HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3208.10 – Paints and varnishes; based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium
HS code 3208.10 is the 6-digit subheading for paints and varnishes, based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. It is used for polyester automotive paints, industrial polyester coatings, coil coatings (polyester-based), marine polyester varnishes and furniture polyester lacquers.
What HS 3208.10 covers
This HS code covers paints and varnishes based on polyester polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous (solvent-based) medium. Polyester-based coatings are highly valued for their exceptional durability, hardness, chemical resistance, and excellent adhesion, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications. They are widely used in automotive finishes, coil coatings for metal sheets, marine coatings, and protective coatings for machinery and furniture. International trade involves major paint and coating manufacturers. Importers are typically automotive assembly plants, industrial manufacturers, and construction companies seeking high-performance, long-lasting finishes. Exporters are often countries with advanced chemical and manufacturing sectors.
- Covers
- Polyester automotive paints
- Industrial polyester coatings
- Coil coatings (polyester-based)
- Marine polyester varnishes
- Furniture polyester lacquers
- Powder coating polyesters
- Appliance finishes
- Examples
- AkzoNobel Interpon (powder coatings)
- PPG Deltron (automotive)
- Sherwin-Williams Polane
- Jotun Hardtop (marine)
- BASF Glasurit (automotive)
Codes often confused with 3208.10
Common mistake. Can be confused with other solvent-based paints (3208.20 for acrylic/vinyl, 3208.90 for other polymers) if the specific polyester resin base is not identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320810, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320810 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.5% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $463M 15% of world exports
- 2 Italy $386M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $317M 10% of world exports
World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $207M 6.5% of world imports
- 2 China $161M 5.0% of world imports
- 3 France $159M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $3.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 3208.10 3
Brazil splits HS 3208.10 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3208.10.10 Polyester paints, non-aqueousTintas
- 3208.10.20 Polyester varnishes, non-aqueousVernizes
- 3208.10.30 Polyester solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4Soluções definidas na Nota 4 do presente Capítulo
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 32.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3208.10
What is HS code 320810?
HS code 320810 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paints and varnishes; based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. This HS code covers paints and varnishes based on polyester polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous (solvent-based) medium. Polyester-based coatings are highly valued for their exceptional durability, hardness, chemical resistance, and excellent adhesion, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications. They are widely used in automotive finishes, coil coatings for metal sheets, marine coatings, and protective coatings for machinery and furniture. International trade involves major paint and coating manufacturers. Importers are typically automotive assembly plants, industrial manufacturers, and construction companies seeking high-performance, long-lasting finishes. Exporters are often countries with advanced chemical and manufacturing sectors.
What products fall under HS code 320810?
Polyester automotive paints, industrial polyester coatings, coil coatings (polyester-based), marine polyester varnishes, furniture polyester lacquers, powder coating polyesters, appliance finishes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320810?
Can be confused with other solvent-based paints (3208.20 for acrylic/vinyl, 3208.90 for other polymers) if the specific polyester resin base is not identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320810?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320810 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($463M, 15% of world exports), Italy ($386M) and the United States ($317M). World exports came to about $3.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 320810?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320810 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($207M, 6.5% of world imports), China ($161M) and France ($159M). World imports came to about $3.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 320810 structured?
HS code 320810 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320810?
Brazil splits HS code 320810 into 3 NCM codes: 3208.10.10 (Polyester paints, non-aqueous), 3208.10.20 (Polyester varnishes, non-aqueous), 3208.10.30 (Polyester solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.