HS code for watercolor paint
The U.S. HS code for watercolor paint is usually 3213.10.00.00 (artist set), with a general duty of 6.5% on the entire set and an estimated total of 19% from China and 19% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 44% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artist set | 3213.10.00.00 | 6.5% on the entire set | 19% |
- 3213.10.00.00: Colors in sets
What decides the code
Watercolor paint in sets is classified as artists' colors in heading 3213, specifically the set provision at 3213.10.00.00.
- The product is an artists' color in a form named by heading 3213, such as tablets, tubes, pans or jars.
- It is put up as a set, which places it in the set provision at 3213.10.00.00 rather than another line of heading 3213.
- A change to a single color sold alone, not in a set, would move the product to a different line of heading 3213.
Common mistakes
- Classifying watercolor sets under heading 9609 as pastels, drawing charcoal or writing chalk is wrong because those goods are dry drawing sticks, not watercolor colors in pans or tubes.
- Classifying under heading 3212 as pigments is wrong because heading 3212 covers dispersed pigments and similar preparations, not finished artists' colors put up in sets.
- Classifying under heading 9503 as toys is wrong because a paint set for artists or students is an artists' color of heading 3213, not a toy.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 19% = 6.5% on the entire set general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 44%.
- Vietnam
- 19% = 6.5% on the entire set general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 3213.10.00.00, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Artist set
- CN 3213 10 00, 6.5%
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
CPSC eFiling
3213.10.00.00 (CP1) is on CPSC's eFiling HTS list. CPSC certificate related data may be needed. If watercolor paint is subject to a CPSC rule, file the certificate data at entry through your broker or the CPSC Product Registry.
Check what to file for 3213.10.00.00
CPSC HTS list for eFiling, October 1, 2026. The list is guidance and not exhaustive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for watercolor paint?
The U.S. HTS code for watercolor paint is usually 3213.10.00.00 (artist set). The first six digits, 3213.10, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on watercolor paint from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 3213.10.00.00 is 6.5% on the entire set. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 19% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 19%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Does watercolor paint need CPSC eFiling?
HTS 3213.10.00.00 or another code on this page is on CPSC's eFiling HTS list. If the product is subject to a CPSC rule, such as a children's product, the certificate data must be filed at entry. A product that needs no certificate can use a disclaim message.
Tariff schedule pages
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.