Product classification
HS code for Ocher pigment: 2821.20
Earth colours, containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o3.
Classification of ocher pigment under HS 2821.20
Ocher pigment is classified under HS code 2821.20. This classification is determined by the chemical composition and the concentration of iron oxide within the earth color. Chapter 28 of the Harmonized System covers inorganic chemicals, and heading 2821 specifically addresses iron oxides and hydroxides. Subheading 2821.20 is reserved for earth colors that contain 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2O3. This is a critical threshold; the classification shifts from a mineral product in Chapter 25 to a chemical product in Chapter 28 once this concentration is met. The process of washing, grinding, or calcining the natural earth does not change this classification, provided the iron content remains above the 70% limit. This code ensures that high-purity natural pigments and their synthetic counterparts are treated consistently for customs purposes.
- Covers
- Natural ocher with >70% Fe2O3 content
- Calcined ocher pigments
- Synthetic iron oxide earth colors
- Sienna and umber meeting the iron oxide threshold
- Purified earth pigments for artistic use
- Also under 2821.20
- Kremer Pigmente ochres
- Zecchi Colori natural earths
- Sennelier natural pigments
Codes often confused with 2821.20
Common mistake. The most common misclassification occurs with HS code 2530.90, which covers earth colors containing less than 70% by weight of combined iron. Importers often fail to perform a chemical assay, leading to the incorrect use of Chapter 25. Another frequent error is using HS code 3206.49, which covers other coloring matter. However, if the pigment is a basic iron oxide or a defined earth color as per the 70% rule, 2821.20 takes precedence as a more specific chemical heading. Prepared paints or dispersions containing ocher should be classified in heading 3207 or 3208, not 2821.
Top exporters and importers of HS 282120 (the code used for ocher pigment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 282120 (the code used for ocher pigment) in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 87% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 21% of world imports. Italy reports $601M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 282120, not only ocher pigment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Egypt $40M 87% of world exports
- 2 India $1.3M 2.9% of world exports
- 3 China $793K 1.7% of world exports
Italy reports $601M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $46M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $2.5M 21% of world imports
- 2 Tanzania $1.5M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $706K 5.9% of world imports
World total: $12M 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 ocher pigment
Brazil classifies ocher pigment under NCM 2821.20.00: HS 2821.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ocher pigment
What is the HS code for Ocher pigment?
The HS code for Ocher pigment is 282120 (Earth colours; containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o3). The HS code for ocher pigment containing 70% or more iron oxide is 2821.20.
How do I classify Ocher pigment for customs?
Ocher pigment is classified under HS code 282120 — Earth colours; containing 70% or more by weight of combined iron evaluated as Fe2o3. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What happens if the iron content is below 70%?
If the combined iron evaluated as Fe2O3 is less than 70% by weight, the product is classified under HS code 2530.90 as a mineral substance.
Which countries are the top exporters of ocher pigment (HS 282120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 282120 (the code used for ocher pigment) in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($40M, 87% of world exports), India ($1.3M) and China ($793K). World exports came to about $46M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Italy reports $601M of its chapter 28 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of ocher pigment (HS 282120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 282120 (the code used for ocher pigment) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($2.5M, 21% of world imports), Tanzania ($1.5M) and China ($706K). World imports came to about $12M, 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 Ocher pigment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 282120 for Ocher 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 ocher pigment in Brazil?
In Brazil, ocher pigment (HS 282120) is classified under NCM 2821.20.00.