Product classification
HS code for Paint sets: 3213.10
Colours, in sets, of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters.
Classification of paint sets under HS 3213.10
Paint sets for artists, students, or signboard painters are classified under HS code 3213.10. This heading covers colors in various forms (tablets, tubes, jars, bottles, or pans) used for artistic purposes. The specific subheading 3213.10 is designated for these colors when they are presented in sets. According to the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), a \"set\" typically implies a collection of different colors packaged together for retail sale, often including accessories like brushes, palettes, or mixing trays. This classification is distinct from bulk industrial paints (3208 or 3209) because of the intended end-user and the retail packaging. The items in these sets are formulated for artistic expression rather than industrial protection or large-scale architectural decoration. Whether the set contains watercolors, oil paints, acrylics, or gouache, the primary classification remains 3213.10 as long as they are put up in sets for the specified users.
- Covers
- Watercolor sets in pans or tubes
- Acrylic paint sets for students
- Oil color sets for professional artists
- Gouache sets in jars
- Signboard painter color sets
- Paint-by-number sets (excluding the canvas)
- Also under 3213.10
- Winsor & Newton Cotman Watercolor Set
- Liquitex Basics Acrylic Set
- Faber-Castell Art & Graphic Set
- Reeves Acrylic Paint Set
- Crayola Washable Paint Set
Codes often confused with 3213.10
Common mistake. Paint sets are often confused with individual tubes of paint, which are classified under 3213.90. They may also be misclassified as toys under HS code 9503.00 if they are clearly intended for very young children and have limited artistic utility. Furthermore, pencils and crayons fall under 9609 and should not be confused with the liquid or paste colors of 3213.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321310 (the code used for paint sets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321310 (the code used for paint sets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 321310, not only paint sets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $236M 46% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $54M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $32M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $515M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $65M 13% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$63M 13% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Germany $44M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $487M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 sets
Brazil classifies paint sets under NCM 3213.10.00: HS 3213.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paint sets
What is the HS code for Paint sets?
The HS code for Paint sets is 321310 (Colours; in sets, of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters). The HS code for artist, student, or signboard painter colors put up in sets is 3213.10.
How do I classify Paint sets for customs?
Paint sets is classified under HS code 321310 — Colours; in sets, of a kind used by artists, students or signboard painters. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What if the set includes a brush?
If the brush is an accessory to the paint set and the set is packaged for retail sale, the entire set is still classified under 3213.10 following GRI 3(b).
Which countries are the top exporters of paint sets (HS 321310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321310 (the code used for paint sets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($236M, 46% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($54M) and Germany ($32M). World exports came to about $515M, 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 sets (HS 321310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321310 (the code used for paint sets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($65M, 13% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $63M) and Germany ($44M). World imports came to about $487M, 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 sets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321310 for Paint sets 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 sets in Brazil?
In Brazil, paint sets (HS 321310) is classified under NCM 3213.10.00.