HS Code 3201Tanning extracts of vegetable origin; tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives

What HS code 3201 covers

Heading 3201 is for natural tanning material. These goods are used as leather tanning materials. They are pulled out of plant matter such as bark or wood.

The heading also covers tannins. A tannin is the active compound that does the tanning work in many plant extracts. Salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives of tannins are part of the same heading.

The test is simple. The goods must come from plants, and they must be used to tan. If a factory makes the tanning agent from chemicals, the goods belong in a different heading.

Six-digit codes: quebracho, wattle and other tanning extracts

The table above shows the three subheadings. Two of them are named after one plant extract each. The third is a catch-all for the rest.

Importers often search by product name, not by number. That is why this page also answers the common name questions below. Each answer points to one line of the table.

When you fill in a customs form, write all six digits. The first four digits only tell you the heading. The last two digits tell the customs officer which kind of tanning extract or tannin you ship.

How to choose between 320110, 320120 and 320190

Work in three steps. First, read the product name on the label or the certificate. Second, check whether that name matches one of the two named lines in the table. Third, if it does not, move to the last line.

The last line takes every other vegetable tanning extract. It also takes tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives. Its wording rules out the two named extracts, so they never go there.

Do not pick a code only because it is the biggest group. A named extract always goes to its own line first. If you are still unsure, the HS code classifier can help you narrow it down.

HS 3201 vs 3202 and 3203

Two nearby headings are easy to mix up with 3201. The split comes from where the goods come from and what they do.

It also takes tanning preparations, even when they contain natural tanning substances, and enzymatic preparations for pre-tanning. A tanning product made in a factory goes here.

The key word is colouring. A plant extract that gives colour goes to 3203. A plant extract that tans hides stays in 3201.

If your goods are a blend, read the exact wording of each heading. Then compare it with what is in the product.

Import and export data for HS 3201

Knowing the code is the first step. The next step is finding who trades under it.

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. Try 320110, 320120 or 320190 to view each type on its own.