Product classification

HS code for Liquid lustre: 3207.30

Lustres, liquid lustres and similar preparations.

Classification of liquid lustre under HS 3207.30

Liquid lustres are classified under HS code 3207.30, which covers preparations used in the ceramic, glass, and enameling industries. These products are essentially solutions of metal-organic compounds, such as gold, silver, or platinum, dissolved in volatile organic solvents like oil of turpentine or lavender. The classification is based on the product's specific industrial application and chemical nature. When applied to a substrate and fired in a kiln, the organic components evaporate, leaving a thin, decorative metallic or iridescent film. This process distinguishes liquid lustres from standard paints or varnishes. According to Chapter 32 Note 3, these preparations are included here even if they contain precious metals, as they are specifically formulated for the decoration of ceramics or glass. The classification follows GRI 1 and 6, identifying the product as a "liquid lustre" within the category of vitrifiable enamels and similar preparations. They are not considered jewelry or precious metal products of Chapter 71 because their primary function is as a coloring or surfacing preparation for inorganic materials.

Covers
  • Liquid gold lustres for ceramics
  • Silver and platinum liquid lustres
  • Iridescent glass preparations
  • Metallic solutions for porcelain decoration
  • Copper-based liquid lustres
Also under 3207.30
  • Heraeus Liquid Gold
  • Johnson Matthey Lustres
  • Degussa Liquid Gold
  • Ferro Lustres
  • Engelhard Liquid Precious Metals

Codes often confused with 3207.30

Common mistake. Liquid lustres are often misclassified under HS code 3208 (paints and varnishes) or HS code 3212 (pigments in non-aqueous media). However, 3207.30 is the specific code for lustres used in the ceramic and glass industries. They may also be confused with other coloring matter under HS code 3206 if the metallic nature is not clearly identified.

32.08Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium32.12Pigments (metallic powders and flakes) dispersed in non-aqueous media in liquid or paste form, as used in manufacture of paints (including enamels); stamping foils, dyes etc in forms, packing for retail sale32.06Colouring matter and preparations thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 3203, 3204, 3205; inorganic products, kind used as luminophores whether or not chemically defined

Top exporters and importers of HS 320730 (the code used for liquid lustre), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320730 (the code used for liquid lustre) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 17% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 320730, not only liquid lustre.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Japan $506M
  2. 2 South Korea $488M
  3. 3 Germany $109M

Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 South Korea $107M
  2. 2 Germany $65M
  3. 3 Japan $58M

World total: $639M 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 liquid lustre

Brazil classifies liquid lustre under NCM 3207.30.00: HS 3207.30 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about liquid lustre

What is the HS code for Liquid lustre?

The HS code for Liquid lustre is 320730 (Lustres; liquid lustres and similar preparations). The HS code for liquid lustres and similar preparations used for ceramic, glass, or enamel decoration is 3207.30.

How do I classify Liquid lustre for customs?

Liquid lustre is classified under HS code 320730 — Lustres; liquid lustres and similar preparations. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can liquid lustre be used for painting household walls?

No, liquid lustres are specialized industrial preparations that require kiln firing and are not suitable for general architectural painting.

Which countries are the top exporters of liquid lustre (HS 320730)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320730 (the code used for liquid lustre) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($506M, 35% of world exports), South Korea ($488M) and Germany ($109M). World exports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 22% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.

Which countries are the top importers of liquid lustre (HS 320730)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 320730 (the code used for liquid lustre) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($107M, 17% of world imports), Germany ($65M) and Japan ($58M). World imports came to about $639M, 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 Liquid lustre the same in all countries?

The base HS code 320730 for Liquid lustre 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 liquid lustre in Brazil?

In Brazil, liquid lustre (HS 320730) is classified under NCM 3207.30.00.