Product classification
HS code for Calligraphy ink: 3215.90
Ink, writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid.
Classification of calligraphy ink under HS 3215.90
Calligraphy ink is classified under HS code 3215.90. Heading 3215 is dedicated to printing ink, writing or drawing ink, and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid. While 3215.11 and 3215.19 are reserved for printing inks used in mechanical presses, 3215.90 serves as the residual category for all other types of ink, including those used for manual writing and drawing. Calligraphy ink, which may be liquid, paste, or in solid sticks (like traditional sumi ink), falls into this category. The classification is based on the chemical composition of the ink—typically a combination of pigments or dyes and a binder—and its intended use for manual application rather than mechanical printing. This code ensures that specialized artistic and stationery inks are distinguished from industrial-scale printing consumables. The classification applies to both bottled liquid inks and solid ink cakes used in traditional East Asian calligraphy.
- Covers
- India ink (liquid or stick)
- Sumi ink sticks and liquid sumi ink
- Pigmented drawing inks
- Metallic and iridescent calligraphy inks
- Fountain pen inks used for calligraphy
- Concentrated ink pastes
- Also under 3215.90
- Parker Quink
- Pilot G2 Gel Ink
- Winsor & Newton Drawing Ink
- Sharpie Permanent Marker Ink
- Noodler's Ink
Codes often confused with 3215.90
Common mistake. Calligraphy ink is often misclassified under HS code 3215.11 or 3215.19, which are specifically for printing inks. It can also be confused with 3212.90, which covers dyes and other coloring matter put up in forms for retail sale. However, because calligraphy ink is a finished writing/drawing medium, 3215.90 is the most accurate classification. Solid ink sticks are sometimes wrongly classified as mineral products in Chapter 25, but they are prepared chemical mixtures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321590 (the code used for calligraphy ink), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321590 (the code used for calligraphy ink) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% 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 321590, not only calligraphy ink.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $1.3B 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 27% of world exports
- 3 China $430M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $4.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $1.1B 22% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $636M 12% of world imports
- 3 France $573M 11% of world imports
World total: $5.1B 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.
Brazil NCM code for calligraphy ink
Brazil classifies calligraphy ink under NCM 3215.90.00: HS 3215.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about calligraphy ink
What is the HS code for Calligraphy ink?
The HS code for Calligraphy ink is 321590 (Ink; writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid). The HS code for calligraphy ink, whether liquid or solid, is 3215.90.
How do I classify Calligraphy ink for customs?
Calligraphy ink is classified under HS code 321590 — Ink; writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are traditional ink sticks classified as ink?
Yes, HS code 3215.90 specifically includes writing and drawing inks whether or not they are in concentrated or solid form, which covers traditional ink sticks.
Which countries are the top exporters of calligraphy ink (HS 321590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321590 (the code used for calligraphy ink) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.3B, 28% of world exports), Germany ($1.3B) and China ($430M). World exports came to about $4.7B, 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 calligraphy ink (HS 321590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321590 (the code used for calligraphy ink) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 22% of world imports), the Netherlands ($636M) and France ($573M). World imports came to about $5.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Calligraphy ink the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321590 for Calligraphy 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 calligraphy ink in Brazil?
In Brazil, calligraphy ink (HS 321590) is classified under NCM 3215.90.00.