HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3215.11 – Ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid
HS code 3215.11 is the 6-digit subheading for ink, for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid. It is used for black offset printing ink, black flexographic ink, black gravure ink, black inkjet cartridge ink and black toner powder.
What HS 3215.11 covers
This HS code specifically covers black printing inks, encompassing a wide range of formulations used across various printing technologies, whether in liquid, concentrated, or solid forms. These inks are fundamental to the global printing industry, from commercial presses to home office printers. Key importers include printing houses, packaging manufacturers, newspaper publishers, and distributors of office supplies and industrial consumables. Exporters are typically large chemical companies specializing in ink production, often with global manufacturing footprints. Important considerations in trade include the ink's compatibility with specific printing methods (e.g., offset, flexographic, gravure, inkjet, toner), its substrate adhesion properties, drying time, and environmental impact (e.g., VOC content, biodegradability). The shift towards digital printing and sustainable ink solutions continues to influence trade patterns and product development in this sector.
- Covers
- Black offset printing ink
- Black flexographic ink
- Black gravure ink
- Black inkjet cartridge ink
- Black toner powder
- Black screen printing ink
- Black UV-curable ink
- Black digital press ink
- Examples
- HP 61 Black Ink Cartridge
- Epson 220 Black Ink
- Canon PGI-280 Pigment Black
- Xerox Genuine Toner
- DIC Black Offset Ink
Codes often confused with 3215.11
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 321519 for non-black printing inks, or with 321590 for writing or drawing inks, if the primary intended use is not clearly for printing.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 321511, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 321511 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, 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 United States $235M 17% of world exports
- 2 Japan $189M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $162M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $120M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 Germany $82M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $77M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 3215.11
Brazil does not split HS 3215.11: its NCM code is 3215.11.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 32.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3215.11
What is HS code 321511?
HS code 321511 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid. This HS code specifically covers black printing inks, encompassing a wide range of formulations used across various printing technologies, whether in liquid, concentrated, or solid forms. These inks are fundamental to the global printing industry, from commercial presses to home office printers. Key importers include printing houses, packaging manufacturers, newspaper publishers, and distributors of office supplies and industrial consumables. Exporters are typically large chemical companies specializing in ink production, often with global manufacturing footprints. Important considerations in trade include the ink's compatibility with specific printing methods (e.g., offset, flexographic, gravure, inkjet, toner), its substrate adhesion properties, drying time, and environmental impact (e.g., VOC content, biodegradability). The shift towards digital printing and sustainable ink solutions continues to influence trade patterns and product development in this sector.
What products fall under HS code 321511?
Black offset printing ink, Black flexographic ink, Black gravure ink, Black inkjet cartridge ink, Black toner powder, Black screen printing ink, Black UV-curable ink, Black digital press ink
What are common misclassifications for HS code 321511?
This code might be confused with 321519 for non-black printing inks, or with 321590 for writing or drawing inks, if the primary intended use is not clearly for printing.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 321511?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 321511 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($235M, 17% of world exports), Japan ($189M) and Germany ($162M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 321511?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 321511 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($120M, 7.8% of world imports), Germany ($82M) and Malaysia ($77M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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.
How is HS code 321511 structured?
HS code 321511 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (11) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 321511?
In Brazil, HS code 321511 is NCM 3215.11.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.