HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9603.40 – Brushes; paint, distemper, varnish or similar brushes (not those of item no. 9603.30), paint pads and rollers
HS code 9603.40 is the 6-digit subheading for brushes, paint, distemper, varnish or similar brushes (not those of item no. 9603.30), paint pads and rollers. It is used for wall paint brushes, varnish brushes, stain brushes, paint rollers and roller frames.
What HS 9603.40 covers
This category covers brushes, paint pads, and rollers specifically designed for applying paints, varnishes, distempers, and similar coatings in construction, renovation, and DIY projects. It represents a high-volume segment of international trade, closely tied to the health of housing markets, infrastructure development, and consumer spending on home improvement. Importers typically include large hardware chains, construction material suppliers, and general retail distributors. Exporters are manufacturers specializing in painting tools, often leveraging economies of scale. Key aspects influencing trade are the type of bristles (natural, synthetic blends), roller nap length for different surfaces, and the durability of materials. The market is sensitive to raw material costs and global construction activity, making efficient supply chains crucial.
- Covers
- Wall paint brushes
- Varnish brushes
- Stain brushes
- Paint rollers
- Roller frames
- Paint pads
- Trim brushes
- Sash brushes
- Examples
- Purdy brushes
- Wooster brushes
- Graco paint rollers
- Shur-Line paint pads
- Corona brushes
Codes often confused with 9603.40
Common mistake. Distinct from artist brushes (960330) due to their larger size and coarser bristles for broader application, and from industrial machine brushes (960350) which are integrated into machinery.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 960340, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 960340 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 China $715M 58% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $73M 6.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $66M 5.3% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $139M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $95M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $76M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 9603.40 2
Brazil splits HS 9603.40 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 96.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9603.40
What is HS code 960340?
HS code 960340 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Brushes; paint, distemper, varnish or similar brushes (not those of item no. 9603.30), paint pads and rollers. This category covers brushes, paint pads, and rollers specifically designed for applying paints, varnishes, distempers, and similar coatings in construction, renovation, and DIY projects. It represents a high-volume segment of international trade, closely tied to the health of housing markets, infrastructure development, and consumer spending on home improvement. Importers typically include large hardware chains, construction material suppliers, and general retail distributors. Exporters are manufacturers specializing in painting tools, often leveraging economies of scale. Key aspects influencing trade are the type of bristles (natural, synthetic blends), roller nap length for different surfaces, and the durability of materials. The market is sensitive to raw material costs and global construction activity, making efficient supply chains crucial.
What products fall under HS code 960340?
Wall paint brushes, varnish brushes, stain brushes, paint rollers, roller frames, paint pads, trim brushes, sash brushes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 960340?
Distinct from artist brushes (960330) due to their larger size and coarser bristles for broader application, and from industrial machine brushes (960350) which are integrated into machinery.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 960340?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 960340 in UN Comtrade data were China ($715M, 58% of world exports), Czechia ($73M) and Germany ($66M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 960340?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 960340 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($139M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($95M) and the United Kingdom ($76M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 960340 structured?
HS code 960340 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (96) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 960340?
Brazil splits HS code 960340 into 2 NCM codes: 9603.40.10 (Paint rollers), 9603.40.90 (Paint, distemper and varnish brushes; paint pads). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.