Heading 3814

Organic composite solvents and thinners, not elsewhere specified or included; prepared paint or varnish removers

4 declarable lines

Heading 3814 covers organic composite solvents and thinners not elsewhere specified or included, and prepared paint or varnish removers. It splits first by aromatic or modified aromatic content by weight, then by an other category with a separate line for products containing methyl chloroform or carbon tetrachloride.

Products in this heading

Prepared paint remover
Prepared varnish remover
Lacquer thinner
Aromatic solvent blend for coatings
Solvent blend containing methyl chloroform
Solvent blend containing carbon tetrachloride
Composite thinner for industrial paint

How to choose the right subheading

Check whether the product is an organic composite solvent or thinner, or a prepared paint or varnish remover, rather than a separate chemical.
Measure aromatic or modified aromatic substances by weight: 5 to 25% points to 3814.00.10.00, more than 25% to 3814.00.20.00.
If neither aromatic threshold applies, check for methyl chloroform (1,1,1-trichloroethane) or carbon tetrachloride: present goes to 3814.00.50.10, absent to 3814.00.50.90.
Confirm the product is not excluded by a more specific heading, such as a separate solvent chemical or a finished paint.

Often confused with

Bulk acetone used as a solvent
Separate chemically defined organic compound, not a composite solvent or thinner.
Heading 2914
Gum or wood turpentine
Turpentine oils are named in heading 3805.
Heading 3805
Finished solvent-borne paint
Prepared paint is a coating product, not a thinner or remover.
Heading 3208
Prepared antifreeze
Antifreezing preparations have their own heading.
Heading 3820

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for prepared paint remover?

There is no single code for all paint removers; the code depends on aromatic content and on methyl chloroform or carbon tetrachloride. For an other remover, 3814.00.50.90 carries a general (MFN) rate of 6%.

What is the duty on an organic composite thinner with 10% aromatic substances?

An organic composite thinner with 5% or more but not more than 25% by weight of aromatic or modified aromatic substances is 3814.00.10.00, general (MFN) 6.5%.

How do I classify a solvent blend with more than 25% aromatic substances?

A solvent blend with more than 25% by weight of aromatic or modified aromatic substances is 3814.00.20.00, general (MFN) 6.5%. If it is an other product that does not meet an aromatic threshold and contains methyl chloroform or carbon tetrachloride, use 3814.00.50.10, general (MFN) 6%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.