HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3206.49 – Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4
HS code 3206.49 is the 6-digit subheading for colouring matter, other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4. It is used for cobalt blue pigment, cadmium red pigment, iron oxide yellow pigment, chromium oxide green and bismuth vanadate yellow.
What HS 3206.49 covers
This is a 'basket' HS code for other inorganic coloring matter and preparations not elsewhere specified within subheading 3206.4. It covers a diverse array of specialized inorganic pigments beyond ultramarine and zinc sulphide-based types. This includes high-performance pigments like cobalt blue, cadmium pigments, bismuth vanadate, and various mixed metal oxides, often used in demanding applications such as high-temperature coatings, ceramics, plastics, and automotive finishes. International trade involves specialty chemical companies exporting these niche pigments to manufacturers globally who require specific color properties, durability, or heat resistance. Importers are typically industries with advanced manufacturing processes requiring precise color control and performance.
- Covers
- Cobalt blue pigment
- Cadmium red pigment
- Iron oxide yellow pigment
- Chromium oxide green
- Bismuth vanadate yellow
- Mixed metal oxide pigments
- Complex inorganic color pigments
- Examples
- Shepherd Color Cobalt Blue
- BASF Lumina Royal Blue
- Ferro V-12120 Cadmium Red
- Lanxess Bayferrox Yellow
- DIC Chromofine Green
Codes often confused with 3206.49
Common mistake. This code is a catch-all, so misclassification often occurs when a more specific code exists, such as 3206.11 for titanium dioxide or 3206.41 for ultramarine.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320649, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320649 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.4% 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 Germany $651M 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $487M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $294M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $300M 8.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $232M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $226M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 3206.49 3
Brazil splits HS 3206.49 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3206.49.10 Cadmium compound pigments and preparationsPigmentos e preparações à base de compostos de cádmio
- 3206.49.20 Hexacyanoferrate pigments and preparationsPigmentos e preparações à base de hexacianoferratos (ferrocianetos e ferricianetos)
- 3206.49.90 Other colouring matter and preparationsOutras
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 3206.49
What is HS code 320649?
HS code 320649 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4. This is a 'basket' HS code for other inorganic coloring matter and preparations not elsewhere specified within subheading 3206.4. It covers a diverse array of specialized inorganic pigments beyond ultramarine and zinc sulphide-based types. This includes high-performance pigments like cobalt blue, cadmium pigments, bismuth vanadate, and various mixed metal oxides, often used in demanding applications such as high-temperature coatings, ceramics, plastics, and automotive finishes. International trade involves specialty chemical companies exporting these niche pigments to manufacturers globally who require specific color properties, durability, or heat resistance. Importers are typically industries with advanced manufacturing processes requiring precise color control and performance.
What products fall under HS code 320649?
Cobalt blue pigment, cadmium red pigment, iron oxide yellow pigment, chromium oxide green, bismuth vanadate yellow, mixed metal oxide pigments, complex inorganic color pigments
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320649?
This code is a catch-all, so misclassification often occurs when a more specific code exists, such as 3206.11 for titanium dioxide or 3206.41 for ultramarine.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320649?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320649 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($651M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($487M) and China ($294M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 320649?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320649 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($300M, 8.4% of world imports), Germany ($232M) and Mexico ($226M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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 320649 structured?
HS code 320649 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 (49) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320649?
Brazil splits HS code 320649 into 3 NCM codes: 3206.49.10 (Cadmium compound pigments and preparations), 3206.49.20 (Hexacyanoferrate pigments and preparations), 3206.49.90 (Other colouring matter and preparations). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.