HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 2821.20 – Earth colours; containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o3
HS code 2821.20 is the 6-digit subheading for earth colours, containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o3. It is used for yellow ochre, red ochre, burnt sienna, raw sienna and burnt umber.
What HS 2821.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers natural earth pigments, such as ochres, siennas, and umbers, which derive their color primarily from a high concentration of iron oxides, specifically 70% or more by weight when evaluated as Fe2O3. These materials are traded internationally for their unique natural hues, durability, and historical significance in art and construction. Importers typically include specialized pigment distributors, paint and coatings manufacturers, artists' material suppliers, and restoration companies seeking authentic natural colorants. Exporters are often countries with geological deposits of these specific iron-rich clays and earths, coupled with processing facilities to refine and prepare them for market. Key considerations in trade involve the specific shade, particle size, oil absorption, and the absence of impurities. Unlike synthetic iron oxides, these natural pigments offer subtle variations and textures highly valued in certain applications. Their demand is influenced by trends in natural and sustainable products, as well as traditional art and architectural restoration.
- Covers
- Yellow ochre
- Red ochre
- Burnt sienna
- Raw sienna
- Burnt umber
- Raw umber
- Venetian red
- Examples
- Kremer Pigmente ochres
- Zecchi Colori natural earths
- Sennelier natural pigments
Codes often confused with 2821.20
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 282110 (Iron oxides and hydroxides) because it specifically refers to natural earth pigments with a high iron content, whereas 282110 covers both natural and synthetic iron oxides. It could also be confused with other natural mineral pigments under Chapter 25 if the iron content threshold is not met.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 282120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 282120 in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 87% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 21% of world imports. Italy reports $601M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $40M 87% of world exports
- 2 India $1.3M 2.9% of world exports
- 3 China $793K 1.7% of world exports
Italy reports $601M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $46M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $2.5M 21% of world imports
- 2 Tanzania $1.5M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $706K 5.9% of world imports
World total: $12M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 2821.20
Brazil does not split HS 2821.20: its NCM code is 2821.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 28.21 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 2821.20
What is HS code 282120?
HS code 282120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Earth colours; containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o3. This HS code specifically covers natural earth pigments, such as ochres, siennas, and umbers, which derive their color primarily from a high concentration of iron oxides, specifically 70% or more by weight when evaluated as Fe2O3. These materials are traded internationally for their unique natural hues, durability, and historical significance in art and construction. Importers typically include specialized pigment distributors, paint and coatings manufacturers, artists' material suppliers, and restoration companies seeking authentic natural colorants. Exporters are often countries with geological deposits of these specific iron-rich clays and earths, coupled with processing facilities to refine and prepare them for market. Key considerations in trade involve the specific shade, particle size, oil absorption, and the absence of impurities. Unlike synthetic iron oxides, these natural pigments offer subtle variations and textures highly valued in certain applications. Their demand is influenced by trends in natural and sustainable products, as well as traditional art and architectural restoration.
What products fall under HS code 282120?
Yellow ochre, Red ochre, Burnt sienna, Raw sienna, Burnt umber, Raw umber, Venetian red
What are common misclassifications for HS code 282120?
This code is distinct from 282110 (Iron oxides and hydroxides) because it specifically refers to natural earth pigments with a high iron content, whereas 282110 covers both natural and synthetic iron oxides. It could also be confused with other natural mineral pigments under Chapter 25 if the iron content threshold is not met.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 282120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 282120 in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($40M, 87% of world exports), India ($1.3M) and China ($793K). World exports came to about $46M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Italy reports $601M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 282120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 282120 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($2.5M, 21% of world imports), Tanzania ($1.5M) and China ($706K). World imports came to about $12M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 282120 structured?
HS code 282120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (28) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (21) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 282120?
In Brazil, HS code 282120 is NCM 2821.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.