Product classification
HS code for Acrylic paint: 3209.10
Paints and varnishes, based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.
Classification of acrylic paint under HS 3209.10
HS code 320910 is specifically assigned to paints and varnishes that are "based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium." Acrylic paint, by its fundamental composition, utilizes acrylic polymers as its primary binder, which are typically dispersed or dissolved in water, making it an aqueous-based product. This classification accurately captures the vast majority of acrylic paints available, from artist's colors to architectural coatings, due to their characteristic water-soluble or water-dispersible nature before drying. The code precisely identifies paints where the polymer system is acrylic or vinyl and the solvent medium is water, distinguishing them from solvent-based alternatives.
- Covers
- Artist's acrylic paints (water-based).
- Architectural acrylic emulsion paints.
- Industrial water-based acrylic coatings.
- Acrylic primers dispersed in water.
- Acrylic varnishes for interior use (water-based).
- Craft acrylic paints.
- Also under 3209.10
- Behr Premium Plus
- Valspar Signature
- Dulux Weathershield
- Benjamin Moore Aura
- Glidden Essentials
Codes often confused with 3209.10
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for acrylic paint primarily revolve around the solvent medium. HS code 320820 covers paints and varnishes "based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium." The critical distinction is the solvent: if the acrylic paint uses an organic solvent (non-aqueous), it falls under 320820. Another potential area of confusion is with 321000, which is a residual category for "Other paints and varnishes" not specifically covered elsewhere. Standard acrylic paints, however, are clearly defined by their polymer and medium. While some acrylic paints are for artists, 321310 (Artists', students' or sign-painters' colours) is for prepared colors in specific retail forms, not the general classification of the paint itself based on its chemical composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320910 (the code used for acrylic paint), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320910 (the code used for acrylic paint) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 320910, not only acrylic paint.
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 acrylic paint
Brazil splits HS 3209.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3209.10.10Water-based acrylic or vinyl paints
- 3209.10.20Water-based acrylic or vinyl varnishes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about acrylic paint
What is the HS code for Acrylic paint?
The HS code for Acrylic paint is 320910 (Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium). The HS code for Acrylic paint, based on acrylic or vinyl polymers and dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium, is 320910.
How do I classify Acrylic paint for customs?
Acrylic paint is classified under HS code 320910 — Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the key difference between 320910 and 320820?
The primary distinction lies in the solvent medium. HS code 320910 is for acrylic or vinyl polymer-based paints dispersed or dissolved in an *aqueous* (water) medium. In contrast, HS code 320820 is for similar paints where the polymers are dispersed or dissolved in a *non-aqueous* (organic solvent) medium.
Which countries are the top exporters of acrylic paint (HS 320910)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320910 (the code used for acrylic paint) 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 acrylic paint (HS 320910)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320910 (the code used for acrylic paint) 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.
Is the HS code for Acrylic paint the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320910 for Acrylic paint is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for acrylic paint in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320910 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for acrylic paint depends on the product's details: 3209.10.10 (Water-based acrylic or vinyl paints), 3209.10.20 (Water-based acrylic or vinyl varnishes).