Harmonized System
U.S. exports of polyester-based paints and varnishes in nonaqueous medium (HS 320810) totaled $34.0M in August 2026.
Importers of Polyester-Based Paints and Varnishes in Nonaqueous Medium paid $815K in duties in August 2026, an effective tariff rate of 6.30% of the $12.9M imported — duty actually collected as a share of that value, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataPolyester-based coatings dispersed in nonaqueous (solvent-borne) media serve demanding industrial and automotive finishing applications where hardness, chemical resistance, and film build are priorities. All US imports under this heading enter on a single tariff line, 3208100000, simplifying classification but placing the analytical burden on the binder chemistry — polyester resin must be the dominant film-forming polymer to avoid reclassification under the acrylic/vinyl or NESOI nonaqueous lines. Canada and Mexico are the leading sources, with Germany a significant European supplier. Importers handling solvent-borne coatings should also be prepared for EPA VOC compliance documentation at entry.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
725 shipments/mo
Classification depends on the predominant film-forming resin. If the binder is primarily a polyester polymer, the product falls under 3208100000; if acrylic or vinyl polymers dominate, 3208200000 applies. Blended systems require analysis of the resin weight ratios and the manufacturer's technical data sheet to determine the essential character of the coating.
While CBP handles tariff classification, solvent-borne coatings may be subject to EPA regulations governing volatile organic compound (VOC) content under the Clean Air Act. Importers should confirm that products meet applicable federal and state VOC limits and retain safety data sheets and formulation documentation to support compliance reviews.
HSChapter 32
ImportsExports
Imports
$12.9MYoY · free account
Exports
$34.0MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
YoY · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $141.2M of Polyester-Based Paints and Varnishes in Nonaqueous Medium.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
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Subheading 3 of 3 in heading 3208
Subheading 320810 · $34.0M of $150.7M
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3208100000 | Paints & Varnishes,in Nonaqueous Medium,Polyesters | $12.9M | 6.30% | 53.37% | $815K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3208100000 | Paints & Varnishes,in Nonaqueous Medium,Polyesters | $34.0M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Exports · August 2026
destination
Mexico and Canada together take 75% of it.
customs district
origin
entry
rate provision · imports
46.4% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 6.30% of total import value.