HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3814.00 – Solvents and thinners; organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers
HS code 3814.00 is the 6-digit subheading for solvents and thinners, organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers. It is used for paint thinners, varnish removers, lacquer thinners, epoxy resin solvents and industrial degreasers.
What HS 3814.00 covers
This category covers organic composite solvents and thinners, as well as prepared paint or varnish removers, that are not elsewhere specified. These products are essential for a wide range of industries, including paints and coatings, printing, cleaning, and chemical manufacturing. They are used to dissolve, dilute, or clean various substances, playing a crucial role in surface preparation, application of finishes, and equipment maintenance. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, distributors, and companies in the automotive, construction, furniture, and art supply sectors. Key considerations involve the specific chemical composition, flash point, evaporation rate, and solvency power, which dictate their suitability for different applications. Environmental regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) significantly impact the formulation and trade of these products, driving demand for low-VOC and bio-based alternatives. Safety data sheets and proper handling procedures are paramount due to their flammability and potential health hazards.
- Covers
- Paint thinners
- Varnish removers
- Lacquer thinners
- Epoxy resin solvents
- Industrial degreasers
- Printing ink solvents
- Adhesive removers
- Brush cleaners
- Examples
- Mineral spirits
- Acetone-based paint remover
- Xylene thinner
- Toluene-free paint stripper
- Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) blends
Codes often confused with 3814.00
Common mistake. This code can be confused with individual organic solvents classified in Chapter 29 (e.g., 2905.11 for methanol, 2907.11 for phenol) if they are not prepared composite mixtures, or with 3208 (paints and varnishes) if the primary function is not as a solvent or remover.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 381400, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 381400 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 5.3% 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 $316M 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $250M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $150M 7.0% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $120M 5.3% of world imports
- 2 Germany $109M 4.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $98M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 3814.00 4
Brazil splits HS 3814.00 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3814.00.10 Composite solvents containing CFCsQue contenham clorofluorcarbonetos (CFC) do metano, do etano ou do propano, mesmo que contenham hidroclorofluorcarbonetos (HCFC)
- 3814.00.20 Composite solvents containing HCFCs, no CFCsQue contenham hidroclorofluorcarbonetos (HCFC) do metano, do etano ou do propano, mas que não contenham clorofluorcarbonetos (CFC)
- 3814.00.30 Solvents with CCl4, BCM or methyl chloroformQue contenham tetracloreto de carbono, bromoclorometano ou 1,1,1-tricloroetano (metilclorofórmio)
- 3814.00.90 Other composite solvents and paint removersOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 38.14 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3814.00
What is HS code 381400?
HS code 381400 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Solvents and thinners; organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers. This category covers organic composite solvents and thinners, as well as prepared paint or varnish removers, that are not elsewhere specified. These products are essential for a wide range of industries, including paints and coatings, printing, cleaning, and chemical manufacturing. They are used to dissolve, dilute, or clean various substances, playing a crucial role in surface preparation, application of finishes, and equipment maintenance. Importers and exporters include chemical manufacturers, distributors, and companies in the automotive, construction, furniture, and art supply sectors. Key considerations involve the specific chemical composition, flash point, evaporation rate, and solvency power, which dictate their suitability for different applications. Environmental regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) significantly impact the formulation and trade of these products, driving demand for low-VOC and bio-based alternatives. Safety data sheets and proper handling procedures are paramount due to their flammability and potential health hazards.
What products fall under HS code 381400?
Paint thinners, Varnish removers, Lacquer thinners, Epoxy resin solvents, Industrial degreasers, Printing ink solvents, Adhesive removers, Brush cleaners
What are common misclassifications for HS code 381400?
This code can be confused with individual organic solvents classified in Chapter 29 (e.g., 2905.11 for methanol, 2907.11 for phenol) if they are not prepared composite mixtures, or with 3208 (paints and varnishes) if the primary function is not as a solvent or remover.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 381400?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 381400 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($316M, 15% of world exports), the United States ($250M) and the Netherlands ($150M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 381400?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 381400 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($120M, 5.3% of world imports), Germany ($109M) and the United States ($98M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 381400 structured?
HS code 381400 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (14) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 381400?
Brazil splits HS code 381400 into 4 NCM codes: 3814.00.10 (Composite solvents containing CFCs), 3814.00.20 (Composite solvents containing HCFCs, no CFCs), 3814.00.30 (Solvents with CCl4, BCM or methyl chloroform), 3814.00.90 (Other composite solvents and paint removers). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.