Product classification
HS code for Artist paint: 3213.90
Colours, (other than in sets), of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters.
Classification of artist paint under HS 3213.90
Artist paint is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 321390. This code specifically covers "Colours; (other than in sets), of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters". This classification is precise, identifying paints that are formulated and packaged for individual sale, rather than as part of a kit, and are intended for creative or professional artistic applications. The description clearly distinguishes these paints from industrial or household paints, focusing on their specific use by artists, students, or signboard painters who require particular pigments, binders, and consistency for their work.
- Covers
- Individual tubes of oil paint
- Individual tubes or pots of acrylic paint
- Individual pans or tubes of watercolor paint
- Gouache paints (not in sets)
- Tempera paints (not in sets)
- Textile paints for artistic use (not in sets)
- Also under 3213.90
- Golden Heavy Body Acrylics
- Sennelier Oil Paints
- Daniel Smith Watercolors
- Liquitex Professional Acrylic Ink
- Winsor & Newton Professional Water Colour
Codes often confused with 3213.90
Common mistake. Artist paint can be misclassified if not carefully distinguished by its form and intended user. HS code 321310 covers "Colours; in sets, of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters". The crucial difference here is whether the paints are presented as individual items (321390) or as part of a curated set (321310). Another potential misclassification could be with HS codes like 3209 (Paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers) or 3210 (Other paints and varnishes), which generally cover paints for industrial, architectural, or household use. These codes are distinct from 321390 because artist paints possess specific qualities, such as pigment concentration, lightfastness, and workability, tailored for fine art rather than general protective or decorative coatings.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321390 (the code used for artist paint), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321390 (the code used for artist paint) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 321390, not only artist paint.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $153M 28% of world exports
- 2 France $61M 11% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $49M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $549M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $72M 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $37M 8.0% of world imports
- 3 France $37M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $467M 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 code for artist paint
Brazil classifies artist paint under NCM 3213.90.00: HS 3213.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about artist paint
What is the HS code for Artist paint?
The HS code for Artist paint is 321390 (Colours; (other than in sets), of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters). The HS code for artist paint, when sold individually and not in sets, is 321390. This applies to colors used by artists, students, or signboard painters.
How do I classify Artist paint for customs?
Artist paint is classified under HS code 321390 — Colours; (other than in sets), of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are artist paint sets classified differently from individual artist paints?
Artist paint sets are classified under HS code 321310, whereas individual artist paints fall under HS code 321390. The distinction is based solely on whether the paints are presented as a collection in a set or as separate, individual items.
Which countries are the top exporters of artist paint (HS 321390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321390 (the code used for artist paint) in UN Comtrade data were China ($153M, 28% of world exports), France ($61M) and the Netherlands ($49M). World exports came to about $549M, 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 artist paint (HS 321390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321390 (the code used for artist paint) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($72M, 15% of world imports), Germany ($37M) and France ($37M). World imports came to about $467M, 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 Artist paint the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321390 for Artist 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 artist paint in Brazil?
In Brazil, artist paint (HS 321390) is classified under NCM 3213.90.00.