Product classification
HS code for Pre-tanning enzyme: 3202.90
Tanning substances, inorganic tanning substances, tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances, enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning.
Classification of pre-tanning enzyme under HS 3202.90
Pre-tanning enzymes are classified under HS code 3202.90, which covers enzymatic preparations for pre-tanning. While enzymes as pure chemical substances are generally found in Chapter 35 (specifically 3507), the Harmonized System provides a specific carve-out for preparations used in the leather industry. Heading 3202 includes synthetic organic tanning substances and inorganic tanning substances, but the subheading 3202.90 is specifically designed to capture enzymatic bates and other preparations used to prepare hides and skins before the actual tanning occurs. These enzymes, such as proteases or lipases, are used to remove unwanted proteins and fats from the skin, a process known as bating. The classification under 3202.90 is determined by the product's formulation as a preparation intended for this specific industrial application, often containing the enzyme mixed with a carrier like wood flour or kaolin.
- Covers
- Enzymatic bates for leather processing
- Proteolytic enzyme preparations for dehairing
- Lipolytic enzymes for degreasing hides
- Pre-tanning softening agents containing enzymes
- Also under 3202.90
- Lanxess Chromosal
- BASF Basyntan (some inorganic types)
- Stahl EasyWhite (some inorganic types)
- Buckman Enzymatic Preparations
Codes often confused with 3202.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is 3507.90, which covers general enzymes. However, the Explanatory Notes to the HS state that enzymatic preparations specially formulated for tanning must be classified in 3202. Another error is 3202.10, which is reserved for synthetic organic tanning substances (syntans), which are chemically distinct from enzymatic preparations.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320290 (the code used for pre-tanning enzyme), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320290 (the code used for pre-tanning enzyme) in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 18% 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 320290, not only pre-tanning enzyme.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Africa $44M 22% of world exports
- 2 Italy $38M 19% of world exports
- 3 France $25M 12% of world exports
World total: $203M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $42M 18% of world imports
- 2 Italy $21M 9.1% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $18M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $230M 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 pre-tanning enzyme
Brazil splits HS 3202.90 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3202.90.11Inorganic tanning substances, chromium salts
- 3202.90.12Inorganic tanning substances, titanium salts
- 3202.90.13Inorganic tanning substances, zirconium salts
- 3202.90.19Other inorganic tanning substances
- 3202.90.21Tanning preparations, chromium compounds
- 3202.90.29Other tanning preparations
- 3202.90.30Enzymatic preparations for pre-tanning
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pre-tanning enzyme
What is the HS code for Pre-tanning enzyme?
The HS code for Pre-tanning enzyme is 320290 (Tanning substances; inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances; enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning). The HS code for pre-tanning enzymatic preparations is 3202.90.
How do I classify Pre-tanning enzyme for customs?
Pre-tanning enzyme is classified under HS code 320290 — Tanning substances; inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances; enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can pure enzymes be classified here?
Generally, pure enzymes are 3507; 3202.90 is for preparations specifically formulated for the pre-tanning or bating process in leather production.
Which countries are the top exporters of pre-tanning enzyme (HS 320290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320290 (the code used for pre-tanning enzyme) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($44M, 22% of world exports), Italy ($38M) and France ($25M). World exports came to about $203M, 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 pre-tanning enzyme (HS 320290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320290 (the code used for pre-tanning enzyme) in UN Comtrade data were China ($42M, 18% of world imports), Italy ($21M) and Brazil ($18M). World imports came to about $230M, 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 Pre-tanning enzyme the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320290 for Pre-tanning enzyme 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 pre-tanning enzyme in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320290 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for pre-tanning enzyme depends on the product's details: 3202.90.11 (Inorganic tanning substances, chromium salts), 3202.90.12 (Inorganic tanning substances, titanium salts), 3202.90.13 (Inorganic tanning substances, zirconium salts), 3202.90.19 (Other inorganic tanning substances), 3202.90.21 (Tanning preparations, chromium compounds), 3202.90.29 (Other tanning preparations), and more.