What products fall under HS code 391390?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
391390
Polymers, natural and modified natural; in primary forms (excluding alginic acid, its salts and esters)
Heading 3913 — Natural polymers (e.g. alginic acid) and modified natural polymers (e.g. hardened proteins, chemical derivatives of natural rubber), n.e.c. or included, in primary forms
Chapter 39: Plastics and articles thereof
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 391390 when importing or exporting natural and modified polymers in primary forms, such as certain types of cellulose or starch derivatives. For example, if you're shipping a batch of modified starch used in food processing, this code applies.
This code specifically covers polymers that are not classified as alginic acid or its derivatives. If you’re dealing with natural polymers like casein or modified natural polymers such as cellulose acetate, you would also use this code. In contrast, HS-6 391391 covers alginic acid and its salts, which are excluded from this classification.
Polymers under this code are often used in various applications, including food additives, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives. If your product is a natural polymer like gelatin in primary form, it would also fall under this HS-6 line.
When determining the correct classification, consider the specific type of polymer and its intended use. For example, modified natural polymers used as thickeners in cosmetics would also be classified here, distinguishing them from synthetic polymers found in other headings.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
natural polymers · modified natural polymers · primary forms · cellulose derivatives · starch derivatives · gelatin classification · food additives · pharmaceutical applications · adhesives · bioplastics · casein products · pectin use · chitosan applications · thickeners in cosmetics
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Modified starch used as a food thickener
- Cellulose acetate used in film production
- Gelatin in primary form for food applications
- Casein used in dairy products
- Natural rubber derivatives for adhesives
- Pectin used in jams and jellies
- Chitosan used in dietary supplements
- Starch-based bioplastics for packaging
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify modified starch for import?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Is gelatin classified under HS-6 391390?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are examples of natural polymers in primary forms?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How do I determine the right HS code for cellulose acetate?
Match the product to the legal wording, then verify the final pick in your country tariff schedule before filing.
Are there exclusions in HS-6 391390?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What is the difference between HS-6 391390 and 391391?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I use HS-6 391390 for food additives?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
How to classify natural polymers for customs
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Examples of modified natural polymers in primary forms
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What is included in HS-6 391390 classification?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Guidelines for shipping cellulose derivatives
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Understanding HS code for gelatin products
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Differences between natural and synthetic polymers in HS codes
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
Best practices for classifying bioplastics
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Determining the correct HS code for food thickeners
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are classified under HS-6 391390?
- HS-6 391390 includes natural and modified polymers in primary forms, such as modified starch, cellulose acetate, and gelatin.
- Can I use HS-6 391390 for shipping food additives?
- Yes, if the food additives are made from natural or modified polymers like starch or pectin, this code is appropriate.
- What is the difference between HS-6 391390 and HS-6 391391?
- HS-6 391390 covers natural and modified polymers excluding alginic acid, while HS-6 391391 specifically includes alginic acid and its salts.
- Are there specific exclusions for HS-6 391390?
- Yes, alginic acid and its derivatives are excluded from this classification.
- How do I classify cellulose derivatives for customs?
- If they are in primary forms and not alginic acid derivatives, use HS-6 391390.
- Is casein included in HS-6 391390?
- Yes, casein in primary form is classified under HS-6 391390.
- What are some common applications for products under HS-6 391390?
- Common applications include food processing, pharmaceuticals, and adhesives.
- How can I determine the right HS code for modified natural polymers?
- Evaluate the specific type of polymer and its primary form to ensure it fits the criteria for HS-6 391390.
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