Product classification

HS code for Vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion: 3905.21

Vinyl acetate copolymers, in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms.

Classification of vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion under HS 3905.21

Vinyl acetate copolymer emulsions are classified under HS code 3905.21. These products are defined as copolymers of vinyl acetate in primary forms, specifically in aqueous dispersion. In the context of the Harmonized System, "primary forms" include liquids and pastes, including dispersions (emulsions and suspensions) and solutions. Heading 3905 covers polymers of vinyl acetate, and the subheadings are divided based on whether the product is a homopolymer or a copolymer, and then by its physical state. An aqueous dispersion means the polymer particles are suspended in water, often with the help of surfactants or protective colloids. These emulsions are commonly used as the base for wood glues, paper adhesives, and architectural coatings. The classification follows GRI 1 and 6, relying on the specific description of the copolymer's physical delivery system (water-based) as the primary determinant for the 3905.21 code.

Covers
  • Vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) emulsions
  • Vinyl acetate-acrylic copolymer dispersions
  • Water-based wood adhesives (white glue)
  • Aqueous dispersions used in paint formulations
  • Vinyl acetate-dibutyl maleate copolymer emulsions
Also under 3905.21
  • Wacker Vinnapas
  • Celanese Mowilith
  • BASF Acronal
  • Dow Chemical Primal
  • Arkema Encor
  • Synthomer Revacryl.

Codes often confused with 3905.21

Common mistake. This product is often confused with HS code 3209.10, which covers paints and varnishes based on acrylic or vinyl polymers dispersed in an aqueous medium. The distinction depends on whether the product is a "primary form" (raw material) or a finished "prepared" coating with added pigments and fillers. Another common misclassification is 3905.11, which is for polyvinyl acetate homopolymers in aqueous dispersion. If the polymer contains any amount of another monomer (like ethylene or butyl acrylate) that is not merely an impurity, it must be classified as a copolymer under 3905.21.

3209.10Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium

Top exporters and importers of HS 390521 (the code used for vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390521 (the code used for vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 6.9% 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 390521, not only vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $200M
  2. 2 Netherlands $97M
  3. 3 Singapore $61M

World total: $782M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 India $51M
  2. 2 United States $50M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $43M

World total: $742M 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 emulsion

Brazil classifies vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion under NCM 3905.21.00: HS 3905.21 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 emulsion

What is the HS code for Vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion?

The HS code for Vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion is 390521 (Vinyl acetate copolymers; in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms). The HS code for vinyl acetate copolymers in aqueous dispersion (emulsion) is 3905.21.

How do I classify Vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion for customs?

Vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion is classified under HS code 390521 — Vinyl acetate copolymers; in aqueous dispersion, in primary forms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can this code be used for finished adhesives?

If the emulsion is a simple primary form, 3905.21 applies. However, if it is a complex formulated adhesive with multiple additives packaged for retail sale, it may fall under HS code 3506.

Which countries are the top exporters of vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion (HS 390521)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390521 (the code used for vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($200M, 26% of world exports), the Netherlands ($97M) and Singapore ($61M). World exports came to about $782M, 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 emulsion (HS 390521)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 390521 (the code used for vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion) in UN Comtrade data were India ($51M, 6.9% of world imports), the United States ($50M) and the United Kingdom ($43M). World imports came to about $742M, 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 emulsion the same in all countries?

The base HS code 390521 for Vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion 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 emulsion in Brazil?

In Brazil, vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion (HS 390521) is classified under NCM 3905.21.00.