HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3202.90 – Tanning substances; inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances; enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning
HS code 3202.90 is the 6-digit subheading for tanning substances, inorganic tanning substances, tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances, enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning. It is used for basic chromium sulfate, chrome tanning salts, aluminum sulfate (for tanning), zirconium sulfate (for tanning) and enzymatic deliming agents.
What HS 3202.90 covers
This broad category encompasses inorganic tanning substances, primarily chromium salts, and various tanning preparations, including enzymatic solutions for pre-tanning. Chromium tanning is widely used for its speed, versatility, and ability to produce soft, durable leather with excellent physical properties, making it a cornerstone of the global leather industry. Trade involves the supply of these specialized chemicals from industrial producers to tanneries worldwide. The environmental impact of chromium and the development of chrome-free alternatives are significant factors influencing trade and innovation in this sector, alongside the demand for efficient enzymatic preparations that optimize the pre-tanning stages, improving hide preparation and reducing processing times. This code also includes other inorganic tanning agents like aluminum and zirconium salts.
- Covers
- Basic chromium sulfate
- Chrome tanning salts
- Aluminum sulfate (for tanning)
- Zirconium sulfate (for tanning)
- Enzymatic deliming agents
- Protease enzymes for leather
- Tanning auxiliaries
- Chrome-free inorganic tanning agents
- Examples
- Lanxess Chromosal
- BASF Basyntan (some inorganic types)
- Stahl EasyWhite (some inorganic types)
- Buckman Enzymatic Preparations
Codes often confused with 3202.90
Common mistake. Often confused with synthetic organic tanning substances (320210) due to both being chemical agents, but this code specifically covers inorganic substances and complex tanning preparations, including enzymatic ones.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320290 in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $44M 22% of world exports
- 2 Italy $38M 19% of world exports
- 3 France $25M 12% of world exports
World total: $203M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $42M 18% of world imports
- 2 Italy $21M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $18M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $230M 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 codes for 3202.90 7
Brazil splits HS 3202.90 into 7 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3202.90.1 Inorganic tanning substancesProdutos tanantes inorgânicos Group
- 3202.90.11 Inorganic tanning substances, chromium saltsÀ base de sais de cromo
- 3202.90.12 Inorganic tanning substances, titanium saltsÀ base de sais de titânio
- 3202.90.13 Inorganic tanning substances, zirconium saltsÀ base de sais de zircônio
- 3202.90.19 Other inorganic tanning substancesOutros
- 3202.90.2 Tanning preparationsPreparações tanantes Group
- 3202.90.21 Tanning preparations, chromium compoundsÀ base de compostos de cromo
- 3202.90.29 Other tanning preparationsOutros
- 3202.90.30 Enzymatic preparations for pre-tanningPreparações enzimáticas para a pré-curtimenta
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 32.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3202.90
What is HS code 320290?
HS code 320290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tanning substances; inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances; enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning. This broad category encompasses inorganic tanning substances, primarily chromium salts, and various tanning preparations, including enzymatic solutions for pre-tanning. Chromium tanning is widely used for its speed, versatility, and ability to produce soft, durable leather with excellent physical properties, making it a cornerstone of the global leather industry. Trade involves the supply of these specialized chemicals from industrial producers to tanneries worldwide. The environmental impact of chromium and the development of chrome-free alternatives are significant factors influencing trade and innovation in this sector, alongside the demand for efficient enzymatic preparations that optimize the pre-tanning stages, improving hide preparation and reducing processing times. This code also includes other inorganic tanning agents like aluminum and zirconium salts.
What products fall under HS code 320290?
Basic chromium sulfate, Chrome tanning salts, Aluminum sulfate (for tanning), Zirconium sulfate (for tanning), Enzymatic deliming agents, Protease enzymes for leather, Tanning auxiliaries, Chrome-free inorganic tanning agents
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320290?
Often confused with synthetic organic tanning substances (320210) due to both being chemical agents, but this code specifically covers inorganic substances and complex tanning preparations, including enzymatic ones.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320290 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($44M, 22% of world exports), Italy ($38M) and France ($25M). World exports came to about $203M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 320290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320290 in UN Comtrade data were China ($42M, 18% of world imports), Italy ($21M) and Brazil ($18M). World imports came to about $230M, 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 320290 structured?
HS code 320290 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320290?
Brazil splits HS code 320290 into 7 NCM codes: 3202.90.11 (Inorganic tanning substances, chromium salts), 3202.90.12 (Inorganic tanning substances, titanium salts), 3202.90.13 (Inorganic tanning substances, zirconium salts), 3202.90.19 (Other inorganic tanning substances), 3202.90.21 (Tanning preparations, chromium compounds), 3202.90.29 (Other tanning preparations), 3202.90.30 (Enzymatic preparations for pre-tanning). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.