HS Code for Color printing ink

Color printing ink is classified under HS code 3215.19. Heading 3215 covers printing ink, writing or drawing ink, and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid. The heading is divided into printing inks (3215.1) and other inks (3215.9). Within the printing ink category, a distinction is made between black ink (3215.11) and all other colors (3215.19). This classification includes inks used in various printing processes such as lithography, letterpress, flexography, and gravure. The ink may be in liquid, paste, or solid form (such as solid ink sticks for certain printers). The classification is determined by the intended use (printing) and the color (non-black). It is essential to distinguish these from paints or varnishes, which are classified elsewhere in Chapter 32, based on their different chemical compositions and application methods. Printing inks are specifically formulated to adhere to a substrate and dry quickly through evaporation, oxidation, or UV curing, and 3215.19 captures the full spectrum of these non-black industrial inks.

Products Included

• Cyan, Magenta, and Yellow printing inks
• Flexographic color inks
• Offset printing color pastes
• UV-curable color printing inks
• Screen printing color inks

Common Misclassification

Color printing ink is frequently confused with HS code 3215.11, which is exclusively for black printing ink. Another common error is using 3215.90, which is reserved for writing, drawing, or other non-printing inks (like fountain pen ink). Additionally, some digital toners are occasionally misclassified under 3707 (photographic chemicals), but if they function as the primary coloring agent in a printing process, 3215.19 is generally the correct classification. It is also important not to confuse these with 3213, which covers artists' colors in tubes or pans.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Color printing ink?

The HS code for printing ink, other than black, is 3215.19.

Does this code include ink for inkjet printers?

Yes, color inkjet cartridges containing only ink are typically classified under 3215.19, though some jurisdictions may classify the cartridge assembly differently if it contains a print head.