HS Code 3208: Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

Q: Is HS code 3208 the same in every country?

Yes — HS code 3208 is part of the WCO Harmonized System and is the same in every WCO member country at the 6-digit level. Beyond 6 digits, each country extends the code under its own system (e.g. HTSUS in the US, CN/TARIC in the EU, HSK in Korea, CCCHS in China) for national tariff rates and trade statistics. To see how a specific country classifies this code, select a country.

Q: Which WCO edition does HS code 3208 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

The Harmonized System is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and revised approximately every five years. The current edition is HS 2022, which replaced HS 2017 on 1 January 2022. Codes are added, merged, or split between editions to reflect new products and trade patterns, so a code valid in one edition may not exist or may mean something different in another.

Q: How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 3208?

Beyond the international 6-digit level, each country adds its own digits — the US extends to 10 digits (HTSUS), the EU to 8 or 10 (CN/TARIC), China to 13 (CCCHS), Korea to 10 (HSK), Japan to 9, and so on. To find the full code used by a specific country, select a country in TradeInt's HS Code Tool and search for 3208.

What is HS Code 3208

HS Code 3208 covers Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium. It is a 4-digit heading within Chapter 32 (Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks), Section VI. Its 6-digit subheadings are identical in every HS-adopting country; from the 7th digit onward, each country extends the code for its own tariff and statistics.

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What does HS Code 3208 Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium Cover?

Section VI

Chapters (28-38) Products of the chemical or allied industries

Chapter 32

Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks

HS Code 3208

Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

HS Code 320810

Paints and varnishes; based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

HS Code 320820

Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

HS Code 320890

Paints and varnishes; based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

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What HS Codes for Dyes, Paints and Inks Do Not Cover

Chapter 32 covers tanning extracts, dyes, pigments, paints, varnishes, putty, and inks. Goods frequently misclassified here but that belong elsewhere include:

Cosmetic colorants and makeup

Chapter 33

Inorganic chemicals as such

Chapter 28

Plastics colored in the mass

Chapter 39

Artist-grade pigments sold as art supplies

may shift to Chapter 96

This list highlights common classification errors only — it is not exhaustive. For binding classification, work with a licensed customs broker or qualified trade compliance professional.

Related HS Codes under Solvent Paints HS 3208

HS Code 320810

Paints and varnishes; based on polyesters, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

HS Code 320820

Paints and varnishes; based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

HS Code 320890

Paints and varnishes; based on polymers n.e.c. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium

HS Code 3201

Tanning extracts of vegetable origin; tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives

HS Code 3202

Tanning substances; synthetic organic or inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances, enzymatic preparations for pre-tanning

HS Code 3203

Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin (including dyeing extracts, not animal black); whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin

HS Code 3204

Synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon; synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores; whether or not chemically defined

HS Code 3205

Colour lakes; preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapter

HS Code 3206

Colouring matter and preparations thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 3203, 3204, 3205; inorganic products, kind used as luminophores whether or not chemically defined

HS Code 3207

Pigments, prepared; opacifiers, colours, vitrifiable enamels, glazes, engobes (slips), liquid lustres etc as used in the ceramic enamelling or glass industry; glass frit and powder, granules or flakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 3208?

HS code 3208 covers Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium, a heading within Chapter 32 (Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks) of the WCO Harmonized System. Headings sit between the broad chapter level and the more specific 6-digit subheading level.

Is HS code 3208 the same in every country?

Which WCO edition does HS code 3208 belong to, and has it been reclassified?

How do I find the correct country-specific version of HS code 3208?