HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3208.90 – Paints and varnishes; based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium
HS code 3208.90 is the 6-digit subheading for paints and varnishes, based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. It is used for epoxy floor coatings, polyurethane topcoats, alkyd enamels, industrial primers and marine paints.
What HS 3208.90 covers
This HS code encompasses paints and varnishes formulated with various polymers (excluding polyesters, acrylic, or vinyl polymers specifically covered elsewhere in 3208) that are dissolved or dispersed in a non-aqueous, typically solvent-based, medium. These coatings are highly valued in international trade for their durability, chemical resistance, and specific performance characteristics, making them ideal for industrial, automotive, and marine applications. Major importers include manufacturing industries, construction firms, and specialized coating applicators seeking high-performance finishes. Exporters are typically large chemical companies and specialized paint manufacturers. Key considerations for trade include regulatory compliance for VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and hazardous materials, as well as performance specifications for different end-uses.
- Covers
- Epoxy floor coatings
- Polyurethane topcoats
- Alkyd enamels
- Industrial primers
- Marine paints
- Automotive refinish paints
- Solvent-based clear coats
- Phenolic coatings
- Examples
- Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200
- AkzoNobel Interpon
- PPG Delfleet
- Jotun Hardtop
- Rust-Oleum Industrial Enamel
Codes often confused with 3208.90
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 320810 (polyester-based) or 320820 (acrylic/vinyl-based) if the specific polymer type is not clearly identified, or with 320990 if the medium is mistaken for aqueous.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320890, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320890 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% 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 $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.1B 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $877M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $9.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.1B 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $445M 4.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $384M 4.1% of world imports
World total: $9.4B 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 3208.90 5
Brazil splits HS 3208.90 into 5 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3208.90.10 Other polymer paints, non-aqueousTintas
- 3208.90.2 VarnishesVernizes Group
- 3208.90.21 Cellulose derivative varnishes, non-aqueousÀ base de derivados de celulose
- 3208.90.29 Other polymer varnishes, non-aqueousOutros
- 3208.90.3 Solutions as defined in Note 4 to this ChapterSoluções definidas na Nota 4 do presente Capítulo Group
- 3208.90.31 Silicone solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4De silicones
- 3208.90.39 Other polymer solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4Outras
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 3208.90
What is HS code 320890?
HS code 320890 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paints and varnishes; based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. This HS code encompasses paints and varnishes formulated with various polymers (excluding polyesters, acrylic, or vinyl polymers specifically covered elsewhere in 3208) that are dissolved or dispersed in a non-aqueous, typically solvent-based, medium. These coatings are highly valued in international trade for their durability, chemical resistance, and specific performance characteristics, making them ideal for industrial, automotive, and marine applications. Major importers include manufacturing industries, construction firms, and specialized coating applicators seeking high-performance finishes. Exporters are typically large chemical companies and specialized paint manufacturers. Key considerations for trade include regulatory compliance for VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and hazardous materials, as well as performance specifications for different end-uses.
What products fall under HS code 320890?
Epoxy floor coatings, polyurethane topcoats, alkyd enamels, industrial primers, marine paints, automotive refinish paints, solvent-based clear coats, phenolic coatings
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320890?
This code can be confused with 320810 (polyester-based) or 320820 (acrylic/vinyl-based) if the specific polymer type is not clearly identified, or with 320990 if the medium is mistaken for aqueous.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320890?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320890 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.2B, 13% of world exports), Japan ($1.1B) and the United States ($877M). World exports came to about $9.4B, 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 320890?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320890 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 12% of world imports), Germany ($445M) and the United States ($384M). World imports came to about $9.4B, 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 320890 structured?
HS code 320890 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320890?
Brazil splits HS code 320890 into 5 NCM codes: 3208.90.10 (Other polymer paints, non-aqueous), 3208.90.21 (Cellulose derivative varnishes, non-aqueous), 3208.90.29 (Other polymer varnishes, non-aqueous), 3208.90.31 (Silicone solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4), 3208.90.39 (Other polymer solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.