Product classification
HS code for Paint driers: 3211.00
Driers, prepared.
Classification of paint driers under HS 3211.00
Prepared paint driers are classified under HS code 3211.00. These are chemical preparations, often based on metallic naphthenates, octoates, or linoleates, which are added to paints and varnishes to accelerate the drying process by promoting the oxidation or polymerization of the binder. This code is part of Chapter 32, which encompasses tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins and their derivatives, dyes, pigments, and other coloring matter, as well as paints and varnishes. The classification under 3211.00 is specific to \"prepared\" driers, meaning they are mixtures or solutions ready for use in the paint industry. This distinguishes them from pure chemical compounds which might be classified in Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals) or Chapter 29 (Organic chemicals). The Harmonized System groups these additives with the primary coating materials they support because they are essential components in the formulation of oil-based paints and varnishes. The driers act as catalysts, and their classification depends on them being prepared mixtures rather than isolated chemical elements.
- Covers
- Liquid metallic driers (e.g., cobalt or manganese naphthenates)
- Solid prepared driers in powder or flake form
- Mixed metal driers (combinations of lead, calcium, and zinc)
- Driers dispersed in organic solvents for easy mixing
- Also under 3211.00
- Borchers Driers
- OMG Borchers
- Dorf Ketal
- King Industries K-KAT
- Shepherd Chemical Driers
Codes often confused with 3211.00
Common mistake. Paint driers are often misclassified under HS code 3811, which covers anti-knock preparations and additives for mineral oils. While both are chemical additives, 3811 is strictly for fuels and lubricants. They may also be confused with finished paints (3208 or 3209) if they are already blended into a coating, but as a standalone additive, 3211.00 is the correct heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321100 (the code used for paint driers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321100 (the code used for paint driers) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 11% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 13% 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 321100, not only paint driers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $25M 11% of world exports
- 2 India $24M 11% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $22M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $226M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $29M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $19M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 Germany $12M 5.1% of world imports
World total: $227M 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 paint driers
Brazil classifies paint driers under NCM 3211.00.00: HS 3211.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paint driers
What is the HS code for Paint driers?
The HS code for Paint driers is 321100 (Driers; prepared). The HS code for prepared paint driers is 3211.00.
How do I classify Paint driers for customs?
Paint driers is classified under HS code 321100 — Driers; prepared. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a single chemical like Cobalt Naphthenate be classified here?
Yes, if it is prepared as a drier (e.g., dissolved in a solvent or mixed with other agents), it falls under 3211.00. Pure, separate chemically defined compounds would fall under Chapter 29.
Which countries are the top exporters of paint driers (HS 321100)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321100 (the code used for paint driers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($25M, 11% of world exports), India ($24M) and Belgium ($22M). World exports came to about $226M, 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 driers (HS 321100)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321100 (the code used for paint driers) in UN Comtrade data were China ($29M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($19M) and Germany ($12M). World imports came to about $227M, 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 driers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321100 for Paint driers 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 driers in Brazil?
In Brazil, paint driers (HS 321100) is classified under NCM 3211.00.00.