Product classification
HS code for Black printing ink: 3215.11
Ink, for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid.
Classification of black printing ink under HS 3215.11
Black printing ink is precisely classified under HS code 321511 due to its specific composition and intended use. The Harmonized System description clearly defines this category as "Ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid." This means that any ink, regardless of its consistency (liquid, concentrated, or solid forms like toner), that is specifically formulated and intended for printing purposes and is black in colour, falls under this subheading. The "for printing" criterion is crucial, distinguishing it from inks used for writing, drawing, or other applications. The explicit mention of "black" further narrows the scope, separating it from all other coloured printing inks. This specificity ensures accurate classification for a fundamental consumable in the printing industry.
- Covers
- Black ink for offset printing presses
- Black ink cartridges for inkjet printers
- Black toner cartridges for laser printers (considered solid printing ink)
- Black screen printing ink
- Black gravure printing ink
- Also under 3215.11
- 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. Common misclassifications for black printing ink primarily involve other types of inks or related products. Other coloured printing inks, such as cyan, magenta, or yellow, are classified under HS 321519. Inks intended for writing or drawing, such as fountain pen ink or markers, fall under HS 321590. Pigments or dyes that are not formulated into a finished ink product would be classified under Chapter 32, but in different subheadings related to their chemical composition (e.g., HS 3204 for synthetic organic colouring matter). Additionally, certain specialized inks not primarily for printing, such as tattoo inks or textile dyeing inks, would be classified elsewhere based on their specific function and composition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321511 (the code used for black printing ink), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321511 (the code used for black printing ink) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 321511, not only black printing ink.
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 black printing ink
Brazil classifies black printing ink under NCM 3215.11.00: HS 3215.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about black printing ink
What is the HS code for Black printing ink?
The HS code for Black printing ink is 321511 (Ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid). The HS code for black printing ink, whether liquid, concentrated, or solid, is 321511.
How do I classify Black printing ink for customs?
Black printing ink is classified under HS code 321511 — Ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS 321511 cover all forms of black printing ink?
Yes, HS 321511 is comprehensive for black printing ink, explicitly including forms that are "whether or not concentrated or solid." This means it covers liquid inks, highly concentrated inks, and solid forms such as toner used in laser printers, provided their primary function is for printing and they are black in colour.
Which countries are the top exporters of black printing ink (HS 321511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321511 (the code used for black printing ink) 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 black printing ink (HS 321511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321511 (the code used for black printing ink) 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.
Is the HS code for Black printing ink the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321511 for Black printing ink is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for black printing ink in Brazil?
In Brazil, black printing ink (HS 321511) is classified under NCM 3215.11.00.