Product classification
HS code for Chromium pigment: 3206.20
Colouring matter, pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds.
Classification of chromium pigment under HS 3206.20
Chromium pigments are classified under HS code 3206.20. This classification is situated within Chapter 32, which encompasses tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins and their derivatives, dyes, pigments, and other coloring matter. The classification under 3206.20 is specific to coloring matter and preparations based on chromium compounds. Unlike pure chemical compounds found in Chapter 28, products in Chapter 32 are typically preparations where the coloring matter is dispersed in a medium or mixed with other substances to enhance its properties as a pigment. This includes mixtures of various chromium salts or oxides that have been processed for use in paints, plastics, or ceramics. The Harmonized System distinguishes these based on their intended use and the degree of processing; once a chromium compound is prepared as a pigment, it moves from the inorganic chemical category into the coloring matter category.
- Covers
- Chrome yellow (lead chromate based)
- Chrome green (mixtures of chrome yellow and Prussian blue)
- Molybdate orange (containing lead chromate)
- Zinc chromate pigments
- Strontium chromate pigments
- Also under 3206.20
- BASF Chrome Yellow
- Lanxess Chromium Oxide Green
- Shepherd Color Company Chrome Titanate
- DIC Corporation Chromium Pigments
- Ferro Corporation Chromate Pigments
Codes often confused with 3206.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification involves HS code 2819.90. Importers often mistake pure chromium oxide for a chromium pigment. However, Chapter 28 (2819.90) is for separate chemically defined compounds, while Chapter 32 (3206.20) is for preparations. If the product contains additives like surfactants or is blended with other pigments, it belongs in 3206.20. Another confusion arises with 3204, which is reserved for synthetic organic coloring matter; since chromium pigments are inorganic, they must remain in 3206.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320620 (the code used for chromium pigment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320620 (the code used for chromium pigment) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, 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 320620, not only chromium pigment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $55M 39% of world exports
- 2 China $16M 11% of world exports
- 3 Colombia $10M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $142M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $13M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 United States $12M 7.2% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $10M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $163M 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 chromium pigment
Brazil classifies chromium pigment under NCM 3206.20.00: HS 3206.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chromium pigment
What is the HS code for Chromium pigment?
The HS code for Chromium pigment is 320620 (Colouring matter; pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds). The HS code for pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds is 3206.20.
How do I classify Chromium pigment for customs?
Chromium pigment is classified under HS code 320620 — Colouring matter; pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can 3206.20 include liquid paints?
No, finished paints and enamels are generally classified under headings 3208 to 3210. HS code 3206.20 is for the pigment or the preparation used to create those paints.
Which countries are the top exporters of chromium pigment (HS 320620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320620 (the code used for chromium pigment) in UN Comtrade data were India ($55M, 39% of world exports), China ($16M) and Colombia ($10M). World exports came to about $142M, 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 chromium pigment (HS 320620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320620 (the code used for chromium pigment) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($13M, 7.8% of world imports), the United States ($12M) and Thailand ($10M). World imports came to about $163M, 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 Chromium pigment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320620 for Chromium pigment 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 chromium pigment in Brazil?
In Brazil, chromium pigment (HS 320620) is classified under NCM 3206.20.00.