Organic Solvent Mixture for Paints
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3814002000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3210000000 | 36.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3814001000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3208100000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3208900000 | 38.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π¨ Organic Solvent Mixture for Paints (ζΆζη¨ζζΊζΊΆεζ··εη©)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Organic Solvents"?
"Organic Solvent Mixture for Paints" refers to chemical mixtures primarily composed of organic compounds, used as thinners, cleaning agents, or strippers in the painting industry. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on whether the product is classified as a pure solvent mixture or a paint/coating product.
Key Distinction: * Solvent/Strpper (Chemical) If the product is designed to thin, clean, or remove paint/lacquer and does not contain pigments or resins that form a coating, it generally falls under Chapter 38. * Paint/Coating (Material) If the product contains pigments/resins intended to form a film/coating, it falls under Chapter 32.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the primary function is removing or thinning paint using organic solvents β HS Code 3814 (Organic Composite Solvents & Paint Stripper).
- If the primary function is applying a coating (even if solvent-based) β HS Code 3210 (Paints/Varnishes) or HS Code 3208 (Paints with bases in non-aqueous media).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the potential HS codes and the reasoning for each:
| HS Code | Product Description | Matching Logic & Summary | Tax Category |
|---|---|---|---|
3814.00.20.00 |
Organic Composite Solvents | Match Success: The name "Organic Solvent" directly matches "Organic Composite Solvents." The use "For Paints" aligns functionally with "Paint or Lacquer Strippers/Thinner." | 41.5% |
3210.00.00.00 |
Paints, Varnishes, Tinting Lakes | Match Basis: Inferred as paint-like material due to "For Paints." Fits the category of paints, varnishes, and coloring lacquers. No material/form conflict. | 36.8% |
3814.00.10.00 |
Organic Composite Solvents (Other) | Match Success: "Organic Solvent" corresponds to "Organic Composite Solvents." Use "For Paints" has high chemical attribute and application consistency with "Paint Stripper." | 41.5% |
3208.10.00.00 |
Paints with base in non-aqueous media | Match Basis: "For Paints" implies paint/lacquer use. "Organic Solvent" fits the characteristic of being "dispersed/dissolved in non-aqueous medium." Material and use match basically. | 38.7% |
3208.90.00.00 |
Other Paints with base in non-aqueous media | Match Basis: Use for coating fits "Paints and Varnishes." "Organic Solvent" is chemically consistent with "non-aqueous medium." No obvious material/form conflict. | 38.2% |
π Key Reminder:
-3814.xx.xxis typically for removal/cleaning (strippers/thinners).
-32xx.xx.xxis typically for application/coating (paints/varnishes).
- The distinction lies in whether the product is meant to take paint off or put paint on.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3814.00.20.00 & 3814.00.10.00 ββ Organic Composite Solvents / Paint Strippers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% (From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific policy add-on) |
| Total Tax Rate | 41.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 41.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3814.xx.xx β FOOTNOTE:301_25% β SECTION122:10% |
π Explanation:
- These codes fall under Chapter 38 (Miscellaneous Chemical Products).
- Subject to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) additional tariffs for Chinese origin.
- Total 41.5% is high, impacting thinners, strippers, and cleaning solvents.
π― 2. 3210.00.00.00 ββ Paints, Varnishes, and Tinting Lakes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 1.8% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 36.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 36.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3210.00.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:301_25% β SECTION122:10% |
π Note:
- Even though classified under Chapter 32 (Paints), it still incurs Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs.
- Base tariff is lower (1.8%), but total remains high due toιε η¨.
π― 3. 3208.10.00.00 & 3208.90.00.00 ββ Paints with Base in Non-Aqueous Media
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% (for .10) / 3.2% (for .90) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.7% (.10) / 38.2% (.90) |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ Total Rate |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3208.xx.xx β FOOTNOTE:301_25% β SECTION122:10% |
π Note:
- If the product is interpreted as a solvent-based paint (rather than a stripper), it may fall here.
- Base tariffs are slightly higher than3210but lower than3814.
- Total rates remain high (38.2%β38.7%) due to fixedιε η¨.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Detailed chemical composition, CAS numbers, usage instructions (thinner vs. stripper vs. paint). |
| β MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) | βοΈ | Critical for chemicals. Must specify flammability, hazardous class, and exact ingredients. |
| β Product Photos (Label & Packaging) | βοΈ | Clear view of label stating "For Paint Thinning," "Paint Remover," or "Coating." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate description: e.g., "Organic Solvent Mixture, Used as Paint Thinner, Not for Coating." |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To confirm Chinese origin (triggers Section 301/122). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Volume, weight, and hazard class packaging details. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Rules)
π₯ βFunction Defines Code, Name Defines Tax!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Paint Thinner / Remover | 3814.00.20.00 / 3814.00.10.00 |
Misdeclare as "Paint" β Risk of misclassification audit |
| Solvent-Based Paint | 3210.00.00.00 / 3208.xx.xx |
Misdeclare as "Solvent" β May be rejected if pigments present |
| Cleaning Solvent (Non-paint) | May require different code (e.g., 3814.00.00.00 general) |
Force into paint codes β Incorrect tax base |
π Critical Advice:
- If the product is a paint stripper, use3814.
- If the product is a paint (contains pigments/resins), use3210or3208.
- Do not use vague terms like "Chemical Mixture." Specify: "Organic Solvent Mixture for Paint Removal" or "Solvent-Based Acrylic Paint."
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixture of Solvents & Pigments | Must be classified as Paint (Chapter 32). If declared as solvent, customs may reclassify and impose penalties. |
| Pure Solvent (No Pigment) | Can be classified under 3814 if used for thinning/stripping. |
| Hazmat Shipping | Ensure UN numbers, hazard labels, and IMDG/IATA compliance for air/freight. |
| EPA Registration | If sold in the US, EPA TSCA registration may be required for chemical substances. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3814.00.20.00 / 3210.00.00.00 |
36.8% β 41.5% | TSCA, DOT Hazmat | High tax due to Sec 301/122 |
| π¨π³ China | 3814.00.20.00 / 3210.00.00.00 |
5% β 6.5% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower base tax, no USιε η¨ |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3814.00.20.00 / 3210.00.00.00 |
0% β 6.5% | REACH, CLP | No Section 301; REACH compliance critical |
| π¬π§ UK | 3814.00.20.00 / 3210.00.00.00 |
0% β 6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit regulations apply |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3814.00.20.00 / 3210.00.00.00 |
5% β 8% | PSE (if electrical components) | No Section 301 |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes the highest effective tax (36.8%β41.5%) due to Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs.
- EU and Japan do not apply Section 301, making them more cost-effective for exports, but REACH (EU) is a significant compliance hurdle.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a Paint as a Solvent to avoid higher base tariffs
π Consequence: Customs audit, reclassification, fines, and potential seizure.
β Error 2: Using vague names like "Chemical Solution" without MSDS
π Consequence: Delayed clearance, detention fees, and hazmat penalties.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff (10%)
π Consequence: Underpayment of duties β Back taxes + interest.
β Error 4: Misclassifying Paint Stripper as General Cleaner (3808)
π Consequence: If organic solvents are primary, 3814 is more accurate. Misclassification risks penalties.
β Correct Practice:
"Organic Solvent Mixture, CAS Nos: XXX-XXX-XX, Used as Paint Thinner, Non-Hazardous for Transport, Not for Food Contact, Model XYZ."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Savings, Efficiency!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Strippers go to 3814, Paints to 32xx, Name it right!"
πΉ "Section 301 and 122 add 35% to your tax, declare carefully!"
πΉ "MSDS is mandatory for chemicals, no MSDS, no clearance!"
π Tip:
- If your product is shipped from a non-China country (e.g., Vietnam, Malaysia), you may avoid Section 301 tariffs, reducing total tax to Base + 10%.
- Apply for Advance Rulings if the chemical composition is complex.
- REACH Compliance is critical for EU exports.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker.
π Provide MSDS and precise product description.
π Ensure TSCA/EPA compliance for US markets.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tax Matters, Declare Wisely!
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.