Product classification
HS code for Paint removers: 3814.00
Solvents and thinners, organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers.
Classification of paint removers under HS 3814.00
Paint removers are classified under HS code 3814.00. This code is found within Chapter 38, which covers miscellaneous chemical products. Heading 3814 specifically includes organic composite solvents and thinners, not elsewhere specified or included, as well as prepared paint or varnish removers. These products are typically chemical mixtures designed to soften or dissolve layers of paint, varnish, or lacquer from surfaces to facilitate their removal. The classification under 3814.00 is appropriate because these items are "prepared" chemical mixtures rather than single, chemically defined compounds. According to the General Interpretative Rules, products that are mixtures of two or more components used as solvents or removers must be classified here. The code encompasses a wide range of formulations, including those based on esters, ketones, or other organic solvents, provided they are marketed and used specifically for the removal of coatings or as composite thinning agents in industrial or DIY applications.
- Covers
- Chemical paint strippers in liquid or gel form
- Varnish and lacquer removers
- Composite organic solvents for thinning paint
- Graffiti removers designed for painted surfaces
- Prepared solvent blends for cleaning painting tools
- Industrial strength coating removers
- 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. Paint removers are often confused with HS code 3214.10, which covers glaziers' putty, grafting putty, and resin cements. While both are used in surface preparation, 3214 is for fillers and sealants, not removers. Additionally, if a paint remover consists of a single, pure chemical compound (like pure acetone), it must be classified in Chapter 29 (e.g., 2914.11) rather than 3814.00. HS code 3814.00 is strictly for composite mixtures of organic chemicals.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381400 (the code used for paint removers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381400 (the code used for paint removers) 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 paint removers.
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 paint removers
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 paint removers
What is the HS code for Paint removers?
The HS code for Paint removers is 381400 (Solvents and thinners; organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers). The HS code for prepared paint and varnish removers, as well as composite organic solvents, is 3814.00.
How do I classify Paint removers for customs?
Paint removers 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.
Can pure acetone be classified under 3814.00?
No, pure acetone is a single chemically defined compound and is classified under HS code 2914.11. HS code 3814.00 is only for mixtures or composite solvents.
Which countries are the top exporters of paint removers (HS 381400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381400 (the code used for paint removers) 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 paint removers (HS 381400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381400 (the code used for paint removers) 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 Paint removers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381400 for Paint removers 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 removers in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381400 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for paint removers 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).