HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 32.07 – Pigments, prepared; opacifiers, colours, vitrifiable enamels, glazes, engobes (slips), liquid lustres etc as used in the ceramic enamelling or glass industry; glass frit and powder, granules or flakes
What HS 32.07 covers
Heading 3207 is a highly specialized classification covering 'Pigments, prepared; opacifiers, colours, vitrifiable enamels, glazes, engobes (slips), liquid lustres etc as used in the ceramic enamelling or glass industry; glass frit and powder, granules or flakes.' This heading specifically targets materials designed for high-temperature applications in the ceramic, enamelling, and glass sectors. Its scope is broad within these industries, encompassing a range of prepared pigments, opacifying agents, decorative colors, and functional coatings. Vitrifiable enamels are glass-based coatings that fuse onto surfaces under heat; glazes provide a non-porous, often decorative, layer on ceramics; engobes are slips used for surface decoration or to mask imperfections. Liquid lustres, such as liquid gold or platinum, provide metallic finishes. Glass frit, in powder, granule, or flake form, is a crucial intermediate for making enamels and glazes. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to its specificity of end-use, distinguishing these specialized preparations from general paints (3208) or other pigments (3206). It reflects the unique chemical and physical properties required for high-temperature resistance and adhesion in these industries. As part of Chapter 32, it ensures accurate categorization for tariff rates, safety standards, and technical specifications relevant to these specialized manufacturing processes.
- Covers
- Ceramic pigments
- Vitrifiable enamels for glass
- Glazes for pottery
- Porcelain engobes (slips)
- Liquid gold lustre for ceramics
- Glass frit for enamelling
- Opacifiers for ceramic glazes
- Underglaze colours for ceramics
- Overglaze colours for glass
- Ceramic stains
- Enamel powders for metal
- Glass powders for fusing
- Granulated glass for art
- Flaked glass for decorative coatings
- Inorganic pigments for high-temperature applications
- Vitreous enamels for cast iron
- Glass enamels for bottles
- Silicate-based glazes
- Zirconium opacifiers
- Chrome-tin pink stains
- Cobalt blue ceramic pigments
- Iron oxide ceramic pigments
- Lead-free glazes
- Frit for sanitary ware.
- Examples
An Italian manufacturer exports specialized vitrifiable enamels to a Chinese factory producing high-end glassware and crystal, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal. A Spanish company supplies a wide range of ceramic glazes and engobes to tile manufacturers in Brazil and Turkey, supporting their vibrant construction and home decor industries. A German firm exports liquid gold lustres to a porcelain decorator in Japan for intricate designs on tableware and art pieces. A US company imports specific glass frit from Mexico for use in the automotive glass industry, particularly for windshields and sunroofs, demonstrating regional supply chain integration. A Turkish producer of prepared pigments for sanitary ware exports to an EU ceramics producer for toilet bowls and sinks.
Subheadings under 32.07 4
Codes often confused with 32.07
Common mistake. Misclassification frequently occurs by confusing these specialized products with general inorganic pigments (HS 3206) or with paints and varnishes (HS 3208 or 3210). The key differentiator is the explicit mention of 'as used in the ceramic, enamelling or glass industry' and the specific forms like vitrifiable enamels, glazes, engobes, and glass frit. A prepared pigment for general use (e.g., in plastics at room temperature) would fall under 3206, but if it's specifically formulated for high-temperature ceramic applications, it belongs in 3207. Likewise, a liquid coating not intended for vitrification at high temperatures would be a paint (3208/3210).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 3207, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 3207 in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 5.9% 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 Spain $927M 21% of world exports
- 2 Japan $634M 14% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $540M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $240M 5.9% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $213M 5.2% of world imports
- 3 India $202M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $4.1B 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.
Questions about HS 32.07
What is HS code 3207?
HS code 3207 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pigments, prepared; opacifiers, colours, vitrifiable enamels, glazes, engobes (slips), liquid lustres etc as used in the ceramic enamelling or glass industry; glass frit and powder, granules or flakes. Heading 3207 is a highly specialized classification covering 'Pigments, prepared; opacifiers, colours, vitrifiable enamels, glazes, engobes (slips), liquid lustres etc as used in the ceramic enamelling or glass industry; glass frit and powder, granules or flakes.' This heading specifically targets materials designed for high-temperature applications in the ceramic, enamelling, and glass sectors. Its scope is broad within these industries, encompassing a range of prepared pigments, opacifying agents, decorative colors, and functional coatings. Vitrifiable enamels are glass-based coatings that fuse onto surfaces under heat; glazes provide a non-porous, often decorative, layer on ceramics; engobes are slips used for surface decoration or to mask imperfections. Liquid lustres, such as liquid gold or platinum, provide metallic finishes. Glass frit, in powder, granule, or flake form, is a crucial intermediate for making enamels and glazes. This classification is vital for trade compliance due to its specificity of end-use, distinguishing these specialized preparations from general paints (3208) or other pigments (3206). It reflects the unique chemical and physical properties required for high-temperature resistance and adhesion in these industries. As part of Chapter 32, it ensures accurate categorization for tariff rates, safety standards, and technical specifications relevant to these specialized manufacturing processes.
What products fall under HS code 3207?
Ceramic pigments, Vitrifiable enamels for glass, Glazes for pottery, Porcelain engobes (slips), Liquid gold lustre for ceramics, Glass frit for enamelling, Opacifiers for ceramic glazes, Underglaze colours for ceramics, Overglaze colours for glass, Ceramic stains, Enamel powders for metal, Glass powders for fusing, Granulated glass for art, Flaked glass for decorative coatings, Inorganic pigments for high-temperature applications, Vitreous enamels for cast iron, Glass enamels for bottles, Silicate-based glazes, Zirconium opacifiers, Chrome-tin pink stains, Cobalt blue ceramic pigments, Iron oxide ceramic pigments, Lead-free glazes, Frit for sanitary ware.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 3207?
Misclassification frequently occurs by confusing these specialized products with general inorganic pigments (HS 3206) or with paints and varnishes (HS 3208 or 3210). The key differentiator is the explicit mention of 'as used in the ceramic, enamelling or glass industry' and the specific forms like vitrifiable enamels, glazes, engobes, and glass frit. A prepared pigment for general use (e.g., in plastics at room temperature) would fall under 3206, but if it's specifically formulated for high-temperature ceramic applications, it belongs in 3207. Likewise, a liquid coating not intended for vitrification at high temperatures would be a paint (3208/3210).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 3207?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3207 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($927M, 21% of world exports), Japan ($634M) and South Korea ($540M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 3207?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3207 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($240M, 5.9% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($213M) and India ($202M). World imports came to about $4.1B, 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 3207 structured?
HS code 3207 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 32 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.