Heading 3809

Finishing agents, dye carriers to accelerate the dyeing or fixing of dyestuffs and other products and preparations (for example, dressings and mordants), of a kind used in the textile, paper, leather or like industries, not elsewhere specified or included

6 declarable lines

Heading 3809 covers preparations used in the textile, paper, leather or like industries to finish goods, carry or fix dyes, dress surfaces or act as mordants. The heading first separates preparations with a basis of amylaceous substances, then splits other goods by the industry of use. Paper and leather lines are further split by aromatic or modified aromatic content of 5% or more by weight.

Products in this heading

Textile finishing agents
Dye carriers for textile dyeing
Dye fixing agents
Mordants and dressings for textiles
Paper finishing preparations
Leather finishing preparations
Amylaceous finishing preparations

How to choose the right subheading

Identify the industry of use: textile or like, paper or like, or leather or like.
Check whether the preparation has a basis of amylaceous substances, which is the first split in the heading.
For paper or leather industry goods, check whether aromatic or modified aromatic substances are 5% or more by weight.
Confirm the product is a finishing agent, dye carrier, dye fixing agent, dressing or mordant of a kind used in these industries.
Confirm the product is not more specifically covered by another heading.

Often confused with

Laundry detergents and surface-active washing preparations
These are separate surface-active preparations, not mill finishing agents.
Heading 3402
Prepared glues and adhesives
Adhesives are classified as glues, not as finishing preparations.
Heading 3506
Paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers
Coatings are classified in the paints and varnishes heading.
Heading 3208
Shoe polishes and creams
Polishes and creams are separate from leather finishing agents.
Heading 3405

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a textile finishing agent?

Use 3809.91.00.00 for preparations of a kind used in the textile or like industries; its general (MFN) rate is 6%.

What is the duty on a paper finishing agent containing 5% or more aromatic substances?

Classify it under 3809.92.10.00; the general (MFN) rate is 6.5%.

How do I classify a leather finishing agent with less than 5% aromatic substances?

It falls under 3809.93.50.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 6%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.