Product classification
HS code for Wallpaper paste: 3505.20
Glues, based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches.
Classification of wallpaper paste under HS 3505.20
Wallpaper paste is classified under HS code 3505.20. This classification is governed by Chapter 35, which covers albuminoidal substances, modified starches, and glues. Heading 3505 specifically includes dextrins and other modified starches, as well as glues based on starches or on dextrins. Most commercial wallpaper pastes are formulated using starch derivatives, such as methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, or pre-gelatinized wheat starch. These substances are modified to become water-soluble and provide the specific tack and open-time required for hanging wallpaper. The classification is determined by the chemical base of the adhesive. If the paste is primarily composed of these starch-based materials, it must be classified under 3505.20. This applies to the product in various forms, including dry powders that require mixing with water or ready-to-use liquid pastes. The technical distinction is based on the organic origin of the bonding agent, separating it from synthetic resin-based adhesives.
- Covers
- Starch-based wallpaper adhesives
- Dextrin-based glues
- Methylcellulose wallpaper paste
- Pre-mixed starch pastes for paper hanging
- Modified starch powders for DIY wallpapering
- Also under 3505.20
- Henkel Aquence (some starch formulations)
- H.B. Fuller starch-based adhesives
- Ingredion starch glues
- UHU (some paper glues)
- National Starch (now Ingredion) starch glues
Codes often confused with 3505.20
Common mistake. Wallpaper paste is frequently misclassified under HS code 3506.91, which covers adhesives based on polymers of headings 3901 to 3913 or on rubber. While some modern heavy-duty adhesives contain synthetic resins, traditional wallpaper paste is starch-based and belongs in 3505.20. Another common error is using 3214.10, which is for glaziers' putty, grafting putty, and resin cements; however, these are fillers rather than thin-layer adhesives for paper.
Top exporters and importers of HS 350520 (the code used for wallpaper paste), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 350520 (the code used for wallpaper paste) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 9.3% 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 350520, not only wallpaper paste.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $91M 33% of world exports
- 2 China $25M 9.2% of world exports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $20M 7.3% of world exports
World total: $274M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $31M 9.3% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $28M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 Kuwait $25M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $333M 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 wallpaper paste
Brazil classifies wallpaper paste under NCM 3505.20.00: HS 3505.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about wallpaper paste
What is the HS code for Wallpaper paste?
The HS code for Wallpaper paste is 350520 (Glues; based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches). The HS code for wallpaper paste based on starches or dextrins is 3505.20.
How do I classify Wallpaper paste for customs?
Wallpaper paste is classified under HS code 350520 — Glues; based on starches, or on dextrins or other modified starches. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the wallpaper paste is purely synthetic?
If the adhesive is based on synthetic polymers (like vinyl acetate) rather than modified starches, it would likely be classified under HS code 3506.91.
Which countries are the top exporters of wallpaper paste (HS 350520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 350520 (the code used for wallpaper paste) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($91M, 33% of world exports), China ($25M) and Saudi Arabia ($20M). World exports came to about $274M, 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 wallpaper paste (HS 350520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 350520 (the code used for wallpaper paste) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($31M, 9.3% of world imports), Thailand ($28M) and Kuwait ($25M). World imports came to about $333M, 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 Wallpaper paste the same in all countries?
The base HS code 350520 for Wallpaper paste 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 wallpaper paste in Brazil?
In Brazil, wallpaper paste (HS 350520) is classified under NCM 3505.20.00.