A natural lac-derived resin that forms hard, fast-drying films for wood finishing, sealing, and coating. It is used in wood finishes, sealers, and primers, as a film-former in coatings and inks, as a glaze and coating resin, and as an electrical insulating material.
▸Wood finishing: Sealer, primer, and French-polish resin
▸Coatings: Film-former in specialty coatings and primers
▸Printing inks: Resin binder in inks
▸Glazes: Coating resin for glazing applications
▸Electrical: Insulating and binding resin
Physical Properties
appearance
amber to orange-brown flakes, granules or powder (typical)
softening_point
>=72 degC (typical)
melting_point
115-120 degC (typical, decomposes)
moisture
<=2.0 % (typical)
wax_content
<=5.5 % (typical)
acid_value
<=72 mg KOH/g (typical)
solubility
soluble in ethanol and alkaline solutions; insoluble in cold water (typical)
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request
A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
HS / Tariff Classification
🌐Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
1301.90
Chapter 13
Chemical product (see national tariff schedule for the full classification)
Heading 13.01
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 1301.90
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Shellac (CAS 9000-59-3) is a natural resin secreted by the lac insect and refined into flakes or solutions. It is used in wood finishes, sealers, and primers, as a film-former in coatings and inks, as a glaze and coating resin, and as an electrical insulating material.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is shellac used for?
Shellac (CAS 9000-59-3) is a natural resin used as a wood sealer, primer, and French-polish resin, as a film-former in specialty coatings and primers, as a binder resin in printing inks, as a coating resin for glazes, and as an electrical insulating and binding resin.
What is another name for shellac?
Shellac is the refined form of lac resin secreted by the lac insect; it is also referred to as lac resin or by its CAS number 9000-59-3. It is a UVCB substance (of unknown or variable composition) supplied as flakes or in solution.
What is shellac made from?
It is a natural resin secreted by the lac insect, then refined into flakes or solutions for industrial use. As a naturally sourced UVCB material, its exact composition varies by origin and refining grade.
What is the HS code for shellac?
Shellac classifies under HS 1301.90. Confirm the destination-country tariff line with your customs broker, as national subheadings can extend beyond the six-digit HS code.
Can shellac be supplied in bulk flake form?
Yes. RawSource supplies shellac resin in bulk quantities to coatings, ink, and wood-finishing manufacturers. Request a quote specifying form (flake or solution) and volume; CoA and SDS are available on request.
Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.
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