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HTS 3208 · Chapter 32

Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a nonaqueous medium; solutions as defined in note 4 to this chapter:

General (MFN) duty, special preferential rates, and where HTS 3208 sits in the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

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Free
General (MFN) rate
None
Special / FTA rate
None
Column 2 (non-MFN)
Ch 32
Tanning or dyeing extr…

The verdict

HTS 3208 enters the US duty-free under the general (MFN) rate, no tariff applies to most imports of this classification.

Free
General (MFN) rate
Ch 32
Tanning or dyeing extr…

About HTS 3208

HTS code 3208 classifies imports of: Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a nonaqueous medium; solutions as defined in note 4 to this chapter:. This line sits within Chapter 32 (Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks), Section VI (Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries), and is catalogued as a heading in the USITC 2026 Basic Edition. The schedule specifies ad valorem (percentage-of-value) duty for this line. Chapter 32 covers a broad category with many neighboring tariff lines, so double-check the classification against the closest matches before filing.

The general (MFN / Column 1 General) rate for HTS 3208 is Free, which applies to most trading partners of the United States. No special preferential rate is listed for this line, so FTA origin alone will not reduce the general duty. Because the general rate is Free, most imports under this code enter the US without duty, though anti-dumping, countervailing, or Section 301 tariffs can still apply depending on country of origin.

Beyond the published rate, importers should check for Section 201 safeguards, Section 301 China tariffs, and any active AD/CVD orders that can materially change the real landed cost. Always verify the classification with a licensed customs broker before committing to a supply contract, this page is a research tool, not a customs ruling.

Duty Rate Summary, HTS 3208

Duty rate columns for HTS 3208 from USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule 2026 Basic Edition.
Rate Column Value Applies To
General (Column 1) Free Most-favored-nation (MFN) trading partners, the default rate for most US imports.
Special Not listed Preferential rates under FTAs (USMCA, CAFTA-DR, GSP, etc.) when origin qualifies.
Column 2 Not listed Statutory non-MFN rate for goods from countries without normal trade relations (Cuba, North Korea).

Source: USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule 2026 Basic Edition. See methodology for refresh cadence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tariff rate for HTS 3208?
The general (MFN) duty rate for HTS 3208 (Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a nonaqueous medium; solutions as defined in note 4 to this chapter:) is Free.
What products does HTS 3208 cover?
HTS 3208 covers: Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a nonaqueous medium; solutions as defined in note 4 to this chapter:. This classification falls under Chapter 32 (Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks), Section VI (Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries).
Are there any additional duties beyond the general rate for HTS 3208?
Beyond the general (MFN) rate, imports under HTS 3208 may be subject to anti-dumping duties (AD), countervailing duties (CVD), Section 201 safeguard tariffs, or Section 301 tariffs depending on the country of origin and current trade policy.

Understanding This Tariff

HTS 3208 classifies under Chapter 32 (Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks), Section VI (Products of the Chemical or Allied Industries). This item enters the US duty-free under the general (MFN) rate, meaning no tariff is assessed for imports from most trading partners.

Importers should verify the correct HTS classification with a licensed customs broker or US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before importing. Misclassification can result in penalties, delays, and additional duties.

Data Sources

Tariff data from the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) Harmonized Tariff Schedule 2026 Basic Edition.

Duty rates are subject to change. Importers should verify current rates with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before making import decisions. Additional duties, anti-dumping duties, or countervailing duties may apply.

Sources: U.S. International Trade Commission Harmonized Tariff Schedule (2026 Basic Edition) and FAO FAOSTAT Trade: Crops and Livestock. See our methodology for how figures are computed.

Every figure on PlainTariff is rendered directly from federal source data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on federal source data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.