Product classification
HS code for Lithopone: 3206.42
Colouring matter, lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide.
Classification of lithopone under HS 3206.42
Lithopone is a white pigment consisting of a mixture of zinc sulphide and barium sulphate, classified under HS code 3206.42. This code falls under the broader category of other coloring matter and preparations. The classification is specific to pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide. Lithopone is produced through a precipitation process and is widely used in the paint, ink, and plastics industries due to its opacity and chemical stability. The HS code 3206.42 is used because the product is a prepared pigment rather than a pure chemical compound found in Chapter 28. The technical specifications of the mixture, particularly the ratio of zinc sulphide, are critical for determining the correct classification within the 3206 heading. Lithopone is valued for its low cost and high resistance to yellowing compared to other white pigments. In the context of the Harmonized System, it is grouped with other inorganic coloring matters that are not specified in more specific headings like 3206.11 (titanium dioxide). The classification ensures that the product is treated as a pigment preparation for industrial use.
- Covers
- Standard Lithopone (30% zinc sulphide)
- High-strength Lithopone (60% zinc sulphide)
- Zinc sulphide based pigments
- Barium sulphate and zinc sulphide mixtures
- Pigment White 5
- Also under 3206.42
- Sachtleben Lithopone
- Venator Lithopone
- Lanxess Lithopone
- Hebei Jinguang Chemical Lithopone
- Shandong Xinhai Chemical Lithopone
Codes often confused with 3206.42
Common mistake. Lithopone is sometimes misclassified under 2830.10 (sodium sulphides) or other pure sulphides in Chapter 28. However, because it is a mixture used as a pigment, it must be in Chapter 32. It is also confused with titanium dioxide pigments (3206.11), which are the most common white pigments but have a different chemical base. Another error is 3206.49, the general category for other coloring matter, which should only be used if the specific code 3206.42 for lithopone is not applicable.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320642 (the code used for lithopone), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320642 (the code used for lithopone) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 11% 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 320642, not only lithopone.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $7.4M 34% of world exports
- 2 China $5.5M 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.8M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $21M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $3.0M 11% of world imports
- 2 Austria $2.2M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Italy $2.1M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $29M 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 lithopone
Brazil splits HS 3206.42 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3206.42.10Lithopone
- 3206.42.90Other zinc sulphide pigments and preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lithopone
What is the HS code for Lithopone?
The HS code for Lithopone is 320642 (Colouring matter; lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide). The HS code for Lithopone and other pigments based on zinc sulphide is 3206.42.
How do I classify Lithopone for customs?
Lithopone is classified under HS code 320642 — Colouring matter; lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is Lithopone considered a hazardous chemical for shipping?
While Lithopone itself is generally stable, its classification for transport depends on the specific formulation and local regulations, though its HS code remains 3206.42.
Which countries are the top exporters of lithopone (HS 320642)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320642 (the code used for lithopone) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($7.4M, 34% of world exports), China ($5.5M) and the United States ($1.8M). World exports came to about $21M, 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 lithopone (HS 320642)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320642 (the code used for lithopone) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($3.0M, 11% of world imports), Austria ($2.2M) and Italy ($2.1M). World imports came to about $29M, 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 Lithopone the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320642 for Lithopone 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 lithopone in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320642 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lithopone depends on the product's details: 3206.42.10 (Lithopone), 3206.42.90 (Other zinc sulphide pigments and preparations).