Product classification
HS code for Textile sizing agent: 3809.91
Finishing agents and dye carriers, to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances).
Classification of textile sizing agent under HS 3809.91
Textile sizing agents and finishing products are classified under HS code 3809.91 when they are specifically formulated for use in the textile industry. This code covers chemical preparations used to enhance the physical properties of fibers, such as increasing tensile strength, improving smoothness, or acting as dye carriers to facilitate the fixing of dyestuffs. A critical factor for this classification is the chemical base; 3809.91 excludes products based on amylaceous substances (starches), which are classified under 3809.10. The "91" suffix indicates the intended industrial application is textiles, distinguishing these chemicals from similar agents used in the paper or leather industries. These agents are vital in the "sizing" process, where a protective coating is applied to warp yarns to prevent breakage during weaving. They also include softeners, water-repellents, and anti-static agents specifically designed for fabric treatment during the finishing stages of production. Proper classification ensures that chemical safety data and industrial usage are correctly monitored by customs authorities, as these substances often contain specialized polymers or surfactants.
- Covers
- Non-starch textile sizing agents
- Dye carriers for textile fixing
- Fabric softeners for industrial textile use
- Water-repellent finishing agents for cloth
- Anti-static preparations for fibers
- Flame retardant finishes for textiles
- Also under 3809.91
- Archroma NuvaCryl
- Huntsman Terasil
- BASF Basosoft
- Dow Corning Syl-Off
- Tanatex Chemicals Tanapel
Codes often confused with 3809.91
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 3809.10, which is reserved for agents with a basis of amylaceous substances (starch). It is also often confused with 3809.92 (paper industry) and 3809.93 (leather industry). If the product is a simple dye or colorant without finishing properties, it may fall under Chapter 32 instead. Additionally, pure chemicals not in a preparation form are classified by their chemical name in Chapters 28 or 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 380991 (the code used for textile sizing agent), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 380991 (the code used for textile sizing agent) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 12% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 7.8% 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 380991, not only textile sizing agent.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $376M 12% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $297M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 France $283M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $3.3B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $272M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 China $251M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $199M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $3.5B 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 textile sizing agent
Brazil splits HS 3809.91 into 6 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3809.91.10Prepared textile dressings
- 3809.91.20Textile mordant preparations
- 3809.91.30Textile fireproofing products
- 3809.91.41Paraffin or fatty acid textile waterproofers
- 3809.91.49Other textile waterproofing agents
- 3809.91.90Other textile finishing agents
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about textile sizing agent
What is the HS code for Textile sizing agent?
The HS code for Textile sizing agent is 380991 (Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances)). The HS code for textile sizing agents and finishing products (non-amylaceous) used in the textile industry is 3809.91.
How do I classify Textile sizing agent for customs?
Textile sizing agent is classified under HS code 380991 — Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can starch-based sizing agents use this code?
No, starch-based or amylaceous sizing agents must be classified under HS code 3809.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of textile sizing agent (HS 380991)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 380991 (the code used for textile sizing agent) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($376M, 12% of world exports), Czechia ($297M) and France ($283M). World exports came to about $3.3B, 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 textile sizing agent (HS 380991)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 380991 (the code used for textile sizing agent) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($272M, 7.8% of world imports), China ($251M) and the United Kingdom ($199M). World imports came to about $3.5B, 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 Textile sizing agent the same in all countries?
The base HS code 380991 for Textile 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 textile sizing agent in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 380991 into 6 NCM codes, so the right one for textile sizing agent depends on the product's details: 3809.91.10 (Prepared textile dressings), 3809.91.20 (Textile mordant preparations), 3809.91.30 (Textile fireproofing products), 3809.91.41 (Paraffin or fatty acid textile waterproofers), 3809.91.49 (Other textile waterproofing agents), 3809.91.90 (Other textile finishing agents).