Acrylic Latex Paint
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3208200000 | 38.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3208900000 | 38.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3906905000 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3906902000 | 41.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3209100000 | 40.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3209900000 | 40.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¨ Acrylic Latex Paint (Water-Based Acrylic Paint)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Chemical Imports
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Acrylic Latex Paint"?
In international trade, Acrylic Latex Paint is a coating based on acrylic polymers dispersed in water. It is distinct from solvent-based acrylic paints and pure acrylic resin solids. The classification depends heavily on the medium (water vs. non-aqueous) and the chemical base (acrylic vs. other synthetic polymers).
Key Distinctions: * Latex/Aqueous Medium: The polymer is dispersed in water. This falls under Chapter 32, Heading 32.09. * Non-Aqueous/Solvent-Based: The polymer is dissolved in organic solvents. This falls under Chapter 32, Heading 32.08. * Primary Forms (Resins only): If it is not a paint but raw acrylic resin beads or powders, it falls under Chapter 39.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the paint is water-based (latex) and based on acrylic polymers β 3209.10.00.00
- If the paint is water-based but based on other synthetic polymers (not acrylic) β 3209.90.00.00
- If it is solvent-based and based on acrylic β 3208.20.00.00
- If it is raw acrylic resin (not yet a paint) β 3906.90.20.00 or 3906.90.50.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
3209.10.00.00 |
Paints/varnishes based on synthetic polymers, dispersed in aqueous medium: Based on acrylic or vinyl polymers | Acrylic Latex Paint (Water-based, Acrylic base) | 0.0% |
3209.90.00.00 |
Paints/varnishes based on synthetic polymers, dispersed in aqueous medium: Other | Water-based paints based on non-acrylic synthetic polymers (e.g., styrene-butadiene) | 30.9% |
3208.20.00.00 |
Paints/varnishes based on synthetic polymers, dispersed in non-aqueous medium: Based on acrylic or vinyl polymers | Solvent-based Acrylic Paint | 0.0% |
3208.90.00.00 |
Paints/varnishes based on synthetic polymers, dispersed in non-aqueous medium: Other | Solvent-based paints based on non-acrylic polymers | 0.0% |
3906.90.20.00 |
Acrylic polymers in primary forms: Plastics | Raw Acrylic Resin (Solid form, not mixed with solvents/pigments) | 0.0% |
3906.90.50.00 |
Acrylic polymers in primary forms: Other | Other Raw Acrylic Polymers (e.g., specific industrial grades) | 29.2% |
π Key Reminder:
- Acrylic Latex Paint specifically refers to water-based acrylic coatings. The correct HS Code is 3209.10.00.00.
- Do NOT confuse it with "Acrylic Resin" (Chapter 39) or "Solvent-based Acrylic Paint" (3208).
- If your product is water-based but NOT acrylic-based (e.g., vinyl-acrylic blend where vinyl dominates, or other synthetics), it might fall under 3209.90.00.00 with a 30.9% tax rate. Check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS)!
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Analysis (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3209.10.00.00 ββ Acrylic Latex Paint (Water-Based, Acrylic Base)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Subject to standard $800 de minimis rules, but note that chemical products may face additional FDA/EPA scrutiny) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3209.10.00.00 β Note: No additional Section 301 or IEEPA duties applied to this specific subheading for Chinese origin |
π Explanation:
- Zero Duty Advantage: Unlike many industrial chemicals or raw materials, Acrylic Latex Paint (HS 3209.10.00.00) currently enjoys a 0% total tariff rate for Chinese origin imports into the US.
- This is a highly favorable classification compared to other paints (30.9%) or raw acrylics (29.2%).
- Crucial: Ensure the product is correctly declared as "Based on acrylic polymers" to qualify for this 0% rate. Misclassification as "Other" (3209.90.00.00) would incur a 30.9% tax!
π― 2. 3209.90.00.00 ββ Other Water-Based Synthetic Paints
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.9% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Duty | 0.0% (Note: Text shows 0% base + 25% add'l = 30.9%, but some interpretations may vary; based on provided data: Total 30.9%) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 30.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 30.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High tariff items often exempt from de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3209.90.00.00 β Section 301: 25% |
π Warning:
- If your "Latex Paint" is not primarily acrylic-based, you may be classified here.
- 30.9% tax is significant. Always verify the polymer composition in your SDS (Safety Data Sheet).
π― 3. 3906.90.50.00 ββ Raw Acrylic Polymers (Non-Plastic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| Section 301 Additional Duty | 25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 29.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 29.2% |
π Note:
- This applies to raw acrylic resin beads/powders, not finished paint.
- Do not use this code for finished paint products.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | CRITICAL: Must clearly state the polymer type (e.g., "100% Acrylic Emulsion") to support HS 3209.10.00.00 |
| β Product Label/Packaging | βοΈ | Must show "Acrylic Latex Paint", "Water-Based", and volume/net weight |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Acrylic Latex Paint for Interior/Exterior Use" |
| β Statement of Composition | βοΈ | Detail the percentage of acrylic solids, water, and additives |
| β EPA Registration Number | βοΈ | For paints sold in the US, EPA TSCA compliance is mandatory |
| β FDA Approval (if applicable) | βοΈ | If paint is for food-contact surfaces or toys |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Water-Based Acrylic is 0%, Other Water-Based is 30.9%! Resin is Raw, Paint is Ready!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based, Acrylic base | 3209.10.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "Other Paint" | Pay 30.9% instead of 0% |
| Water-based, Non-Acrylic base | 3209.90.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "Acrylic" | Risk penalty + 30.9% tax |
| Solvent-based, Acrylic | 3208.20.00.00 |
Declare as "Latex" | Classification error β Delay/Rejection |
| Raw Acrylic Resin | 3906.90.50.00 |
Declare as "Paint" | Wrong duty rate (29.2%) |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Blended Polymers (e.g., Acrylic-Styrene) | Check which polymer provides the essential character. If acrylic dominates, use 3209.10.00.00. If styrene dominates, it may fall under 3209.90.00.00 (30.9%). |
| Sample vs. Commercial | Samples must still be declared accurately. If >$800, full duty applies (but still 0% if correctly classified). |
| EPA Compliance | US CBP may hold shipments if EPA TSCA submission is missing. Ensure your supplier has provided EPA exemption or registration number. |
| VOC Content | High-VOC paints may face additional state-level restrictions (e.g., California SCAQMD), but this does not affect federal HS Code classification directly. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3209.10.00.00 |
0.0% | EPA TSCA + RoHS (if applicable) | Best Market: Zero duty for Acrylic Latex Paint |
| π¨π³ China | 3209.10.00.00 |
0% | GB Standards | No additional duties |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3209.10.90 |
~6.5% | REACH + CLP | High regulatory barrier |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3209.10.00 |
5% | AICIS | Moderate duty |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3209.10.00 |
0% | FSCC | Free trade agreement benefits possible |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most tariff-friendly market for Acrylic Latex Paint (0%).
- However, non-acrylic water-based paints face 30.9%, so accurate chemical classification is vital.
- EU and Australia impose standard duties (~5-7%) but have strict chemical compliance (REACH/AICIS).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Acrylic Latex Paint as "Chemical Resin" (HS 3906)
π Consequence: Incorrect HS Code. If declared as 3906.90.50.00, you pay 29.2% duty. If declared as 3906.90.20.00, you pay 0%, but CBP may reject it as "not primary form".
π Fix: Always use 3209 for finished paints.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the "Aqueous Medium" distinction
π Consequence: If you declare solvent-based acrylic paint as "Latex", CBP will reject the declaration.
π Fix: Check solvent content. Water-based = 3209. Solvent-based = 3208.
β Mistake 3: Assuming All Paints are 0%
π Consequence: Declaring non-acrylic water-based paint as "Acrylic" leads to 30.9% tax and potential penalties.
π Fix: Verify polymer composition in SDS.
β Mistake 4: Forgetting EPA TSCA requirements
π Consequence: Shipment held at US border for 30+ days while EPA compliance is verified.
π Fix: Obtain EPA exemption letter or registration from manufacturer before shipping.
β Correct Practice:
"Acrylic Latex Interior Paint, Water-Based, 1 Gallon, EPA Registered, 100% Acrylic Emulsion, HS 3209.10.00.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Maximum Savings!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Latex + Acrylic = 0% (US)"
πΉ "Latex + Other = 30.9% (US)"
πΉ "Raw Resin = 29.2% (US)"
πΉ "Check SDS, Avoid EPA Holds!"
π Pro Tip:
If your paint is blended (e.g., Acrylic-Styrene), consult a customs broker to determine the essential character. If acrylic is >50% by weight and provides the key properties, you likely qualify for the 0% rate.
Always request an HS Code Advance Ruling from CBP if your product is borderline.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your supplier for SDS and EPA Registration.
π Verify Polymer Composition.
π Declare as 3209.10.00.00 for 0% Duty in the US.
β¨ Professional Clearance, Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on a 0% Tax Rate!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.