Product classification
HS code for Paint brushes: 9603.40
Brushes, paint, distemper, varnish or similar brushes (not those of item no. 9603.30), paint pads and rollers.
Classification of paint brushes under HS 9603.40
Paint brushes are classified under HS code 9603.40 because they fall within the broader category of brooms, brushes, and mops found in Chapter 96 of the Harmonized System. Specifically, heading 9603 covers various types of brushes, and subheading 9603.40 is reserved for brushes used for applying paint, distemper, varnish, or similar liquids. The classification is determined by the primary function of the tool—applying surface coatings—and its physical construction, which typically involves a handle and a head of bristles or fibers. Unlike artist brushes, which are classified under 9603.30, these brushes are generally intended for industrial, trade, or household maintenance applications. The General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System dictate that products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since these items are finished manufactured goods used for manual application of coatings, they are excluded from chemical chapters and placed in the miscellaneous manufacturing chapter. The materials used for the bristles—whether natural animal hair, synthetic filaments like nylon, or vegetable fibers—do not change the primary classification under 9603.40, provided the tool is designed for the application of paints and varnishes.
- Covers
- Flat paint brushes for household use
- Round and oval varnish brushes
- Radiator brushes with angled handles
- Paint rollers and replacement roller sleeves
- Paint pads for smooth surface application
- Distemper brushes for masonry work
- Also under 9603.40
- Purdy brushes
- Wooster brushes
- Graco paint rollers
- Shur-Line paint pads
- Corona brushes
Codes often confused with 9603.40
Common mistake. Paint brushes are frequently confused with artist brushes, which are classified under HS code 9603.30. The distinction lies in the intended use and quality; 9603.30 is for fine arts, whereas 9603.40 is for decorative or protective coatings. Additionally, brushes that are parts of machines are classified under 9603.50, and personal grooming brushes like hairbrushes fall under 9603.29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 960340 (the code used for paint brushes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 960340 (the code used for paint brushes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 960340, not only paint brushes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $715M 58% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $73M 6.0% of world exports
- 3 Germany $66M 5.3% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $139M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $95M 8.3% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $76M 6.6% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 paint brushes
Brazil splits HS 9603.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9603.40.10Paint rollers
- 9603.40.90Paint, distemper and varnish brushes; paint pads
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paint brushes
What is the HS code for Paint brushes?
The HS code for Paint brushes is 960340 (Brushes; paint, distemper, varnish or similar brushes (not those of item no. 9603.30), paint pads and rollers). The primary HS code for paint brushes, including rollers and pads, is 9603.40.
How do I classify Paint brushes for customs?
Paint brushes is classified under HS code 960340 — Brushes; paint, distemper, varnish or similar brushes (not those of item no. 9603.30), paint pads and rollers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are paint rollers classified differently than brushes?
No, under the Harmonized System, paint rollers and paint pads are specifically included in the same subheading (9603.40) as traditional paint brushes.
Which countries are the top exporters of paint brushes (HS 960340)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 960340 (the code used for paint brushes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($715M, 58% of world exports), Czechia ($73M) and Germany ($66M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 paint brushes (HS 960340)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 960340 (the code used for paint brushes) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($139M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($95M) and the United Kingdom ($76M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Paint brushes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 960340 for Paint brushes 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 paint brushes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 960340 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for paint brushes depends on the product's details: 9603.40.10 (Paint rollers), 9603.40.90 (Paint, distemper and varnish brushes; paint pads).