Resins are key materials in chemical, plastics, adhesive, paint and industrial coating industries. Thanks to properties like chemical resistance, high adhesion and heat tolerance, they hold a vital place in modern industries. Accordingly, resin clearance from customs requires correct HS code selection, precise document preparation, and compliance with health/environmental requirements.

To estimate the time and cost of resin customs clearance, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant & Free Consultation1) Common Resin Types, HS Codes & Uses
Resins are groups of polymeric chemicals whose specific mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties make them useful across industries from paint-making to automotive and construction. Below are major resin types along with their customs tariff code (HS Code) and specialized applications:
🔹 Polyester Resin — HS Code: 39079100
Polyester resin is one of the most widely used resins in composites and fiberglass.
Its hallmark is high resistance to corrosion, moisture, and chemicals; therefore it’s used in manufacturing boats, car bodies, tanks, and industrial parts.
Applications:
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Fiberglass parts & hand lay-up
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Marine and anti-corrosion equipment
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Automotive and weather-resistant equipment
🔹 Epoxy Resin — HS Code: 39073000
Epoxy resins stand out for adhesion, mechanical strength, and chemical/thermal stability.
Owing to these traits, they are widely used in high-strength industrial adhesives, anti-corrosion coatings, and electronics.
Applications:
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Structural/industrial adhesives
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Epoxy floor coatings & industrial paints
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Electronic parts & advanced composites
🔹 Phenolic Resin — HS Code: 39094000
Phenolic resin is an excellent insulator against heat and electricity.
Thus, it’s used to produce thermal/electrical insulation, electronic parts, brake components, and heat-resistant parts.
Applications:
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Automotive (brakes, clutch plates, etc.)
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Electrical gear and industrial insulators
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Heat- and pressure-resistant parts
🔹 Alkyd Resin — HS Code: 39079900
Alkyd resin is the base of many paints and industrial coatings.
It forms a durable, glossy, and adhesive film and is used widely in paint industries, especially architectural and industrial paints.
Applications:
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Oil-based, semi-gloss, and industrial paints
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Weather-resistant coatings
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Furniture and interior decor
🔹 Polyurethane Resin — HS Code: 39095000
Polyurethane resin is highly valued for its great flexibility and thermal insulation.
It’s used to make flexible foams, industrial adhesives, wear-resistant coatings, and building insulations.
Applications:
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Seat foams for cars and furniture
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Thermal and acoustic insulation
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Abrasion-resistant paints/coatings
🔹 Melamine Formaldehyde Resin — HS Code: 39092000
This resin is hard and clear, used in making compressed plastics, electrical parts, kitchenware, and decorative laminates.
A key feature is its high resistance to heat and chemicals.
Applications:
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Melamine dinnerware and hard plastics
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Decorative laminates and MDF panels
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Electrical switches and outlets
🔹 Vinyl Ester Resin — HS Code: 39076000
Vinyl ester combines polyester and epoxy traits and offers very high chemical and thermal resistance.
Hence it is used in chemical tanks, boat parts, refinery equipment, and industrial pipes.
Applications:
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Chemical and oil & gas industries
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Corrosion-resistant equipment
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Marine and industrial fiberglass
| Resin Type | Short Use | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Composite/Fiberglass/Marine | 39079100 |
| Epoxy | Adhesive/Protective coating/Electronics | 39073000 |
| Phenolic | Thermal/Electrical insulation, Auto | 39094000 |
| Alkyd | Industrial/Architectural paints | 39079900 |
| Polyurethane | Foam/Adhesive/Coating/Insulation | 39095000 |
| Melamine formaldehyde | Rigid plastic/Electrical/Laminate | 39092000 |
| Vinyl ester | Anti-corrosion/Tanks/Boats | 39076000 |
* The final subheading depends on grade, additives, form, packaging, and end use.
2) Key Notes for Resin Clearance
1. Choosing the correct resin HS Code
One of the most fundamental steps in clearing any resin is accurate determination of the HS code.
This code underpins import duty, commercial profit, VAT, and legal permit requirements.
Each resin type (epoxy, polyester, phenolic, alkyd, polyurethane, etc.) has an assigned tariff code. If mis-declared, it may:
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be held in customs,
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incur penalties and tariff disputes,
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or require amending the declaration and re-permitting.
Pro tip: Before declaration, consult a licensed customs broker to assign the exact HS code according to chemical composition and application.
2. Required documents for resin clearance
For clearing resins, complete and compliant documentation is mandatory.
Core documents include:
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Bill of Lading (B/L)
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Commercial Invoice
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Certificate of Origin
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Packing List
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Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if requested by customs
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and, in some cases: standards, health or environmental permits
Note: For industrial resins, precisely state the chemical name, percentages, and general formula in documents to avoid mismatches at customs.
3. Health & standards permits
Depending on resin type and use, certain permits may be compulsory.
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Resins used in food, pharma, or consumer packaging must be licensed by the Food & Drug Organization or the National Standards Organization of Iran.
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By contrast, purely industrial resins (e.g., fiberglass or paint) typically require only chemical safety docs (MSDS).
Failure to obtain required permits delays clearance or may force return of goods.
4. Environmental requirements & regulations
Some resins, due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous chemistry, fall under environmental controls.
Especially those with toxic solvents, certain epoxies, or highly flammable industrial resins.
Therefore:
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Importers must ensure safe transport, storage, and waste disposal of resins,
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and where required, obtain a hazardous materials transport permit or environmental approval from the authorities.
3) Resin Import & Export Conditions
Resin Imports to Iran
Mainly sourced from China, Germany, South Korea, India, and Türkiye to meet demand in chemical/construction/plastics industries.
Resin Exports from Iran
With growing domestic production, exports to Iraq, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and other regional countries have expanded.
4) Import & Export Volumes for Iran
Estimates indicate annual imports of several hundred thousand tons, while exports of domestically produced resins are on the rise.
5) Global Resin Market
A very large market driven by automotive, construction, and electronics; process innovation plays a major role.
6) Major Global Exporters & Importers
Key exporters: China, Germany, United States, South Korea, and India.
Major importers: United States, Japan, Germany, China, and Mexico (varies by resin subclass and consuming industries).
7) Easiest Best Practices for Clearance
1) Complete documentation: B/L, invoice, COO, packing list, and required permits.
2) Coordinate with customs experts: For sensitive resins, advance notice on permits/restrictions is essential.
3) Use a specialist broker: Speed up formalities and cut errors/costs with practical experience.
8) Required Documents for Resin Clearance
1. Bill of Lading (B/L)
A primary transport document containing:
type and quantity of resin,
net and gross weights,
number of packages or drums,
origin and destination,
and full shipper/consignee details
must be presented. Original or endorsed copy is required for customs formalities.
2. Commercial Invoice
Must include full transaction details, such as:
complete seller/buyer information,
precise resin description (type, grade, purity %, quantity, unit price),
payment and delivery terms (e.g., FOB, CIF, CFR),
and transaction currency.
This forms the basis for customs valuation and duties.
3. Certificate of Origin
Identifies the country of manufacture; may reduce duties under tariff/trade agreements if valid and stamped.
4. Packing List
Lists packaging details, including:
package types (drum, jerrycan, bag, etc.),
counts, net/gross weights,
dimensions and stowage.
Helps customs/inspectors verify consistency with transport docs and declaration.
5. Health/Standards permits (if needed)
Mandatory for resins used in food, pharma, or hygiene sectors—issued by FDO or National Standards Organization.
Without them, the goods cannot be cleared.
6. Customs Declaration
Official submission of product details. Declare:
product type and chemistry,
total and unit values,
HS code,
mode of transport, origin/destination,
and importer/consignee info.
Accuracy prevents tariff disputes or later amendments.
7. COA / Specification Sheet
Details chemical composition, percentages, physical properties, and grade.
Used by customs to match HS code and verify safety/standards; mandatory for certain resins (e.g., epoxy, polyurethane).
8. Environmental approvals
If the resin is hazardous, volatile, or polluting, present environmental authorization.
Confirms compliance with safe transport, storage, and chemical waste disposal.
9. Cargo Insurance
Covers transport risks (sea/air/road): fire, chemical leakage, or transit incidents; usually arranged by the carrier or buyer.
Need precise HS classification and health/standards permits? Our team manages the process end-to-end.
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FAQs
What are the HS Codes of common resins?
Polyester 39079100, Epoxy 39073000, Phenolic 39094000, Alkyd 39079900, Polyurethane 39095000, Melamine formaldehyde 39092000, and Vinyl ester 39076000.
Which documents are required to clear resins?
B/L, commercial invoice, COO, packing list, health/standards permits (as applicable), customs declaration, COA/spec sheet, environmental approvals, and cargo insurance.
What are Iran’s main resin import sources and export destinations?
Imports mainly from China, Germany, South Korea, India, and Türkiye; exports to Iraq, Türkiye, Afghanistan, and other Persian Gulf countries.
Saba Brokerage’s Specialty Services for Resin Clearance
Precise HS consulting: lower customs costs via correct classification.
Fast permitting: standards and health approvals for sensitive resins.
Continuous follow-up: avoid delays and reduce storage time.
Cost/time optimization: professional coordination with customs and agencies.
Contact our experts for more details.