HS Code for Polyester Paints and Varnishes
The HS Code for polyester paints and varnishes is 320810. The MFN duty rate for importing to the US is 3.7%.
| HS Code (6-digit) | 320810 |
|---|---|
| US HTS (10-digit) | 3208100000 |
| EU CN Code (8-digit) | 32081000 |
| US Duty Rate (MFN) | 3.7% |
| EU Duty Rate (MFN) | 6.5% |
| Chapter | 32 |
| Heading | 3208 |
| Last Updated | 2026-05 |
Description
Paints and varnishes based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium
HS Code 320810 covers paints and varnishes based on polyesters in a non-aqueous medium with a US duty rate of 3.7%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the specific polyester resin and non-aqueous medium affect the classification of my paint under HTS 3208.10?
The classification under 3208.10 is strictly for paints/varnishes where the film-forming substance is specifically a polyester, such as alkyd, unsaturated (UP), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resins, dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent like white spirit, xylene, or esters. If your product uses an acrylic-modified polyester or is dispersed in water (an aqueous medium), it would be excluded from this subheading and likely classified elsewhere in heading 3208 or 3209.
For HTS 320810 polyester paints and varnishes, what specific customs inspection risk exists due to the 'non-aqueous medium'?
The primary risk is inspection and testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants in the solvent medium, which are strictly regulated. Shipments may be detained for laboratory analysis to verify the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) declarations against the actual chemical composition, leading to delays and potential penalties for non-compliance.
What are the key cost factors for importing polyester paints and varnishes (HTS 320810) beyond the duty rate?
Importers must budget for the 3.7% Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff duty and potentially a Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) of 0.3464% (minimum $31.67, maximum $634.62). A significant hidden cost is the requirement for a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Certification, which may involve testing fees and compliance documentation to prove the chemical components are approved for US commerce.
Material Variants & Classification
Classification under 3208.10 is specifically for paints and varnishes based on polyesters as the primary binder. If the product is a non-aqueous solution, it falls directly here. However, water-dispersed variants (e.g., acrylic-modified polyesters) may shift to 3208.20 or 3209.90. Products where polyester is merely an additive, not the principal binder, are excluded. The distinction is critical, as misclassification can lead to significant duty rate differences compared to codes like 3208.90 for other polymer-based paints or 3209.10 for acrylic solutions.
Similar or Confused HTS Codes
Polyester paints and varnishes under 3208.10 are often confused with other paint bases. A key distinction is from acrylic or vinyl polymers in heading 3208.9 (e.g., 3208.90.1000). Products must be analyzed for their primary polymer by weight. Also, be careful not to classify ready-to-use retail paints, which are more often found in heading 3209, such as 3209.90.0000 for other paints and varnishes. Accurate classification requires a technical data sheet specifying the binder composition.
Related HS Codes
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