HS Code for Industrial Paints and Varnishes
The HS Code for industrial paints and varnishes is 321000. The MFN duty rate for importing to the US is 3.7%.
| HS Code (6-digit) | 321000 |
|---|---|
| US Duty Rate (MFN) | 3.7% |
| EU Duty Rate (MFN) | 6.5% |
| Chapter | 32 |
| Heading | 3210 |
| Last Updated | 2026-05 |
Description
Other paints and varnishes; prepared water pigments for finishing leather
HS Code 321000 covers industrial paints, varnishes, and prepared water pigments for finishing leather with a 3.7% US duty rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
For HTS 321000, how does the presence of a water-based versus solvent-based vehicle affect classification?
The classification under 321000 is primarily determined by the product's form and intended use, not the specific vehicle. Both water-based and solvent-based industrial paints and varnishes generally fall here, provided they are not otherwise specified in preceding headings (e.g., 3208-3209). However, the material composition is critical for determining any subsidiary duty rates or for compliance with environmental regulations like VOC restrictions upon import.
What are the primary customs inspection risks for imports of industrial paints and varnishes under HTS 321000?
The primary risk is inspection for misclassification and undeclared hazardous materials. Industrial paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or heavy metals (e.g., lead, chromium) that may be regulated as hazardous substances, requiring separate declarations under agencies like the EPA. Failure to accurately declare these components can lead to holds, re-classification, and penalties.
What are the typical additional costs, beyond the product price and basic duty, for importing industrial paints and varnishes under HTS 321000?
A significant potential cost is the Anti-Dumping/Countervailing Duty (AD/CVD) for certain paints and varnishes from specific countries like China, which can add substantial tariffs. You may also face fees for mandatory Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) review and hazardous materials handling surcharges from carriers and ports. Furthermore, some shipments require specialized, certified packaging for flammable liquids, incurring extra logistical costs.
How Different Materials Affect Classification of Paints and Varnishes
Industrial paints and varnishes under HTS 3210.00 are classified primarily by their medium, not their color or specific industrial use. The key distinction is between paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers (e.g., acrylic, vinyl) versus those based on other substances like oils or alkyds. For example, water-based acrylic paints and solvent-based polyurethane varnishes both fall here. However, artists' or children's paints (3304), printing inks (3215), and ceramic glazes (3207) are excluded as they are designed for fundamentally different applications, not general industrial surface coating.
Alternative Classification: Similar or Confused Codes
Industrial paints, varnishes, and similar products are primarily classified in heading 3210, but key distinctions exist in Chapter 32. For example, artists', students', or signboard colors are classified separately under 3213.10. A common point of confusion is with printing inks (3215.11), which are formulated for application by printing machinery, not for general industrial coating. Additionally, while industrial paints are here, certain prepared paints for specific non-industrial uses, like those for leather or automobiles in aerosol form, may be classified elsewhere based on their precise composition and packaging.
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