Chapter 32 Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks

What this chapter covers

Chapter 32 HS codes group goods that tan, colour, coat, fill or print. Some are used to turn hides into leather. Some give colour to other goods. Others coat a surface, fill a gap or leave a mark on paper.

The chapter is part of the Section VI chemical products group, which runs from chapter 28 to chapter 38. Tanning and dyeing goods come first in the order. Paints, mastics and inks come last.

Below, the chapter is split into product groups. Each group links to its heading page, where the six-digit codes are listed in full.

Tanning extracts, tannins and dyes (3201 to 3206)

Heading 3201 is for plant-based tanning extracts, and for tannins and their derivatives. Two extracts are named on their own: quebracho extract and wattle extract. Heading 3202 is for man-made tanning substances and for enzyme products used before tanning.

Colouring matter is split by where it comes from. Heading 3203 is for natural colours taken from plants or animals. Heading 3204 is for colours made by chemistry. It lists dyes by type, such as disperse dyes (320411) and reactive dyes (320416). Acid, basic, direct and vat dyes have their own lines. Fluorescent brightening agents sit here too.

Heading 3205 covers colour lakes. Heading 3206 collects colouring matter that the earlier headings do not name. This is where titanium dioxide pigments sit (320611 and 320619). It also holds ultramarine (320641), lithopone and other zinc sulphide pigments (320642), chromium-based pigments and inorganic luminophores.

Paints, ceramic colours, putty and inks (3207 to 3215)

Heading 3207 is for the colours used in ceramics and glass. Glass frit, and glass in powder, granules or flakes, is here as well. If you search for glass frit and ceramic glazes, start with this heading.

Paints and varnishes are spread over three headings, 3208, 3209 and 3210, and the checks below show how to pick one. Heading 3211 is for prepared driers. Heading 3213 is for colours sold to artists, students and sign painters.

Putty and mastics are in heading 3214. The same heading covers surfacing mixes for walls, floors and ceilings.

Heading 3215 is for ink. It takes printing ink, writing ink and drawing ink, whether liquid, concentrated or solid.

How to find the correct HS code under Chapter 32

Start with what the product is and what it does. Then use these checks to choose between close headings.

• Natural or made colour: a colour taken straight from a plant or an animal goes to 3203. A colour made by chemistry goes to 3204.
• Paint type: look at what the polymer is mixed in. Solvent points to 3208. Water points to 3209. Other paints, such as distempers, fall under 3210.
• Titanium dioxide pigments: content by weight is the test. The heading page gives the cut-off.
• No fit: look at chapter 29 for organic chemicals, chapter 34 for soaps and waxes, or chapter 38 for chemical products not named elsewhere.
• Still unsure: try the HS code classifier, then read the heading page for the exact wording.

HS Code 32 import and export data

Once you know your code, you can look at the trade behind it. This is what EximDataX offers for dye, paint and ink products.

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.