Product classification
HS code for Industrial coatings: 3208.90
Paints and varnishes, based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium.
Classification of industrial coatings under HS 3208.90
Industrial coatings are classified under HS code 3208.90 when they are paints or varnishes based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous (solvent-based) medium. Heading 3208 covers solvent-based coatings, and subheading 3208.90 is the residual category for polymers not specifically named in 3208.10 (polyesters) or 3208.20 (acrylic or vinyl polymers). These coatings are designed for heavy-duty industrial use, providing protection against corrosion, chemical exposure, and mechanical wear. The classification is strictly based on the chemical composition of the binder and the nature of the solvent. For a product to fall under this heading, the weight of the solvent must exceed 50% of the weight of the solution, or it must be a clearly defined paint or varnish. These products are widely used in the automotive, aerospace, and marine industries to provide durable finishes on metal, plastic, and wood surfaces.
- Covers
- Polyurethane industrial coatings (solvent-based)
- Epoxy resin coatings in non-aqueous solutions
- Silicone-based heat-resistant industrial paints
- Anti-corrosive solvent-borne coatings
- Clear varnishes based on synthetic resins
- Also under 3208.90
- Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200
- AkzoNobel Interpon
- PPG Delfleet
- Jotun Hardtop
- Rust-Oleum Industrial Enamel
Codes often confused with 3208.90
Common mistake. The most common error is confusing 3208.90 with 3209.90. The distinction lies in the solvent: 3208 is for non-aqueous (solvent-based) media, while 3209 is for aqueous (water-based) media. Additionally, if the polymer solution contains 50% or less solvent and is not a finished paint, it might be classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
Top exporters and importers of HS 320890 (the code used for industrial coatings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320890 (the code used for industrial coatings) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 12% 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 320890, not only industrial coatings.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.2B 13% of world exports
- 2 Japan $1.1B 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $877M 9.3% of world exports
World total: $9.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.1B 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $445M 4.7% of world imports
- 3 United States $384M 4.1% of world imports
World total: $9.4B 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 industrial coatings
Brazil splits HS 3208.90 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3208.90.10Other polymer paints, non-aqueous
- 3208.90.21Cellulose derivative varnishes, non-aqueous
- 3208.90.29Other polymer varnishes, non-aqueous
- 3208.90.31Silicone solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4
- 3208.90.39Other polymer 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 industrial coatings
What is the HS code for Industrial coatings?
The HS code for Industrial coatings is 320890 (Paints and varnishes; based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium). The HS code for solvent-based industrial coatings using miscellaneous polymers is 3208.90.
How do I classify Industrial coatings for customs?
Industrial coatings is classified under HS code 320890 — Paints and varnishes; based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between 3208 and 3209?
Check the safety data sheet (SDS); if the primary carrier/solvent is water, use 3209. If it is a chemical solvent like xylene or toluene, use 3208.
Which countries are the top exporters of industrial coatings (HS 320890)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320890 (the code used for industrial coatings) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.2B, 13% of world exports), Japan ($1.1B) and the United States ($877M). World exports came to about $9.4B, 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 industrial coatings (HS 320890)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320890 (the code used for industrial coatings) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 12% of world imports), Germany ($445M) and the United States ($384M). World imports came to about $9.4B, 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 Industrial coatings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320890 for Industrial coatings 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 industrial coatings in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320890 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for industrial coatings depends on the product's details: 3208.90.10 (Other polymer paints, non-aqueous), 3208.90.21 (Cellulose derivative varnishes, non-aqueous), 3208.90.29 (Other polymer varnishes, non-aqueous), 3208.90.31 (Silicone solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4), 3208.90.39 (Other polymer solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4).