Product classification
HS code for Inorganic luminophore: 3206.50
Colouring matter, inorganic products of a kind used as luminophores.
Classification of inorganic luminophore under HS 3206.50
Inorganic luminophores are classified under HS code 3206.50. This code is part of Chapter 32, which covers tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins and their derivatives, dyes, pigments, and other coloring matter. Luminophores are synthetic inorganic products that, under the influence of an energy source such as ultraviolet light, X-rays, or electron beams, produce a luminous effect (fluorescence or phosphorescence). They are widely used in the manufacture of fluorescent lamps, cathode-ray tubes, and luminous paints. The classification depends on the chemical nature of the substance—it must be inorganic—and its specific function as a light-emitting agent. This distinguishes it from standard pigments that merely reflect light. According to the Explanatory Notes to heading 3206, these products are often metal sulfides (like zinc sulfide) activated by small amounts of other metals. They are classified here even if they are not intended for use as pigments, provided they are inorganic and function as luminophores.
- Covers
- Zinc sulfide activated with copper
- Calcium tungstate luminophores
- Inorganic fluorescent powders for lighting
- Phosphorescent inorganic compounds
- Also under 3206.50
- Nichia Phosphors
- Intematix Phosphors
- Merck KGaA Lumogen
- Osram Sylvania Phosphors
- Phosphor Technology Ltd.
Codes often confused with 3206.50
Common mistake. Inorganic luminophores are frequently confused with organic luminophores, which are classified under HS code 3204.90. It is critical to determine the chemical base of the product to choose between 3204 and 3206. Additionally, they may be misclassified under Chapter 28 if they are seen as pure chemical compounds; however, Note 3 to Chapter 32 specifies that luminophores are included in 3206 regardless of their chemical purity.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320650 (the code used for inorganic luminophore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320650 (the code used for inorganic luminophore) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% 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 320650, not only inorganic luminophore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $48M 29% of world exports
- 2 Japan $45M 27% of world exports
- 3 United States $18M 11% of world exports
World total: $164M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $46M 27% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$18M 10% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $12M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $174M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 inorganic luminophore
Brazil splits HS 3206.50 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3206.50.11Radioactive Ca/Sr halophosphates, up to 74 Bq/g
- 3206.50.19Other radioactive luminophores, up to 74 Bq/g
- 3206.50.21Non-radioactive calcium/strontium halophosphates
- 3206.50.29Other non-radioactive inorganic luminophores
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about inorganic luminophore
What is the HS code for Inorganic luminophore?
The HS code for Inorganic luminophore is 320650 (Colouring matter; inorganic products of a kind used as luminophores). The HS code for inorganic products of a kind used as luminophores is 3206.50.
How do I classify Inorganic luminophore for customs?
Inorganic luminophore is classified under HS code 320650 — Colouring matter; inorganic products of a kind used as luminophores. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are glow-in-the-dark paints classified here?
Finished paints containing luminophores are classified under HS code 3208, 3209, or 3210. HS code 3206.50 is for the luminophore substance itself before it is mixed into a paint binder.
Which countries are the top exporters of inorganic luminophore (HS 320650)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320650 (the code used for inorganic luminophore) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($48M, 29% of world exports), Japan ($45M) and the United States ($18M). World exports came to about $164M, 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 inorganic luminophore (HS 320650)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320650 (the code used for inorganic luminophore) in UN Comtrade data were China ($46M, 27% of world imports), Vietnam (about $18M) and Malaysia ($12M). World imports came to about $174M, 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 Inorganic luminophore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320650 for Inorganic luminophore 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 inorganic luminophore in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320650 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for inorganic luminophore depends on the product's details: 3206.50.11 (Radioactive Ca/Sr halophosphates, up to 74 Bq/g), 3206.50.19 (Other radioactive luminophores, up to 74 Bq/g), 3206.50.21 (Non-radioactive calcium/strontium halophosphates), 3206.50.29 (Other non-radioactive inorganic luminophores).