HS Code 3911Petroleum resins, coumarone-indene resins, polyterpenes, polysulphides, polysulphones and similar products of chemical synthesis n.e.c. in chapter 39, in primary forms

What HS code 3911 covers

Heading 3911 sits in Chapter 39, the plastics chapter of the Harmonized System. The Harmonized System is the product code list kept by the World Customs Organization. Every country uses its first six digits.

The heading names real products. Petroleum resins, coumarone-indene resins and polyterpenes are all here. So are polysulphides and polysulphones. The words "similar products of chemical synthesis" add other synthetic polymers that Chapter 39 does not place elsewhere.

The words "primary forms" matter. They point to the raw material stage of the polymer, such as the resin itself, before it is turned into a finished article. A moulded part or a film made from these resins belongs in a different heading of the chapter.

If your product is a synthetic resin and no other heading in Chapter 39 names it, check 3911 before you settle on a code.

HS 3911 subheadings and classifications: 391110, 391120 and 391190

The six-digit subheadings split the heading by the type of resin. Here is what each one means in plain words.

• This is the code for hydrocarbon resins and terpene resins, which are often used in adhesives, inks and coatings.
• It is a narrow code. It lists the phosphonate polymer by name.
• It works as the catch-all code for the heading.

How to choose the right 3911 subheading

Work through these steps in order. Stop at the first one that fits.

First, ask if the product is a petroleum resin, a coumarone-indene resin or a polyterpene. If yes, start with 391110. If yes, use 391120. Third, ask if it is a polysulphide, a polysulphone or a similar synthetic polymer that has no other home in Chapter 39. If yes, use 391190.

Note that 391110 and 391120 both mention petroleum resins. Read the full wording of both lines and compare them with your product data sheet. If the sheet is unclear, ask the supplier for the chemical name.

You can also test a product description in the HS code classifier.

HS 3911 vs nearby Chapter 39 headings

Most mistakes happen between neighbouring headings. The scope of each one is different, so compare the polymer type first.

What is the difference between HS 3911 and 3907? Heading 3907 covers polyacetals, other polyethers, epoxide resins, polycarbonates, alkyd resins, polyallyl esters and other polyesters. If your resin is an epoxide or a polyester, it goes to 3907.

What is the difference between HS 3911 and 3910 silicones? Heading 3910 is only for silicones in primary forms. A silicone never moves to 3911.

Heading 3909 holds amino-resins, phenolic resins and polyurethanes. Heading 3912 holds cellulose and its chemical derivatives. Heading 3913 holds natural polymers and modified natural polymers, such as alginic acid. Heading 3914 holds ion-exchangers based on the polymers of headings 3901 to 3913.

A quick rule helps. If a more specific heading names your polymer, use that heading. Heading 3911 is for what is left.

Importers and exporters of petroleum resins (HS 3911 import data)

Buyers and sellers of these resins often want to see who trades them.

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.