Product classification
HS code for Vinyl paint: 3209.10
Paints and varnishes, based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium.
Classification of vinyl paint under HS 3209.10
Vinyl paint is classified under HS code 3209.10, which covers paints and varnishes based on acrylic or vinyl polymers dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous (water-based) medium. The classification is determined by two essential factors: the chemical identity of the binder and the nature of the solvent. The binder must be a polymer of vinyl (such as polyvinyl acetate) or an acrylic polymer. The medium must be water-based, which distinguishes these products from solvent-based paints found in heading 3208. Vinyl paints are commonly used for interior walls and ceilings due to their low odor, quick drying times, and ease of cleaning. In the context of the Harmonized System, 'aqueous medium' refers to a liquid where water is the primary volatile component. These paints are often referred to as emulsion paints. The classification remains 3209.10 regardless of whether the paint is intended for architectural, industrial, or artistic purposes, provided the polymer and water-based criteria are met. This heading also includes water-based varnishes and lacquers based on these specific polymers.
- Covers
- Water-based vinyl emulsion wall paint
- Acrylic-vinyl copolymer interior paints
- Aqueous vinyl-based primers
- Water-borne vinyl lacquers for wood finishing
- Latex paints containing vinyl acetate polymers
- Also under 3209.10
- Behr Premium Plus
- Valspar Signature
- Dulux Weathershield
- Benjamin Moore Aura
- Glidden Essentials
Codes often confused with 3209.10
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 3208.10, which covers paints based on polymers in a non-aqueous (solvent) medium. If the vinyl paint uses mineral spirits or other chemical solvents as the carrier, it belongs in 3208. Another error is using 3210.00, which is a 'basket' category for other paints and varnishes; 3209.10 is more specific for vinyl-based water paints and must be used first. Distemper paints (water-based but without polymer binders) fall under 3210.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320910 (the code used for vinyl paint), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320910 (the code used for vinyl paint) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 11% 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 320910, not only vinyl paint.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $873M 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $760M 17% of world exports
- 3 Italy $312M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $511M 11% of world imports
- 2 Germany $243M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Poland $211M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $4.5B 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 vinyl paint
Brazil splits HS 3209.10 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3209.10.10Water-based acrylic or vinyl paints
- 3209.10.20Water-based acrylic or vinyl varnishes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vinyl paint
What is the HS code for Vinyl paint?
The HS code for Vinyl paint is 320910 (Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium). The HS code for vinyl or acrylic paints in an aqueous medium is 3209.10.
How do I classify Vinyl paint for customs?
Vinyl paint is classified under HS code 320910 — Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include oil-based vinyl paints?
No, oil-based or solvent-based paints are classified under heading 3208, even if they contain vinyl polymers.
Which countries are the top exporters of vinyl paint (HS 320910)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320910 (the code used for vinyl paint) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($873M, 19% of world exports), the United States ($760M) and Italy ($312M). World exports came to about $4.6B, 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 vinyl paint (HS 320910)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320910 (the code used for vinyl paint) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($511M, 11% of world imports), Germany ($243M) and Poland ($211M). World imports came to about $4.5B, 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 Vinyl paint the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320910 for Vinyl 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 vinyl paint in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320910 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for vinyl paint depends on the product's details: 3209.10.10 (Water-based acrylic or vinyl paints), 3209.10.20 (Water-based acrylic or vinyl varnishes).