HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3206.20 – Colouring matter; pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds
HS code 3206.20 is the 6-digit subheading for colouring matter, pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds. It is used for chrome yellow pigment, molybdate orange pigment, chromium oxide green, lead chromate pigment and zinc chromate.
What HS 3206.20 covers
This HS code covers coloring matter, pigments, and preparations primarily based on chromium compounds. These products are essential in various industries for imparting color, offering properties like high opacity, lightfastness, and chemical resistance. Key importers include manufacturers in the paint and coatings industry, plastics producers, ceramics and glass manufacturers, and printing ink companies. These industries rely on chromium-based pigments for their vibrant hues and durability in demanding applications. Exporters are typically chemical companies specializing in pigment production, often located in regions with access to raw materials and advanced chemical processing capabilities. The trade involves considerations for environmental regulations regarding chromium compounds, particularly hexavalent chromium, which has toxicity concerns. Therefore, the focus is often on safer trivalent chromium compounds or encapsulated forms. Quality control for color consistency, particle size, and dispersion properties is paramount.
- Covers
- Chrome yellow pigment
- Molybdate orange pigment
- Chromium oxide green
- Lead chromate pigment
- Zinc chromate
- Strontium chromate
- Barium chromate
- Examples
- BASF Chrome Yellow
- Lanxess Chromium Oxide Green
- Shepherd Color Company Chrome Titanate
- DIC Corporation Chromium Pigments
- Ferro Corporation Chromate Pigments
Codes often confused with 3206.20
Common mistake. This code can be confused with other inorganic pigments in 3206 (e.g., 320611 for titanium dioxide) or 320649 (other inorganic coloring matter) if the chromium compound basis is not clearly identified. It's also distinct from raw chromium chemicals in Chapter 28 if they are not prepared as coloring matter.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320620, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320620 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 7.8% 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 India $55M 39% of world exports
- 2 China $16M 11% of world exports
- 3 Colombia $10M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $142M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $13M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $12M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $10M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $163M 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 3206.20
Brazil does not split HS 3206.20: its NCM code is 3206.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 32.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3206.20
What is HS code 320620?
HS code 320620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Colouring matter; pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds. This HS code covers coloring matter, pigments, and preparations primarily based on chromium compounds. These products are essential in various industries for imparting color, offering properties like high opacity, lightfastness, and chemical resistance. Key importers include manufacturers in the paint and coatings industry, plastics producers, ceramics and glass manufacturers, and printing ink companies. These industries rely on chromium-based pigments for their vibrant hues and durability in demanding applications. Exporters are typically chemical companies specializing in pigment production, often located in regions with access to raw materials and advanced chemical processing capabilities. The trade involves considerations for environmental regulations regarding chromium compounds, particularly hexavalent chromium, which has toxicity concerns. Therefore, the focus is often on safer trivalent chromium compounds or encapsulated forms. Quality control for color consistency, particle size, and dispersion properties is paramount.
What products fall under HS code 320620?
Chrome yellow pigment, Molybdate orange pigment, Chromium oxide green, Lead chromate pigment, Zinc chromate, Strontium chromate, Barium chromate
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320620?
This code can be confused with other inorganic pigments in 3206 (e.g., 320611 for titanium dioxide) or 320649 (other inorganic coloring matter) if the chromium compound basis is not clearly identified. It's also distinct from raw chromium chemicals in Chapter 28 if they are not prepared as coloring matter.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320620?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320620 in UN Comtrade data were India ($55M, 39% of world exports), China ($16M) and Colombia ($10M). World exports came to about $142M, 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 320620?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320620 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($13M, 7.8% of world imports), the United States ($12M) and Thailand ($10M). World imports came to about $163M, 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 320620 structured?
HS code 320620 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) 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 320620?
In Brazil, HS code 320620 is NCM 3206.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.