Product classification
HS code for Mineral pigment: 3206.49
Colouring matter, other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4.
Classification of mineral pigment under HS 3206.49
Mineral pigments are classified under HS code 3206.49. This classification is part of Chapter 32, which deals with tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins, and their derivatives, as well as coloring matter. Heading 32.06 covers "other coloring matter" and preparations based on inorganic or mineral substances. While specific pigments like titanium dioxide (3206.11) or zinc sulfide (3206.42) have their own subheadings, 3206.49 serves as the basket category for all other inorganic coloring matter. These pigments are typically derived from minerals and are used in the manufacture of paints, plastics, ceramics, and inks. They are distinguished from organic pigments (Chapter 32.04) by their chemical structure, which is based on metallic oxides, silicates, or other mineral compounds rather than carbon-based synthetic molecules.
- Covers
- Ultramarine and preparations based thereon
- Lithopone and other pigments based on zinc sulfide
- Earth colors (ochre, sienna, umber) that have been processed
- Inorganic pigments used for coloring plastics or rubber
- Magnetite and other iron oxide pigments not falling under 28.21
- 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. Mineral pigments are often confused with synthetic organic pigments, which are classified under 3204.17. Another common error is classifying raw, unground minerals under Chapter 25 (Salt; sulfur; earths and stone). For example, natural earth colors that have not been calcined or mixed together remain in 25.30, but once they are processed or prepared as pigments, they move to 32.06. Furthermore, pigments based on titanium dioxide must be classified under 3206.11 or 3206.19, not the residual 3206.49.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320649 (the code used for mineral pigment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320649 (the code used for mineral 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 mineral 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 mineral 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 mineral pigment
What is the HS code for Mineral pigment?
The HS code for Mineral pigment is 320649 (Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.4).
How do I classify Mineral pigment for customs?
Mineral 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.
What is the HS code for mineral pigments?
The HS code for other mineral pigments and inorganic coloring matter is 3206.49.
Does this code include pigments for artist paints?
If the pigment is in bulk form, it is 3206.49. However, if it is put up in sets or small tubes for retail sale as artist colors, it is classified under 32.13.
Which countries are the top exporters of mineral pigment (HS 320649)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320649 (the code used for mineral 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 mineral pigment (HS 320649)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320649 (the code used for mineral 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 Mineral pigment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320649 for Mineral 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 mineral pigment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320649 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for mineral 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).