Product classification
HS code for Vinyl polymer: 3905.99
Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers, n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, other than copolymers.
Classification of vinyl polymer under HS 3905.99
HS code 3905.99 is used for vinyl polymers in primary forms that are not copolymers and are not specifically named in the preceding subheadings of heading 3905. This heading includes polymers of vinyl acetate, other vinyl esters, and other vinyl polymers. While 3905.11 covers polyvinyl acetate and 3905.30 covers polyvinyl alcohol, 3905.99 serves as the residual category for homopolymers such as polyvinyl ethers or polyvinyl ketones. Classification here requires that the substance be in a primary form (liquids, pastes, blocks, or powders) and that it does not meet the criteria for copolymers defined in the Chapter 39 notes. The chemical identity of the polymer is the deciding factor; if the polymer is a vinyl type but does not fit into the acetate, alcohol, or copolymer subheadings, it falls into this "other" category. These polymers are often used in specialized industrial applications, including the production of medical devices, specialized coatings, and chemical intermediates.
- Covers
- Polyvinyl ethers
- Polyvinyl ketones
- Polyvinyl homopolymers (non-acetate, non-alcohol)
- Vinyl polymer resins in powder form
- Polyvinyl carbazole
- Also under 3905.99
- Elvace (Celanese)
- Vinamul (Synthomer)
- Mowilith (Celanese)
- Vinnapas (Wacker)
Codes often confused with 3905.99
Common mistake. The most frequent error is classifying these substances under 3905.91, which is strictly for copolymers. Another common mistake is using 3904.90 for other halogenated polymers, but 3905.99 is specific to non-halogenated vinyl polymers. Importers must also ensure the product is not an acrylic polymer, which would fall under heading 3906. Misidentifying a homopolymer as a copolymer is the primary cause of duty errors in this category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 390599 (the code used for vinyl polymer), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 390599 (the code used for vinyl polymer) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 24% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 390599, not only vinyl polymer.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $260M 24% of world exports
- 2 United States $237M 22% of world exports
- 3 China $204M 19% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $246M 18% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $116M 8.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $115M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 polymer
Brazil splits HS 3905.99 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3905.99.10Poly(vinyl formal)
- 3905.99.20Poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB)
- 3905.99.30Povidone-iodine (iodinated PVP)
- 3905.99.90Other vinyl polymers in primary forms
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vinyl polymer
What is the HS code for Vinyl polymer?
The HS code for Vinyl polymer is 390599 (Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers; n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, other than copolymers). The HS code for other vinyl polymers in primary forms (not copolymers) is 3905.99.
How do I classify Vinyl polymer for customs?
Vinyl polymer is classified under HS code 390599 — Vinyl acetate, vinyl ester polymers, vinyl polymers; n.e.c. in heading no. 3905, in primary forms, other than copolymers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a primary form for this classification?
Primary forms are defined in Chapter 39 as liquids, pastes, dispersions, emulsions, solutions, blocks of irregular shape, lumps, powders, granules, flakes, and similar bulk forms.
Which countries are the top exporters of vinyl polymer (HS 390599)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 390599 (the code used for vinyl polymer) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($260M, 24% of world exports), the United States ($237M) and China ($204M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 polymer (HS 390599)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 390599 (the code used for vinyl polymer) in UN Comtrade data were China ($246M, 18% of world imports), South Korea ($116M) and Germany ($115M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 polymer the same in all countries?
The base HS code 390599 for Vinyl polymer 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 polymer in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 390599 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for vinyl polymer depends on the product's details: 3905.99.10 (Poly(vinyl formal)), 3905.99.20 (Poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB)), 3905.99.30 (Povidone-iodine (iodinated PVP)), 3905.99.90 (Other vinyl polymers in primary forms).