Product classification
HS code for Paint thinners: 3814.00
Solvents and thinners, organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers.
Classification of paint thinners under HS 3814.00
Organic composite solvents and thinners are classified under HS code 3814.00. This heading also includes prepared paint or varnish removers. These products are mixtures of various organic chemicals (such as alcohols, ketones, or hydrocarbons) designed to reduce the viscosity of paints or to clean application equipment. Because they are \"composite\" (mixtures), they are placed in Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous chemical products) rather than Chapter 29 (Organic chemicals), which is reserved for separate chemically defined compounds. The classification is driven by the fact that these are functional chemical preparations not elsewhere specified. This heading also includes products designed to remove old layers of paint or varnish, often referred to as paint strippers. These preparations may contain solvents combined with thickeners (like paraffin wax or methyl cellulose) to allow the product to cling to vertical surfaces. The classification is determined by the functional preparation of the mixture. It is also important to distinguish these from mineral spirits or white spirits. While white spirit is a common component of thinners, if it is presented as a simple petroleum distillate without further additives, it may be classified elsewhere.
- Covers
- Mixed lacquer thinners
- Enamel paint reducers
- Composite varnish removers (strippers)
- Blended organic solvents for cleaning paint guns
- Cellulose thinners
- 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 thinners are frequently misclassified under HS code 2710.12 (Light oils/White spirit) if they are primarily petroleum-based. However, if they are complex mixtures of different organic solvent groups, 3814.00 is correct. They are also distinct from pure acetone (2914.11) or pure toluene (2902.30), which are single chemical compounds classified in Chapter 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381400 (the code used for paint thinners), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381400 (the code used for paint thinners) 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 thinners.
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 thinners
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 thinners
What is the HS code for Paint thinners?
The HS code for Paint thinners is 381400 (Solvents and thinners; organic composite solvents and thinners, n.e.c. or included, prepared paint or varnish removers). The HS code for organic composite solvents and thinners is 3814.00.
How do I classify Paint thinners for customs?
Paint thinners 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.
Does this code include paint strippers?
Yes, prepared paint or varnish removers (strippers) are specifically included in the heading 3814.00 alongside thinners and solvents.
Which countries are the top exporters of paint thinners (HS 381400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381400 (the code used for paint thinners) 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 thinners (HS 381400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381400 (the code used for paint thinners) 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 thinners the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381400 for Paint thinners 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 thinners in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381400 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for paint thinners 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).