Product classification
HS code for Ceramic lustre: 3207.30
Lustres, liquid lustres and similar preparations.
Classification of ceramic lustre under HS 3207.30
Ceramic lustres are classified under HS code 3207.30. These are specialized chemical preparations used in the decoration of ceramic or glass products. Unlike finished ceramic goods found in Chapter 69, these substances are categorized in Chapter 32, which covers tanning or dyeing extracts, pigments, and other coloring matter. Specifically, heading 3207 includes prepared pigments, opacifiers, colors, vitrifiable enamels, and glazes. Liquid lustres are solutions of metallic compounds in organic solvents, such as oil of turpentine, that leave a thin, decorative metallic or iridescent film on the surface of the ceramic after firing. The classification 3207.30 is specific to these "liquid lustres and similar preparations." This code is used by manufacturers of ceramic glazes and decorative finishes to ensure the chemical nature of the product is recognized for safety, environmental regulation, and technical standards during international transit. The classification is determined by the chemical composition and the intended use as a surface treatment for ceramics.
- Covers
- Liquid gold lustres for ceramics
- Silver and platinum liquid lustres
- Iridescent ceramic coatings
- Metallic soap solutions for glass decoration
- Vitrifiable liquid lustres
- Also under 3207.30
- Heraeus Liquid Gold
- Johnson Matthey Lustres
- Degussa Liquid Gold
- Ferro Lustres
- Engelhard Liquid Precious Metals
Codes often confused with 3207.30
Common mistake. Ceramic lustres are sometimes misclassified under 3207.10, which is for prepared pigments and opacifiers. However, lustres are distinct because they are liquid solutions of metallic salts. They may also be confused with 3208.90 (paints and varnishes), but because they are specifically formulated for vitrification on ceramic or glass surfaces, 3207.30 is the legally correct heading under the Harmonized System.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320730 (the code used for ceramic lustre), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320730 (the code used for ceramic lustre) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 320730, not only ceramic lustre.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $506M 35% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $488M 34% of world exports
- 3 Germany $109M 7.6% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $107M 17% of world imports
- 2 Germany $65M 10% of world imports
- 3 Japan $58M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $639M 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 ceramic lustre
Brazil classifies ceramic lustre under NCM 3207.30.00: HS 3207.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ceramic lustre
What is the HS code for Ceramic lustre?
The HS code for Ceramic lustre is 320730 (Lustres; liquid lustres and similar preparations). The HS code for liquid ceramic lustres and similar preparations is 3207.30.
How do I classify Ceramic lustre for customs?
Ceramic lustre is classified under HS code 320730 — Lustres; liquid lustres and similar preparations. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are these classified as paints?
No, while they provide color and finish, they are classified as vitrifiable preparations under 3207.30 rather than standard paints because they require high-temperature firing to bond with the ceramic substrate.
Which countries are the top exporters of ceramic lustre (HS 320730)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320730 (the code used for ceramic lustre) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($506M, 35% of world exports), South Korea ($488M) and Germany ($109M). World exports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of ceramic lustre (HS 320730)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320730 (the code used for ceramic lustre) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($107M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($65M) and Japan ($58M). World imports came to about $639M, 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 Ceramic lustre the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320730 for Ceramic lustre 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 ceramic lustre in Brazil?
In Brazil, ceramic lustre (HS 320730) is classified under NCM 3207.30.00.