Product classification
HS code for Vinyl copolymer: 3905.91
Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers, n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, copolymers.
Classification of vinyl copolymer under HS 3905.91
Vinyl copolymers under HS code 3905.91 include polymers of vinyl acetate or other vinyl esters where the vinyl ester component is significant but the product is a copolymer rather than a homopolymer. Heading 3905 covers polymers of vinyl acetate or of other vinyl esters, in primary forms, as well as other vinyl polymers. Subheading 3905.91 is designated for copolymers that do not fall under the more specific categories like polyvinyl acetate (3905.11) or polyvinyl alcohol (3905.30). The classification depends on the chemical structure and the ratio of monomers, ensuring that these versatile resins used in adhesives and coatings are correctly identified for customs purposes. To qualify for this code, the product must be in a primary form such as a liquid dispersion, emulsion, or solid block. The determination of the predominant monomer is essential, as this code acts as a catch-all for vinyl ester copolymers that are not specifically named elsewhere in the 3905 heading.
- Covers
- Vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE) copolymers
- Vinyl acetate-vinyl laurate copolymers
- Vinyl ester-acrylate copolymers
- Copolymers of vinyl esters in aqueous dispersions
- Vinyl-based copolymer resins for industrial adhesives
- Also under 3905.91
- Wacker Vinnapas
- Celanese Mowilith
- BASF Acronal
- Dow Chemical Primal
Codes often confused with 3905.91
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 3904.40 if the copolymer contains vinyl chloride, as vinyl chloride polymers have their own specific heading. Additionally, importers often mistakenly use 3905.11 for polyvinyl acetate homopolymers, or 3906.90 for acrylic copolymers. It is vital to distinguish between a pure vinyl acetate polymer and a copolymer where vinyl acetate is combined with another monomer like ethylene.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390591 (the code used for vinyl copolymer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390591 (the code used for vinyl copolymer) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% 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 390591, not only vinyl copolymer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $317M 20% of world exports
- 2 Japan $263M 16% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $263M 16% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $188M 12% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $169M 11% of world imports
- 3 Germany $114M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 vinyl copolymer
Brazil splits HS 3905.91 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3905.91.30Vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate, alcoholic solution
- 3905.91.90Other vinyl copolymers in primary forms
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vinyl copolymer
What is the HS code for Vinyl copolymer?
The HS code for Vinyl copolymer is 390591 (Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers; n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, copolymers). The HS code for vinyl copolymers in primary forms, not elsewhere specified, is 3905.91.
How do I classify Vinyl copolymer for customs?
Vinyl copolymer is classified under HS code 390591 — Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers; n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, copolymers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are vinyl copolymers in liquid form covered here?
Yes, primary forms include liquids and pastes, such as aqueous dispersions or emulsions used in the paint and adhesive industries.
Which countries are the top exporters of vinyl copolymer (HS 390591)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390591 (the code used for vinyl copolymer) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($317M, 20% of world exports), Japan ($263M) and Belgium ($263M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 copolymer (HS 390591)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390591 (the code used for vinyl copolymer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($188M, 12% of world imports), the Netherlands ($169M) and Germany ($114M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 Vinyl copolymer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390591 for Vinyl 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 copolymer in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390591 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for vinyl copolymer depends on the product's details: 3905.91.30 (Vinylpyrrolidone-vinyl acetate, alcoholic solution), 3905.91.90 (Other vinyl copolymers in primary forms).