Product classification
HS code for Urea formaldehyde resin: 3909.10
Amino-resins, urea and thiourea resins, in primary forms.
Classification of urea formaldehyde resin under HS 3909.10
Urea formaldehyde (UF) resin is classified under HS code 3909.10. This classification falls within Chapter 39, which covers plastics and articles thereof, and specifically heading 3909, which encompasses amino-resins, phenolic resins, and polyurethanes in primary forms. The sub-heading 3909.10 is dedicated to urea resins and thiourea resins. To qualify for this code, the resin must be in a "primary form," which according to Note 6 to Chapter 39, includes liquids, pastes, blocks, irregular lumps, powders, granules, and flakes. Urea formaldehyde is a non-transparent thermosetting resin produced by the condensation of urea with formaldehyde. It is widely used in the timber industry as an adhesive for particleboard, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) due to its high reactivity and cost-effectiveness.
- Covers
- Urea-formaldehyde resin powder
- Liquid urea-formaldehyde resins
- Thiourea-formaldehyde resins
- UF molding compounds in pellet form
- Modified urea resins in primary forms
- Also under 3909.10
- Dynea UF resins
- Hexion UF resins
- BASF Kaurit
- Georgia-Pacific UF resins
- Arclin UF resins
Codes often confused with 3909.10
Common mistake. Urea formaldehyde resins are often misclassified under HS code 3506.91 if they are prepared as adhesives and packaged for retail sale. However, if the resin is in its primary chemical form without specific retail additives, 3909.10 is correct. Another confusion arises with 3909.20 (Melamine resins) or 3909.39 (Other amino-resins). If the resin is a blend of urea and melamine, it may be classified under 3909.39 depending on the predominant monomer by weight.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390910 (the code used for urea formaldehyde resin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390910 (the code used for urea formaldehyde resin) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 390910, not only urea formaldehyde resin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $269M 23% of world exports
- 2 Poland $169M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $85M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $203M 16% of world imports
- 2 France $126M 9.8% of world imports
- 3 Poland $66M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 urea formaldehyde resin
Brazil classifies urea formaldehyde resin under NCM 3909.10.00: HS 3909.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about urea formaldehyde resin
What is the HS code for Urea formaldehyde resin?
The HS code for Urea formaldehyde resin is 390910 (Amino-resins; urea and thiourea resins, in primary forms). The standard HS code for urea formaldehyde resin in primary forms is 3909.10.
How do I classify Urea formaldehyde resin for customs?
Urea formaldehyde resin is classified under HS code 390910 — Amino-resins; urea and thiourea resins, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code apply to UF resin used in wood glue?
Yes, provided the resin is in a primary form (liquid or powder) and not specifically packaged for retail sale as a finished adhesive.
Which countries are the top exporters of urea formaldehyde resin (HS 390910)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390910 (the code used for urea formaldehyde resin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($269M, 23% of world exports), Poland ($169M) and China ($85M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 urea formaldehyde resin (HS 390910)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390910 (the code used for urea formaldehyde resin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($203M, 16% of world imports), France ($126M) and Poland ($66M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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.
Is the HS code for Urea formaldehyde resin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390910 for Urea formaldehyde resin 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 urea formaldehyde resin in Brazil?
In Brazil, urea formaldehyde resin (HS 390910) is classified under NCM 3909.10.00.