covers dextrins and other modified starches that are not yet prepared as glues. The distinction lies in the preparation and intended use. Another common misclassification is HS code 3506, which is a residual heading for prepared glues and other prepared adhesives not elsewhere specified. However, because starch-based glues have a specific subheading (3505.20), they must be classified there according to the principle of specificity in the General Rules of Interpretation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350520 (the code used for starch glue), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350520 (the code used for starch glue) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 9.3% 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 350520, not only starch glue.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $91M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $25M 9.2% of world exports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $20M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $274M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $31M 9.3% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $28M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Kuwait $25M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $333M 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 starch glue
Brazil classifies starch glue under NCM 3505.20.00: HS 3505.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about starch glue
What is the HS code for Starch glue?
The HS code for Starch glue is 350520 (Glues; based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches). The HS code for starch glue, including glues based on dextrins or other modified starches, is 3505.20.
How do I classify Starch glue for customs?
Starch glue is classified under HS code 350520 — Glues; based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is raw corn starch classified here?
No, raw starch is classified in Chapter 11 (usually 1108). Only starches that have been modified or prepared as adhesives fall under Chapter 35.
Which countries are the top exporters of starch glue (HS 350520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350520 (the code used for starch glue) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($91M, 33% of world exports), China ($25M) and Saudi Arabia ($20M). World exports came to about $274M, 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 glue (HS 350520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350520 (the code used for starch glue) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($31M, 9.3% of world imports), Thailand ($28M) and Kuwait ($25M). World imports came to about $333M, 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 glue the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350520 for Starch glue 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 glue in Brazil?
In Brazil, starch glue (HS 350520) is classified under NCM 3505.20.00.