HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3212.10 – Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils
HS code 3212.10 is the 6-digit subheading for pigments, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils. It is used for metallic stamping foil pigments, holographic foil pigments, pearlescent stamping foil pigments, matte stamping foil pigments and high-gloss stamping foil pigments.
What HS 3212.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers pigments prepared for use in the manufacture of stamping foils. Stamping foils are used for decorative or functional purposes, often involving heat and pressure to transfer a thin layer onto a substrate, commonly seen in packaging, textiles, and graphic arts. These pigments require specific properties such as heat stability, fine particle size, and excellent dispersion to ensure a smooth, consistent transfer and vibrant finish. Importers are typically manufacturers of stamping foils, packaging companies, and graphic arts industries. Exporters are specialty chemical and pigment producers. Trade focuses on color consistency, heat resistance, and adhesion properties.
- Covers
- Metallic stamping foil pigments
- Holographic foil pigments
- Pearlescent stamping foil pigments
- Matte stamping foil pigments
- High-gloss stamping foil pigments
- Security foil pigments
- Pigment chips for foils
- Examples
- Kurz Stamping Foils (pigment component)
- Leonhard Kurz
- Crown Roll Leaf
- API Group
- ITW Foils
Codes often confused with 3212.10
Common mistake. Can be confused with other pigments in 3206 or 321290 if their specific application in stamping foils is not recognized, as their properties are tailored for this process.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 321210, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 321210 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 $146M 22% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$77M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $57M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $678M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $85M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $60M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $52M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $814M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 3212.10
Brazil does not split HS 3212.10: its NCM code is 3212.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 32.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3212.10
What is HS code 321210?
HS code 321210 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils. This HS code specifically covers pigments prepared for use in the manufacture of stamping foils. Stamping foils are used for decorative or functional purposes, often involving heat and pressure to transfer a thin layer onto a substrate, commonly seen in packaging, textiles, and graphic arts. These pigments require specific properties such as heat stability, fine particle size, and excellent dispersion to ensure a smooth, consistent transfer and vibrant finish. Importers are typically manufacturers of stamping foils, packaging companies, and graphic arts industries. Exporters are specialty chemical and pigment producers. Trade focuses on color consistency, heat resistance, and adhesion properties.
What products fall under HS code 321210?
Metallic stamping foil pigments, holographic foil pigments, pearlescent stamping foil pigments, matte stamping foil pigments, high-gloss stamping foil pigments, security foil pigments, pigment chips for foils
What are common misclassifications for HS code 321210?
Can be confused with other pigments in 3206 or 321290 if their specific application in stamping foils is not recognized, as their properties are tailored for this process.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 321210?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 321210 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($146M, 22% of world exports), Taiwan (about $77M) and Malaysia ($57M). World exports came to about $678M, 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 321210?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 321210 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($85M, 10% of world imports), China ($60M) and Italy ($52M). World imports came to about $814M, 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 321210 structured?
HS code 321210 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 321210?
In Brazil, HS code 321210 is NCM 3212.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.