HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3209.10 – Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium
HS code 3209.10 is the 6-digit subheading for paints and varnishes, based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium. It is used for acrylic latex paint, vinyl acetate paint, water-based primers, exterior acrylic house paint and interior vinyl emulsion paint.
What HS 3209.10 covers
This HS code covers paints and varnishes based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, which are dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous (water-based) medium. These coatings are highly popular in international trade due to their environmental benefits, low VOC content, ease of cleanup, and versatility. They are extensively used in architectural, decorative, and some light industrial applications. Importers often include construction companies, DIY retail chains, and interior design firms, while exporters are typically large chemical and paint manufacturers. Key trade considerations involve adherence to environmental regulations, performance standards for different climates, and consumer safety certifications.
- Covers
- Acrylic latex paint
- Vinyl acetate paint
- Water-based primers
- Exterior acrylic house paint
- Interior vinyl emulsion paint
- Acrylic craft paint
- Water-based clear coats
- Elastomeric wall coatings
- Examples
- Behr Premium Plus
- Valspar Signature
- Dulux Weathershield
- Benjamin Moore Aura
- Glidden Essentials
Codes often confused with 3209.10
Common mistake. Often confused with 320990 if the specific polymer isn't identified as acrylic or vinyl, or with 320820 if the medium is mistakenly identified as non-aqueous.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320910, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320910 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 11% 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 $873M 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $760M 17% of world exports
- 3 Italy $312M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $511M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $243M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Poland $211M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $4.5B 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 3209.10 2
Brazil splits HS 3209.10 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3209.10.10 Water-based acrylic or vinyl paintsTintas
- 3209.10.20 Water-based acrylic or vinyl varnishesVernizes
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 32.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3209.10
What is HS code 320910?
HS code 320910 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium. This HS code covers paints and varnishes based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, which are dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous (water-based) medium. These coatings are highly popular in international trade due to their environmental benefits, low VOC content, ease of cleanup, and versatility. They are extensively used in architectural, decorative, and some light industrial applications. Importers often include construction companies, DIY retail chains, and interior design firms, while exporters are typically large chemical and paint manufacturers. Key trade considerations involve adherence to environmental regulations, performance standards for different climates, and consumer safety certifications.
What products fall under HS code 320910?
Acrylic latex paint, vinyl acetate paint, water-based primers, exterior acrylic house paint, interior vinyl emulsion paint, acrylic craft paint, water-based clear coats, elastomeric wall coatings
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320910?
Often confused with 320990 if the specific polymer isn't identified as acrylic or vinyl, or with 320820 if the medium is mistakenly identified as non-aqueous.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320910?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320910 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($873M, 19% of world exports), the United States ($760M) and Italy ($312M). World exports came to about $4.6B, 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 320910?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320910 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($511M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($243M) and Poland ($211M). World imports came to about $4.5B, 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 320910 structured?
HS code 320910 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) 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 320910?
Brazil splits HS code 320910 into 2 NCM codes: 3209.10.10 (Water-based acrylic or vinyl paints), 3209.10.20 (Water-based acrylic or vinyl varnishes). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.