Product classification
HS code for Inorganic pigment: 3206.49
Colouring matter, other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4.
Classification of inorganic pigment under HS 3206.49
The classification of inorganic pigments under HS code 3206.49 is determined by the chemical composition and the intended use of the material as a coloring agent. Heading 32.06 encompasses coloring matter and other preparations, excluding those of headings 32.03, 32.04, or 32.05. Specifically, subheading 3206.49 serves as a residual category for inorganic coloring matter and preparations that are not explicitly named in other subheadings of 32.06, such as titanium dioxide (3206.11), ultramarine (3206.41), or lithopone (3206.42). These pigments are typically derived from mineral sources and do not contain the carbon-hydrogen bonds characteristic of organic pigments. The classification requires that the product be used for its coloring properties in the manufacture of paints, plastics, rubber, or inks. If the pigment is dispersed in a non-aqueous medium and put up in forms for retail sale, it might move to 32.12, but bulk inorganic pigments remain here. The technical distinction between coloring matter and pigments is often blurred in trade, but for HS purposes, 32.06 covers the raw material and the preparations based on it. This includes masterbatches where the pigment is concentrated in a plastic resin, provided it is used for coloring and not as a primary plastic material.
- Covers
- Synthetic iron oxides and hydroxides
- Chrome yellows and chrome oranges
- Zinc greens and zinc yellows
- Cadmium-based pigments (red, orange, yellow)
- Manganese blue and cobalt blue
- Inorganic masterbatches for plastic coloring
- Also under 3206.49
- Shepherd Color Cobalt Blue
- BASF Lumina Royal Blue
- Ferro V-12120 Cadmium Red
- Lanxess Bayferrox Yellow
- DIC Chromofine Green
Codes often confused with 3206.49
Common mistake. Inorganic pigments are frequently confused with synthetic organic coloring matter under HS code 3204.17. The distinction lies in the chemical structure; organic pigments are carbon-based, while 3206.49 is strictly for mineral-based or inorganic substances. Additionally, prepared pigments used in the ceramic or glass industries are classified under 3207.10, as they are specifically formulated for high-temperature applications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320649 (the code used for inorganic pigment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320649 (the code used for inorganic pigment) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.4% 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 320649, not only inorganic pigment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $651M 18% of world exports
- 2 United States $487M 14% of world exports
- 3 China $294M 8.3% of world exports
World total: $3.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $300M 8.4% of world imports
- 2 Germany $232M 6.5% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $226M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $3.6B 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 inorganic pigment
Brazil splits HS 3206.49 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3206.49.10Cadmium compound pigments and preparations
- 3206.49.20Hexacyanoferrate pigments and preparations
- 3206.49.90Other colouring matter and preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about inorganic pigment
What is the HS code for Inorganic pigment?
The HS code for Inorganic pigment is 320649 (Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4). The general HS code for inorganic pigments not elsewhere specified is 3206.49.
How do I classify Inorganic pigment for customs?
Inorganic pigment is classified under HS code 320649 — Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include titanium dioxide?
No, titanium dioxide is specifically classified under HS code 3206.11 or 3206.19 depending on the concentration of the oxide.
Which countries are the top exporters of inorganic pigment (HS 320649)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320649 (the code used for inorganic pigment) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($651M, 18% of world exports), the United States ($487M) and China ($294M). World exports came to about $3.5B, 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 inorganic pigment (HS 320649)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320649 (the code used for inorganic pigment) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($300M, 8.4% of world imports), Germany ($232M) and Mexico ($226M). World imports came to about $3.6B, 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 Inorganic pigment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320649 for Inorganic 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 inorganic pigment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320649 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for inorganic pigment depends on the product's details: 3206.49.10 (Cadmium compound pigments and preparations), 3206.49.20 (Hexacyanoferrate pigments and preparations), 3206.49.90 (Other colouring matter and preparations).