Product classification
HS code for Color pigments: 3212.90
Pigments, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, other than stamping foils.
Classification of color pigments under HS 3212.90
Color pigments used in the manufacture of paints are classified under HS code 3212.90. This code applies to pigments (including metallic powders and flakes) dispersed in non-aqueous media, in liquid or paste form, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints (including enamels). The classification is based on the preparation of the pigment; it must be concentrated and dispersed in a medium like a solvent or oil to be ready for industrial paint production. Chapter 32 of the Harmonized System covers tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins and their derivatives, and dyes, pigments, and other coloring matter. Subheading 3212.90 acts as a residual category for these prepared pigments that are not stamping foils.
- Covers
- Aluminum paste used in automotive paints
- Pearl essence dispersed in solvent
- Metallic flakes in paste form for industrial coatings
- Concentrated colorant dispersions for paint mixing
- Titanium dioxide dispersed in non-aqueous media
- Also under 3212.90
- DuPont Ti-Pure
- BASF Paliogen
- Clariant Hostaperm
- Lanxess Bayferrox
- Cabot Carbon Black
Codes often confused with 3212.90
Common mistake. Color pigments are frequently confused with HS code 3204 (synthetic organic coloring matter) or 3206 (other coloring matter). The distinction lies in the form: 3204 and 3206 generally cover pigments in dry powder form or basic chemical states, whereas 3212.90 specifically covers pigments that have been prepared as dispersions in a liquid or paste medium for paint manufacturing.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321290 (the code used for color pigments), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321290 (the code used for color pigments) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 8.5% 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 321290, not only color pigments.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $321M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $158M 10% of world exports
- 3 France $117M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $137M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 United States $131M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $126M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 codes for color pigments
Brazil splits HS 3212.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3212.90.10Aluminium pigment paste, 60% or more aluminium
- 3212.90.90Other pigment dispersions and retail dyes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about color pigments
What is the HS code for Color pigments?
The HS code for Color pigments is 321290 (Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, other than stamping foils). The HS code for pigments dispersed in non-aqueous media for paint manufacture is 3212.90.
How do I classify Color pigments for customs?
Color pigments is classified under HS code 321290 — Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, other than stamping foils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are dry powder pigments classified under 3212.90?
No, dry powder pigments are typically classified under 3204 if they are synthetic organic pigments, or 3206 if they are inorganic or other types of coloring matter.
Which countries are the top exporters of color pigments (HS 321290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321290 (the code used for color pigments) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($321M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($158M) and France ($117M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of color pigments (HS 321290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321290 (the code used for color pigments) in UN Comtrade data were China ($137M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($131M) and Germany ($126M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Color pigments the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321290 for Color pigments 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 color pigments in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 321290 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for color pigments depends on the product's details: 3212.90.10 (Aluminium pigment paste, 60% or more aluminium), 3212.90.90 (Other pigment dispersions and retail dyes).