Product classification
HS code for Metallic pigment: 3212.10
Pigments, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils.
Classification of metallic pigment under HS 3212.10
Metallic pigments, specifically those identified as stamping foils, are classified under HS code 321210. Chapter 32 covers tanning or dyeing extracts, pigments, and other coloring matter. Heading 3212 refers to pigments dispersed in non-aqueous media, in liquid or paste form, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, as well as stamping foils. Subheading 321210 specifically identifies stamping foils, also known as blocking foils. These products consist of a thin layer of metallic pigment or powder (such as aluminum or bronze) or other coloring matter, bonded to a support of paper, plastics, or other material by means of a binder. They are used for printing or marking by heat and pressure, commonly in bookbinding or the decoration of leather and plastics. The classification depends on the product's form as a foil and its intended use in decorative stamping applications. This follows GRI 1, which prioritizes the specific mention of \"stamping foils\" in the heading text.
- Covers
- Metallic stamping foils for bookbinding
- Gold or silver colored blocking foils
- Aluminum-based foils for decorative printing
- Pigmented foils for heat-transfer marking
- Rolls of metallic foil for leather embossing
- Also under 3212.10
- Kurz Stamping Foils (pigment component)
- Leonhard Kurz
- Crown Roll Leaf
- API Group
- ITW Foils
Codes often confused with 3212.10
Common mistake. Metallic pigments in other forms are often misclassified. For instance, dry metallic powders not put up as foils or dispersed in media are classified in Section XV (e.g., 7603 for aluminum powder). Pigments dispersed in non-aqueous liquid or paste form (like aluminum paste for paint) fall under 321290. Additionally, synthetic organic coloring matter is classified under 3204, and inorganic pigments not dispersed in media fall under 3206.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321210 (the code used for metallic pigment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321210 (the code used for metallic pigment) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 321210, not only metallic pigment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $146M 22% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$77M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $57M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $678M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $85M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $60M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $52M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $814M 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 metallic pigment
Brazil classifies metallic pigment under NCM 3212.10.00: HS 3212.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about metallic pigment
What is the HS code for Metallic pigment?
The HS code for Metallic pigment is 321210 (Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils). Metallic pigments in the form of stamping foils are classified under HS code 321210. Other dispersions fall under 321290.
How do I classify Metallic pigment for customs?
Metallic pigment is classified under HS code 321210 — Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include dry aluminum powder?
No, dry aluminum powder is classified under HS code 7603. 321210 is specifically for stamping foils containing pigments.
Which countries are the top exporters of metallic pigment (HS 321210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321210 (the code used for metallic pigment) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($146M, 22% of world exports), Taiwan (about $77M) and Malaysia ($57M). World exports came to about $678M, 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 metallic pigment (HS 321210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321210 (the code used for metallic pigment) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($85M, 10% of world imports), China ($60M) and Italy ($52M). World imports came to about $814M, 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 Metallic pigment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321210 for Metallic 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 metallic pigment in Brazil?
In Brazil, metallic pigment (HS 321210) is classified under NCM 3212.10.00.