Organic Solvent for Acrylic 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 |
| 3814002000 | 41.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3814001000 | 41.5% | 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¨ Organic Solvent for Acrylic Paint
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Organic Solvent for Acrylic Paint"?
"Organic Solvent for Acrylic Paint" is a broad term. In international trade, the classification depends entirely on two critical factors: 1. The Medium: Is the acrylic paint water-based (dispersed/dissolved in water) or solvent-based (dissolved in non-aqueous medium)? 2. The Function: Is it a paint/thinner (Category 3208/3209) or a pure solvent/remover (Category 3814)?
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If the product is a solution of acrylic polymer in a non-aqueous medium (solvent-based acrylic paint or thinner), it falls under Chapter 3208.
- If the product is a dispersion of acrylic polymer in a water-based medium, it falls under Chapter 3209.
- If the product is a pure solvent mixture (no polymer) used for thinning or removing paint, it falls under Chapter 3814.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes and their tax implications:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Base + Additional) |
|--------|--------------------------|--------------------------|
| 3209.10.00.00 | Water-based acrylic/vinyl paints/varnishes | Acrylic emulsions, latex paints, water-based coatings | 0.0% |
| 3209.90.00.00 | Water-based paints/varnishes (Other) | Non-acrylic/vinyl water-based coatings | 30.9% |
| 3208.20.00.00 | Non-aqueous acrylic/vinyl paints/varnishes | Solvent-based acrylic paints, high-gloss enamel, industrial coatings | 0.0% |
| 3208.90.00.00 | Non-aqueous paints/varnishes (Other) | Other solvent-based synthetic polymer paints | 0.0% |
| 3814.00.20.00 | Solvents/Thinners (>25% aromatic substances) | Pure thinners, paint removers, composite solvents for paint | 0.0% |
| 3814.00.10.00 | Solvents/Thinners (5%-25% aromatic substances) | Lighter thinners, specific solvent blends for cleaning | 31.5% |
π Critical Reminder:
- "Acrylic Paint" usually implies the product contains acrylic polymers.
- If it is solvent-based (dissolved in organic solvents), it is3208.20.00.00(0%).
- If it is water-based (emulsion), it is3209.10.00.00(0%).
- If it is a pure solvent (no polymer, just thinning/removing), it is3814.00.20.00(0%) or3814.00.10.00(31.5%) depending on aromatic content.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From 2025-11-10 onwards
π― 1. 3209.10.00.00 β Water-based Acrylic/Vinyl Paints
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Generally eligible for Section 321 de minimis if < $800) |
| Legal Basis | Standard HTSUS Chapter 3209.10.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Water-based acrylic paints are generally not subject to Section 301 additional tariffs.
- Total cost impact: Minimal. This is the most common and favorable classification for consumer-grade acrylic paints.
π― 2. 3208.20.00.00 β Non-aqueous (Solvent-based) Acrylic/Vinyl Paints
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Generally eligible for Section 321 de minimis if < $800) |
| Legal Basis | Standard HTSUS Chapter 3208.20.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Solvent-based acrylic paints (industrial/high-gloss) are also exempt from Section 301 additional tariffs.
- Total cost impact: Minimal. Despite being "organic solvents," as long as it contains acrylic polymers and is classified under 3208, it is 0%.
π― 3. 3814.00.20.00 β Solvents/Thinners (>25% Aromatic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Generally eligible for Section 321 de minimis if < $800) |
| Legal Basis | Standard HTSUS Chapter 3814.00.20.00 |
π Explanation:
- Pure solvents or paint thinners with high aromatic content (>25%) are classified here.
- Total cost impact: Minimal. Even though it's a "solvent," it enjoys 0% total tariff.
π― 4. 3814.00.10.00 β Solvents/Thinners (5%-25% Aromatic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 6.5% |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 31.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 31.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Subject to additional tariffs, de minimis rules may still apply but tax is owed) |
| Legal Basis | Standard HTSUS Chapter 3814.00.10.00 + Section 301 Footnotes |
π Warning:
- This is the only high-tax category in the provided data.
- Applies to thinners/removers with moderate aromatic content (5-25%).
- Total cost impact: High. 31.5% must be factored into pricing.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Essential Documentation Checklist (None Missing)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Acrylic Polymer Content, Solvent Type, Water Content, Aromatic Content % |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Critical for identifying hazardous materials and aromatic substance percentages |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe product as "Acrylic Paint" or "Organic Solvent," not generic "Chemicals" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For preferential treatment if applicable (though most are 0% anyway) |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Net weight, gross weight, volume |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Clarify the Medium, Specify the Polymer, Declare the Aromatic %!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Water-based Acrylic Paint | "Acrylic Paint, Water-Based, Emulsion, for Artistic Use" | Calling it "Solvent" β Misclassification risk |
| Solvent-based Acrylic Paint | "Acrylic Enamel, Non-aqueous, Contains Acrylic Polymers" | Calling it "Pure Solvent" β Risk of 31.5% tax if misclassified as 3814.00.10.00 |
| Pure Thinner/Remover | "Organic Composite Solvent, >25% Aromatic Substances, Paint Thinner" | Vague term "Cleaner" β Potential audit |
| Mixed Package (Paint + Thinner) | Separate HS Codes | Combining into one line item β Confusion, potential reclassification penalty |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM/Private Label Paint | Provide brand authorization and product formula to prove acrylic content. |
| High VOC Content | Ensure SDS is up-to-date. Some jurisdictions have environmental fees beyond tariffs. |
| Mixed Shipments | Clearly separate "Paint" (3208/3209) from "Pure Solvent" (3814) on the invoice. |
| Aromatic Content Uncertain | If aromatic content is between 5-25%, assume 31.5% tax to avoid underpayment penalties. Test lab reports are recommended. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3208.20.00.00 / 3209.10.00.00 |
0.0% | EPA / TSCA | Avoid 3814.00.10.00 (31.5%) |
| π¨π³ China | 3208.20.00.00 / 3209.10.00.00 |
0.0% - 6.5% | CCC (if applicable) | Check latest customs list |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3208.20 / 3209.10 |
0% - 6.5% | REACH / CLP | Strict chemical registration |
| π¬π§ UK | 3208.20 / 3209.10 |
0% - 6.5% | UK REACH | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3208.20 / 3209.10 |
5% | AICIS | Chemical inventory required |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most favorable for these products with 0% total tariff for most acrylic paints and high-aromatic solvents.
- Avoid3814.00.10.00if possible, as it carries a 31.5% tax burden.
- Clear distinction between "Paint" (polymer-containing) and "Solvent" (polymer-free) is crucial for correct HS code selection.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Blood-Tested Lessons)
β Error 1: Calling "Solvent-based Acrylic Paint" a "Pure Solvent"
π Consequence: May be misclassified as 3814.00.10.00 (31.5%) if aromatic content is low, or 3814.00.20.00 (0%) if high. Risk of penalty for misdeclaration.
β Error 2: Ignoring Aromatic Content in Solvents
π Consequence: If aromatic content is 10%, it falls under 3814.00.10.00 (31.5%). If not tested, you may face back taxes + fines.
β Error 3: Mixing "Paint" and "Thinner" in One HS Code
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify the entire shipment based on the highest-risk item. Keep them separate.
β Error 4: Vague Description "Organic Chemicals"
π Consequence: Delays in clearance, possible inspection, and potential reclassification. Be specific.
β Correct Approach:
"Acrylic Paint, Solvent-based, Contains Acrylic Polymers, Model XYZ, 1L Can, SDS Available, Non-Hazardous (if applicable)"
OR
"Organic Solvent Thinner, >25% Aromatic Substances, Paint Remover, 1L Bottle, SDS Available"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost-Reducing!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Acrylic Paint is 0% (3208/3209). Pure Solvent is 0% if Aromatic >25% (3814.20), but 31.5% if 5-25% (3814.10)."
πΉ "Polymer means Paint. No Polymer means Solvent. Aromatic % determines Solvent Tax."
π Pro Tip:
- If your product is water-based acrylic, use 3209.10.00.00 (0%).
- If your product is solvent-based acrylic, use 3208.20.00.00 (0%).
- If your product is pure thinner, test the aromatic content. If >25%, use 3814.00.20.00 (0%). If 5-25%, budget for 31.5%.
- Always provide a detailed SDS to support your classification.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide Product SDS + Apply for Advance Ruling if unsure about aromatic content.
π Let your acrylic paint/solvent clear smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Cost Deserves to Be Precisely Calculated!
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.