Product classification
HS code for Drawing ink: 3215.90
Ink, writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid.
Classification of drawing ink under HS 3215.90
Drawing ink is classified under HS code 3215.90 because it falls within the category of writing or drawing inks that are not specifically used for industrial printing. Heading 3215 is divided into printing inks (3215.11 and 3215.19) and other inks. Since drawing ink is intended for manual application or use in technical pens rather than large-scale industrial printing presses, it is categorized under the "other" subheading 3215.90. This classification applies regardless of whether the ink is in liquid, concentrated, or solid form. The chemical composition typically includes colorants such as pigments or dyes dispersed in a medium, often with binders like shellac or acrylic to ensure permanence and water resistance upon drying. The classification process follows the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 32 covers tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins and their derivatives, dyes, pigments, and other coloring matter. Within this chapter, 3215 is the most specific heading for ink. Subheading 3215.90 acts as a residual category for all inks that are not printing inks, including those used for drafting, calligraphy, and general writing. It is important to distinguish these from paints or artists' colors, which have different chemical properties and intended uses. Furthermore, this code excludes products like toner for photocopiers, which are classified under 3707. The distinction between ink and paint is often based on the viscosity and the concentration of the pigment, with inks being thinner and designed to flow through a nib or brush.
- Covers
- India ink
- Chinese ink
- Calligraphy ink
- Technical drawing ink
- Liquid drafting ink
- Solid ink sticks for drawing
- Concentrated ink pastes for artistic use
- 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. Drawing ink is frequently confused with HS code 3213.10, which covers artists' colors in sets. While both are used for art, 3213 is for paints, whereas 3215 is specifically for ink. Another common error is using 9608.10 for the ink itself; 9608 is for finished writing instruments like ballpoint pens. If the ink is imported separately as a refill or in bulk, it must stay in 3215.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321590 (the code used for drawing ink), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321590 (the code used for drawing 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 drawing 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 drawing ink
Brazil classifies drawing 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 drawing ink
What is the HS code for Drawing ink?
The HS code for Drawing 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 drawing ink is 3215.90, which covers writing, drawing, and other inks not elsewhere classified.
How do I classify Drawing ink for customs?
Drawing 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.
What is the difference between 3215.19 and 3215.90?
HS code 3215.19 is specifically for printing inks (other than black), while 3215.90 is for writing and drawing inks.
Which countries are the top exporters of drawing ink (HS 321590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321590 (the code used for drawing 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 drawing ink (HS 321590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321590 (the code used for drawing 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 Drawing ink the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321590 for Drawing 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 drawing ink in Brazil?
In Brazil, drawing ink (HS 321590) is classified under NCM 3215.90.00.