Product classification
HS code for Craft paint: 3213.90
Colours, (other than in sets), of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters.
Classification of craft paint under HS 3213.90
Craft paint is classified under HS code 3213.90 because it is specifically formulated for artistic, educational, or decorative purposes rather than industrial applications. This code covers colors in various forms such as tubes, jars, or pans, provided they are not presented in sets. The classification is determined by the intended use and the packaging. Unlike industrial paints classified in headings 3208 or 3209, which are often sold in bulk for construction or automotive use, craft paints are typically sold in smaller quantities suitable for individual artists or students. The chemical composition often includes pigments dispersed in a medium like acrylic or oil, but the primary classification factor is the retail presentation for artistic use. According to the Explanatory Notes for heading 3213, these colors are used by artists, students, and signboard painters and are distinguished from prepared pigments of heading 3207 or other paints of headings 3208 to 3210. The sub-heading 3213.90 specifically excludes sets of these colors, which are instead classified under 3213.10. This distinction is crucial for customs valuation and regulatory compliance, as sets may be subject to different duty rates or safety standards. The products must be in a form that suggests their use for fine arts or hobbies, such as small containers or specialized applicators. Furthermore, the classification under 3213.90 requires that the product is not a set in the sense of General Interpretative Rule 3(b), but rather individual units of color. If the paint is intended for industrial use, such as coating large surfaces or for use in manufacturing, it would fall under Chapter 3208 or 3209, regardless of the container size.
- Covers
- Acrylic craft paint in individual tubes
- Oil colors for artists
- Gouache and tempera paints
- Poster colors
- Watercolor pans and individual jars
- Hobbyist enamel paints for models
- 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. Craft paint is often confused with HS code 3213.10, which is reserved for colors put up in sets (e.g., a box containing multiple tubes and a brush). It is also frequently misclassified under 3209.10 if the importer focuses solely on the water-based acrylic nature rather than the artistic application. Another common error is 3212.90 for dyes, but 3213 is the specific heading for artist colors.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321390 (the code used for craft paint), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321390 (the code used for craft 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 craft 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 craft paint
Brazil classifies craft 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 craft paint
What is the HS code for Craft paint?
The HS code for Craft paint is 321390 (Colours; (other than in sets), of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters). The HS code for individual containers of craft paint is 3213.90.
How do I classify Craft paint for customs?
Craft 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.
Is acrylic paint always 3213.90?
No, if the acrylic paint is sold in a kit with other tools like brushes or a palette, it is classified under 3213.10 as a set.
Which countries are the top exporters of craft paint (HS 321390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321390 (the code used for craft 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 craft paint (HS 321390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321390 (the code used for craft 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 Craft paint the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321390 for Craft 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 craft paint in Brazil?
In Brazil, craft paint (HS 321390) is classified under NCM 3213.90.00.