HS Code for Prepared pigment

HS code 3207.10 is designated for prepared pigments, prepared opacifiers, and prepared colors. These materials are distinct from standard pigments because they are specifically formulated for use in the ceramic, enamelling, or glass industries. Classification under this code requires the product to be a complex mixture of substances, often including metal oxides and fluxing agents, which are intended to be fired at high temperatures to produce a specific aesthetic or functional finish. Unlike general-purpose pigments in heading 3206, these preparations are often vitrifiable. The classification is guided by the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 32, which emphasize that these products must be in a form ready for use in the specified industries, such as powders, granules, or suspensions in a medium. This heading ensures that industrial-grade coloring agents are separated from retail paints and dyes.

Products Included

• Ceramic pigments (stains)
• Vitrifiable enamels and glazes
• Glass colors for decorative applications
• Engobes (slips) used for coating ceramics
• Liquid lustres and similar preparations

Common Misclassification

Prepared pigments are often misclassified under 3204 (synthetic organic coloring matter) or 3206 (other coloring matter). The key difference is the intended application and the chemical composition; 3207.10 is strictly for preparations used in high-heat industrial processes like ceramics. Furthermore, finished paints or varnishes are classified under 3208 or 3209, not 3207.

FAQ

What is the HS code for prepared pigment?

The HS code for prepared pigments, opacifiers, and colors used in ceramics or glass is 3207.10.

Does this include artist oil paints?

No, artist colors are classified under HS code 3213, as they are prepared for retail sale for non-industrial use.