Paints & varnishes HS 3208.10

Paints & varnishes, based on polyesters, dispersed in a non-aqueous medium

15-25%
US tariff Section 232 metals(on the full value; under 15% metal by weight is exempt)
2025 exports C$106M
Beyond the US C$1.4M ▲53% vs 2024

Where else to sell

1. China

Canada already sells China C$301k of paints & varnishes ▲100% vs 2024.

2. Germany 0% Tariff free CETA

Germany imports ~C$248M of paints & varnishes a year (2023), 2.4 times Canada’s total exports of this product. Not among Canada’s top destinations in 2025.

3. France 0% Tariff free CETA

France imports ~C$220M of paints & varnishes a year (2023), 2.1 times Canada’s total exports of this product. Not among Canada’s top destinations in 2025.

The steps

  1. 1

    Check you qualify for CanExport SMEs: incorporated with a CRA number, 3 to 500 staff, $300k to $100M revenue, under $100k of your sales in the target market last year.

  2. 2

    Scope a $20k to $100k entry project (trade events, marketing adaptation, buyer identification consultants). The program pays half, up to $50k. Apply at the CanExport portal. The 2026-27 intake closes August 31, 2026 at noon ET. The US-market envelope is already fully allocated; non-US applications remain open.

  3. 3

    Free help: Trade Commissioner Service desks for China, Germany and France. Request "qualified contacts" (curated buyer and distributor lists).

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