Product classification
HS code for Acrylic varnish: 3208.20
Paints and varnishes, based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium.
Classification of acrylic varnish under HS 3208.20
Acrylic varnish is classified under HS code 3208.20. This classification is determined by the chemical composition of the binder and the nature of the solvent. Chapter 32 covers tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins, pigments, and paints and varnishes. Heading 3208 specifically applies to paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. The subheading 3208.20 is reserved for those based on acrylic or vinyl polymers. For a product to fall under this code, the weight of the solvent must exceed 50% of the weight of the solution, or it must be clearly identified as a solvent-based system. If the acrylic polymer is dissolved in an organic solvent rather than water, 3208.20 is the correct designation. This follows General Interpretative Rule 1 and the specific Chapter 32 notes regarding the distinction between aqueous and non-aqueous media.
- Covers
- Solvent-based acrylic varnishes
- Acrylic lacquers for automotive or industrial use
- Non-aqueous acrylic clear coats
- Acrylic enamels dissolved in organic solvents
- Acrylic-based wood stains in non-aqueous media
- Also under 3208.20
- Axalta Cromax (automotive)
- PPG Delfleet (commercial transport)
- Rust-Oleum Industrial Choice
- Sherwin-Williams ProMar
- Hempel Hempadur
Codes often confused with 3208.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is confusing 3208.20 with 3209.10. HS code 3209.10 is used for acrylic paints and varnishes dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous (water-based) medium. Importers must verify the solvent type to distinguish between these two. Another error is using 3210.00, which is a residual category for other paints and varnishes that do not fit the specific polymer descriptions in 3208 or 3209.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320820 (the code used for acrylic varnish), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320820 (the code used for acrylic varnish) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 7.0% 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 320820, not only acrylic varnish.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $958M 19% of world exports
- 2 Japan $659M 13% of world exports
- 3 United States $449M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $5.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $340M 7.0% of world imports
- 2 Germany $271M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 United States $267M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $4.9B 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 varnish
Brazil splits HS 3208.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3208.20.11Acrylic paint sets for printed circuit manufacture
- 3208.20.19Other acrylic or vinyl paints, non-aqueous
- 3208.20.20Acrylic or vinyl varnishes, non-aqueous
- 3208.20.30Acrylic or vinyl solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about acrylic varnish
What is the HS code for Acrylic varnish?
The HS code for Acrylic varnish is 320820 (Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium). The HS code for solvent-based acrylic varnish is 3208.20. If it is water-based, the code is 3209.10.
How do I classify Acrylic varnish for customs?
Acrylic varnish is classified under HS code 320820 — Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What defines a 'non-aqueous' medium in HS code 3208?
A non-aqueous medium refers to a solution where the volatile organic solvent (like mineral spirits or toluene) is the primary carrier, rather than water.
Which countries are the top exporters of acrylic varnish (HS 320820)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320820 (the code used for acrylic varnish) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($958M, 19% of world exports), Japan ($659M) and the United States ($449M). World exports came to about $5.1B, 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 acrylic varnish (HS 320820)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320820 (the code used for acrylic varnish) in UN Comtrade data were China ($340M, 7.0% of world imports), Germany ($271M) and the United States ($267M). World imports came to about $4.9B, 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 varnish the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320820 for Acrylic varnish 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 varnish in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320820 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for acrylic varnish depends on the product's details: 3208.20.11 (Acrylic paint sets for printed circuit manufacture), 3208.20.19 (Other acrylic or vinyl paints, non-aqueous), 3208.20.20 (Acrylic or vinyl varnishes, non-aqueous), 3208.20.30 (Acrylic or vinyl solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4).