Product classification
HS code for Polyester paint: 3208.10
Paints and varnishes, based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium.
Classification of polyester paint under HS 3208.10
Polyester paint is classified under HS code 3208.10 because it is a coating material based on synthetic polymers (polyesters) dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. Chapter 32 covers the broad category of paints, varnishes, and related coloring matter. Heading 3208 specifically targets solvent-based systems, where the liquid phase is an organic solvent rather than water. The subheading 3208.10 is reserved for those formulations where the primary binder or film-forming component is a polyester resin. These paints are widely used in automotive, industrial, and marine applications due to their durability, chemical resistance, and high-quality finish. The classification depends entirely on the chemical composition of the resin and the nature of the solvent, as defined by the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, ensuring that only polyester-based solvent paints are included here.
- Covers
- Solvent-based polyester enamels
- Polyester-based varnishes
- Non-aqueous industrial polyester coatings
- Polyester resin-based lacquers
- Also under 3208.10
- AkzoNobel Interpon (powder coatings)
- PPG Deltron (automotive)
- Sherwin-Williams Polane
- Jotun Hardtop (marine)
- BASF Glasurit (automotive)
Codes often confused with 3208.10
Common mistake. HS code 3209.10 is the most common misclassification, which covers paints based on acrylic or vinyl polymers in an aqueous (water) medium. If the polyester resin is dissolved in water, it must be classified under heading 3209. Another confusion arises with HS code 3208.20, which covers paints based on acrylic or vinyl polymers in a non-aqueous medium. The chemical nature of the binder (polyester versus acrylic) is the deciding factor for correct classification under 3208.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320810 (the code used for polyester paint), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320810 (the code used for polyester paint) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 15% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 6.5% 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 320810, not only polyester paint.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $463M 15% of world exports
- 2 Italy $386M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $317M 10% of world exports
World total: $3.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $207M 6.5% of world imports
- 2 China $161M 5.0% of world imports
- 3 France $159M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $3.2B 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 polyester paint
Brazil splits HS 3208.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3208.10.10Polyester paints, non-aqueous
- 3208.10.20Polyester varnishes, non-aqueous
- 3208.10.30Polyester solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about polyester paint
What is the HS code for Polyester paint?
The HS code for Polyester paint is 320810 (Paints and varnishes; based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium). The HS code for paints and varnishes based on polyesters in a non-aqueous medium is 3208.10.
How do I classify Polyester paint for customs?
Polyester paint is classified under HS code 320810 — Paints and varnishes; based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can water-based polyester paint use this code?
No, water-based (aqueous) paints are classified under heading 3209, even if they contain polyester resins.
Which countries are the top exporters of polyester paint (HS 320810)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320810 (the code used for polyester paint) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($463M, 15% of world exports), Italy ($386M) and the United States ($317M). World exports came to about $3.1B, 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 polyester paint (HS 320810)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320810 (the code used for polyester paint) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($207M, 6.5% of world imports), China ($161M) and France ($159M). World imports came to about $3.2B, 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 Polyester paint the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320810 for Polyester paint 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 polyester paint in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320810 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for polyester paint depends on the product's details: 3208.10.10 (Polyester paints, non-aqueous), 3208.10.20 (Polyester varnishes, non-aqueous), 3208.10.30 (Polyester solutions per Chapter 32 Note 4).