Product classification
HS code for Inorganic tanning agent: 3202.90
Tanning substances, inorganic tanning substances, tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances, enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning.
Classification of inorganic tanning agent under HS 3202.90
HS code 3202.90 is designated for inorganic tanning substances and preparations used in the leather industry. Tanning is the process of treating skins and hides of animals to produce leather, which is more durable and less susceptible to decomposition. While 3202.10 covers synthetic organic tanning substances, 3202.90 captures the inorganic counterparts and enzymatic preparations used for pre-tanning. The most common inorganic tanning agents are based on mineral salts, particularly chromium, aluminum, and zirconium. These substances work by cross-linking the collagen fibers in the hide, a process known as mineral tanning. The classification includes complex mixtures designed specifically for the tanning process, even if they contain natural tanning materials, provided the inorganic component is the primary active agent or the preparation is intended for pre-tanning. Enzymatic preparations included here are those used to remove hair or to bate the skins before the actual tanning begins. It is important to distinguish these from pure chemicals of Chapter 28; for a mineral salt to be classified in 32.02, it must be prepared for tanning, often by adding buffers or other additives that facilitate the tanning reaction. This ensures the product is ready for industrial use in tanneries rather than being a general-purpose chemical reagent.
- Covers
- Basic chromium sulfate prepared for tanning
- Aluminum-based tanning salts
- Zirconium tanning preparations
- Enzymatic pre-tanning preparations
- Mineral tanning mixtures containing synthetic organic agents
- Also under 3202.90
- Lanxess Chromosal
- BASF Basyntan (some inorganic types)
- Stahl EasyWhite (some inorganic types)
- Buckman Enzymatic Preparations
Codes often confused with 3202.90
Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 3201, which covers vegetable tanning extracts like quebracho or wattle. It is also frequently misclassified under 2833.29 (Chromium sulfates) when the product is a pure chemical salt not yet prepared or formulated specifically for the tanning industry.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320290 (the code used for inorganic tanning agent), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320290 (the code used for inorganic tanning agent) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 320290, not only inorganic tanning agent.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $44M 22% of world exports
- 2 Italy $38M 19% of world exports
- 3 France $25M 12% of world exports
World total: $203M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $42M 18% of world imports
- 2 Italy $21M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $18M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $230M 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 tanning agent
Brazil splits HS 3202.90 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3202.90.11Inorganic tanning substances, chromium salts
- 3202.90.12Inorganic tanning substances, titanium salts
- 3202.90.13Inorganic tanning substances, zirconium salts
- 3202.90.19Other inorganic tanning substances
- 3202.90.21Tanning preparations, chromium compounds
- 3202.90.29Other tanning preparations
- 3202.90.30Enzymatic preparations for pre-tanning
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about inorganic tanning agent
What is the HS code for Inorganic tanning agent?
The HS code for Inorganic tanning agent is 320290 (Tanning substances; inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances; enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning). The correct HS code for inorganic tanning substances and preparations is 3202.90.
How do I classify Inorganic tanning agent for customs?
Inorganic tanning agent is classified under HS code 320290 — Tanning substances; inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances; enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are enzymes included in this classification?
Yes, enzymatic preparations intended for pre-tanning, such as those used in the dehairing or bating process, are classified under 3202.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of inorganic tanning agent (HS 320290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320290 (the code used for inorganic tanning agent) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($44M, 22% of world exports), Italy ($38M) and France ($25M). World exports came to about $203M, 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 tanning agent (HS 320290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320290 (the code used for inorganic tanning agent) in UN Comtrade data were China ($42M, 18% of world imports), Italy ($21M) and Brazil ($18M). World imports came to about $230M, 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 tanning agent the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320290 for Inorganic tanning agent 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 tanning agent in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320290 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for inorganic tanning agent depends on the product's details: 3202.90.11 (Inorganic tanning substances, chromium salts), 3202.90.12 (Inorganic tanning substances, titanium salts), 3202.90.13 (Inorganic tanning substances, zirconium salts), 3202.90.19 (Other inorganic tanning substances), 3202.90.21 (Tanning preparations, chromium compounds), 3202.90.29 (Other tanning preparations), and more.