What is HS code 321000 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
321000
Paints and varnishes; (including enamels, lacquers and distempers), prepared water pigments of a kind used for finishing leather
Heading 3210 — Paints and varnishes (including enamels, lacquers and distempers), excluding those of heading no. 3209, prepared water pigments of a kind used for finishing leather
Chapter 32: Tanning or dyeing extracts
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 321000 when importing or exporting paints and varnishes, including prepared water pigments for leather finishing. For instance, if you're shipping a batch of water-based varnish for furniture, this is the code you need.
This code specifically covers paints and varnishes, including enamels and distempers, but does not include those classified under HS-3209. If you have a product that is a lacquer or a distemper, ensure it fits within this classification.
If your product is a prepared water pigment used for finishing leather, it falls under this HS-6. In contrast, HS-3209 would apply to unprepared pigments or those not intended for leather use.
When determining if HS-321000 is the right code, consider the end-use of your product. If it’s a paint designed for artistic applications rather than industrial use, you might need to look at other classifications.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
paints and varnishes · prepared water pigments · enamels and lacquers · distempers for walls · water-based varnish · artistic paint classification · industrial paint · leather finishing pigments · automotive lacquer · household enamel paint · pigment paste · tanning extracts · dyeing extracts · classification of paints
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Water-based varnish for wood finishing
- Enamel paint for household use
- Distemper paint for wall applications
- Prepared water pigment used in leather dyeing
- Acrylic paint formulated for arts and crafts
- Lacquer used in automotive finishes
- Industrial paint for machinery protection
- Pigment paste for textile dyeing
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify water-based varnish?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Are enamels included in HS 321000?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What products fall under HS 3210?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I use HS 321000 for industrial paint?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What's the difference between HS 321000 and HS 3209?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to determine if my paint is classified correctly?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What are prepared water pigments for leather?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
How to classify paints and varnishes for import
Check the exact product specs and destination-country tariff notes before finalizing the code.
Examples of products under HS code 321000
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Differences between HS 321000 and HS 3209
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
What types of paints are included in HS 3210?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Understanding prepared water pigments for leather finishing
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Classification tips for water-based paints
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Is lacquer covered under HS 321000?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
How to find the right HS code for varnish shipments
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are included in HS-321000?
- HS-321000 includes paints, varnishes, enamels, lacquers, and prepared water pigments used for leather finishing.
- Can I classify my acrylic paint under HS-321000?
- Yes, acrylic paints intended for artistic or decorative use can be classified under HS-321000.
- What is the difference between HS-321000 and HS-3209?
- HS-321000 covers prepared paints and varnishes, while HS-3209 is for unprepared pigments and dyes.
- Is distemper paint classified under HS-321000?
- Yes, distemper paint is included in HS-321000 as it falls under the category of prepared paints.
- How do I know if my product qualifies for HS-321000?
- Check if your product is a prepared paint, varnish, or pigment intended for leather finishing to qualify for HS-321000.
- What is a prepared water pigment?
- A prepared water pigment is a pigment that is ready for use in applications like leather finishing, included in HS-321000.
- Can I use HS-321000 for industrial coatings?
- Yes, industrial coatings that are prepared paints or varnishes can be classified under HS-321000.
- What should I do if my product doesn't fit HS-321000?
- If your product doesn't fit HS-321000, review other headings in Chapter 32 or consult with a customs broker for accurate classification.
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