Product classification
HS code for Paint pigments: 3212.90
Pigments, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, other than stamping foils.
Classification of paint pigments under HS 3212.90
Paint pigments are classified under HS code 3212.90. This subheading covers pigments (including metallic powders and flakes) dispersed in non-aqueous media, in liquid or paste form, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints. These are not finished paints themselves but are concentrated colorants intended for industrial mixing. Chapter 32 handles coloring matter and related preparations. Subheading 3212.90 is a residual category for pigments that do not fall under stamping foils (3212.10). The classification depends heavily on the physical state—specifically that they are dispersed in a medium like oil or solvent—and their intended use in paint manufacture. If the pigment were a dry, pure chemical without a dispersing medium, it would likely fall under 3204 (synthetic organic) or 3206 (other inorganic coloring matter). The inclusion of metallic flakes, such as aluminum or copper dispersed in a binder, is a common feature of this code, provided they are prepared for use as pigments in the coatings industry.
- Covers
- Pigment pastes dispersed in linseed oil or white spirit
- Aluminum paste used for metallic paint manufacture
- Color concentrates for tinting systems
- Pearl essence dispersed in a plasticizer
- Metallic flakes in a liquid medium for decorative coatings
- Also under 3212.90
- DuPont Ti-Pure
- BASF Paliogen
- Clariant Hostaperm
- Lanxess Bayferrox
- Cabot Carbon Black
Codes often confused with 3212.90
Common mistake. Pigments are frequently confused with HS code 3204 (Synthetic organic coloring matter) or 3206 (Other coloring matter). The key difference is that 3204 and 3206 usually refer to dry powders or concentrated dyes, whereas 3212.90 requires the pigment to be dispersed in a non-aqueous liquid or paste medium. It is also distinct from 3208, which covers finished paints and varnishes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321290 (the code used for paint pigments), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321290 (the code used for paint pigments) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 8.5% 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 321290, not only paint pigments.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $321M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $158M 10% of world exports
- 3 France $117M 7.8% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $137M 8.5% of world imports
- 2 United States $131M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Germany $126M 7.8% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 paint pigments
Brazil splits HS 3212.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3212.90.10Aluminium pigment paste, 60% or more aluminium
- 3212.90.90Other pigment dispersions and retail dyes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about paint pigments
What is the HS code for Paint pigments?
The HS code for Paint pigments is 321290 (Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, other than stamping foils). The HS code for pigments dispersed in non-aqueous media for paint manufacture is 3212.90.
How do I classify Paint pigments for customs?
Paint pigments is classified under HS code 321290 — Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, other than stamping foils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include dry pigment powders?
No, dry pigment powders are generally classified under 3204 or 3206 depending on their chemical composition. 3212.90 is specifically for dispersions in liquid or paste form.
Which countries are the top exporters of paint pigments (HS 321290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321290 (the code used for paint pigments) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($321M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($158M) and France ($117M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 paint pigments (HS 321290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321290 (the code used for paint pigments) in UN Comtrade data were China ($137M, 8.5% of world imports), the United States ($131M) and Germany ($126M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Paint pigments the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321290 for Paint pigments 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 paint pigments in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 321290 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for paint pigments depends on the product's details: 3212.90.10 (Aluminium pigment paste, 60% or more aluminium), 3212.90.90 (Other pigment dispersions and retail dyes).