Product classification
HS code for Vinyl acetate copolymer: 3905.29
Vinyl acetate copolymers, (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms.
Classification of vinyl acetate copolymer under HS 3905.29
Vinyl acetate copolymers in primary forms, other than those in aqueous dispersion, are classified under HS code 3905.29. This classification is governed by Chapter 39 of the Harmonized System, which covers plastics and articles thereof. According to Note 4 to Chapter 39, copolymers are classified in the heading covering the homopolymer of that monomer unit which predominates by weight over every other single comonomer unit. If no single comonomer predominates, they are classified in the heading which occurs last in numerical order among those which equally merit consideration. Heading 3905 specifically covers polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters. Subheading 3905.29 is reserved for these copolymers when they are not in an aqueous dispersion (i.e., they are in solid forms like pellets, granules, or non-aqueous solutions). These materials are widely used in the production of adhesives, coatings, and films where water-free processing is required.
- Covers
- Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers with vinyl acetate predominating
- Vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride copolymers (non-aqueous)
- Vinyl acetate copolymers in pellet or granule form
- Solid resins of vinyl acetate copolymers
- Vinyl acetate copolymers dissolved in organic solvents
- Also under 3905.29
- Elvax (DuPont)
- Mowilith (Celanese)
- Vinnapas (Wacker)
- Evatane (Arkema)
- Exxelor (ExxonMobil)
Codes often confused with 3905.29
Common mistake. A frequent error is misclassifying these products under HS code 3905.21, which is specifically for aqueous dispersions (emulsions). The physical state—whether the polymer is suspended in water or exists as a solid/solvent-based liquid—is the deciding factor. Additionally, if the ethylene content in an EVA copolymer exceeds the vinyl acetate content by weight, the product must be classified under heading 3901 (polymers of ethylene) rather than 3905. Misclassification also occurs with 3905.19, which is for polyvinyl acetate homopolymers.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390529 (the code used for vinyl acetate copolymer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390529 (the code used for vinyl acetate copolymer) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 10% 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 390529, not only vinyl acetate copolymer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $105M 16% of world exports
- 2 China $105M 16% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $59M 9.0% of world exports
World total: $660M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $129M 10% of world imports
- 2 Italy $84M 6.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $81M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 vinyl acetate copolymer
Brazil classifies vinyl acetate copolymer under NCM 3905.29.00: HS 3905.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vinyl acetate copolymer
What is the HS code for Vinyl acetate copolymer?
The HS code for Vinyl acetate copolymer is 390529 (Vinyl acetate copolymers; (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms). For vinyl acetate copolymers in primary forms that are not in aqueous dispersion, the correct HS code is 3905.29.
How do I classify Vinyl acetate copolymer for customs?
Vinyl acetate copolymer is classified under HS code 390529 — Vinyl acetate copolymers; (other than in aqueous dispersion), in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 3905.21 and 3905.29?
The distinction is based on the medium. Use 3905.21 for water-based emulsions (aqueous dispersions) and 3905.29 for all other primary forms, such as solids, powders, or solvent-based liquids.
Which countries are the top exporters of vinyl acetate copolymer (HS 390529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390529 (the code used for vinyl acetate copolymer) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($105M, 16% of world exports), China ($105M) and the Netherlands ($59M). World exports came to about $660M, 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 vinyl acetate copolymer (HS 390529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390529 (the code used for vinyl acetate copolymer) in UN Comtrade data were India ($129M, 10% of world imports), Italy ($84M) and Germany ($81M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Vinyl acetate copolymer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390529 for Vinyl acetate copolymer 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 vinyl acetate copolymer in Brazil?
In Brazil, vinyl acetate copolymer (HS 390529) is classified under NCM 3905.29.00.