Product classification
HS code for Organic solvents: 3814.00
Solvents and thinners, organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers.
Classification of organic solvents under HS 3814.00
Organic solvents and thinners are classified under HS code 3814.00 because they represent prepared mixtures of organic compounds designed for specific industrial applications, such as thinning paints or removing varnishes. Unlike pure chemical compounds found in Chapter 29, which consist of a single chemically defined substance, the products in 3814.00 are composite preparations. This classification is determined by the function and the complex chemical makeup of the solvent, which typically includes a blend of hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, or esters. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, these products are categorized based on their description as \"prepared\" mixtures. The inclusion of \"n.e.c.\" (not elsewhere classified) in the heading indicates that this is a residual category for organic solvent blends that do not meet the criteria for more specific headings in the Harmonized System. These mixtures are essential in the manufacturing of coatings and the cleaning of industrial equipment, where a single chemical would not provide the necessary solvency or evaporation rate.
- Covers
- Composite paint thinners
- Prepared varnish removers
- Organic composite solvents for cleaning
- Blended lacquer thinners
- Multi-component degreasing preparations
- Also under 3814.00
- Mineral spirits
- Acetone-based paint remover
- Xylene thinner
- Toluene-free paint stripper
- Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) blends
Codes often confused with 3814.00
Common mistake. Organic solvents are frequently misclassified under Chapter 29 (headings 2901 through 2935) which covers separate chemically defined organic compounds. If a solvent consists of a single pure chemical, such as 100% pure acetone (2914.11) or pure toluene (2902.30), it must be classified in Chapter 29. Another common error is using heading 3208, which is reserved for paints and varnishes themselves, rather than the solvents used to thin them.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381400 (the code used for organic solvents), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381400 (the code used for organic solvents) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 5.3% 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 381400, not only organic solvents.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $316M 15% of world exports
- 2 United States $250M 12% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $150M 7.0% of world exports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $120M 5.3% of world imports
- 2 Germany $109M 4.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $98M 4.4% of world imports
World total: $2.3B 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 organic solvents
Brazil splits HS 3814.00 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3814.00.10Composite solvents containing CFCs
- 3814.00.20Composite solvents containing HCFCs, no CFCs
- 3814.00.30Solvents with CCl4, BCM or methyl chloroform
- 3814.00.90Other composite solvents and paint removers
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about organic solvents
What is the HS code for Organic solvents?
The HS code for Organic solvents is 381400 (Solvents and thinners; organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers). The primary HS code for composite organic solvents and prepared thinners is 3814.00.
How do I classify Organic solvents for customs?
Organic solvents is classified under HS code 381400 — Solvents and thinners; organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are pure chemicals included in this code?
No, pure chemicals that are not blended with other substances are classified in Chapter 29 according to their specific chemical structure.
Which countries are the top exporters of organic solvents (HS 381400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381400 (the code used for organic solvents) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($316M, 15% of world exports), the United States ($250M) and the Netherlands ($150M). World exports came to about $2.1B, 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 organic solvents (HS 381400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381400 (the code used for organic solvents) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($120M, 5.3% of world imports), Germany ($109M) and the United States ($98M). World imports came to about $2.3B, 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 Organic solvents the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381400 for Organic solvents 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 organic solvents in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381400 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for organic solvents depends on the product's details: 3814.00.10 (Composite solvents containing CFCs), 3814.00.20 (Composite solvents containing HCFCs, no CFCs), 3814.00.30 (Solvents with CCl4, BCM or methyl chloroform), 3814.00.90 (Other composite solvents and paint removers).