Product classification
HS code for Printer ink black: 3215.11
Ink, for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid.
Classification of printer ink black under HS 3215.11
Black printer ink is classified under HS code 3215.11. This classification is based on the product's specific chemical formulation and its intended use as a printing medium. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 32 covers coloring matter and inks. Heading 3215 is dedicated to printing inks, and the international community has established a specific subheading, 3215.11, to distinguish black printing ink from other colors. This distinction is primarily due to the unique pigment base of black ink, which typically utilizes carbon black or similar dark colorants, and its high volume in global trade. The classification applies to black ink in various forms, including liquid, paste, or solid blocks. According to GRI 1 and GRI 6, the specific mention of "black" in the subheading takes precedence over the more general "other" category. This code covers black ink used across various technologies, including inkjet, laser (if in liquid/paste form), offset, and gravure printing. It is important to distinguish the ink as a substance from the mechanical container it may be shipped in. If the ink is the essential character of the shipment, 3215.11 is the appropriate code. The classification is also supported by Chapter 32 Note 3, which ensures that inks are classified in 3215 even if they could potentially fall under other descriptions of coloring matter.
- Covers
- Black inkjet printer ink
- Black offset printing ink
- Black gravure and flexographic inks
- Concentrated black ink for industrial printing
- Solid black ink sticks for phase-change printers
- Also under 3215.11
- HP 61 Black Ink Cartridge
- Epson 220 Black Ink
- Canon PGI-280 Pigment Black
- Xerox Genuine Toner
- DIC Black Offset Ink
Codes often confused with 3215.11
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 3215.19, which is for all other colors of printing ink. Confusion also occurs with HS code 2803.00, which covers carbon black as a raw pigment; however, once the pigment is formulated into an ink with binders and solvents, it must move to 3215. Furthermore, black toner powder is often incorrectly placed here but should be classified under 3707.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321511 (the code used for printer ink black), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321511 (the code used for printer ink black) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 7.8% 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 321511, not only printer ink black.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $235M 17% of world exports
- 2 Japan $189M 14% of world exports
- 3 Germany $162M 12% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $120M 7.8% of world imports
- 2 Germany $82M 5.3% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $77M 5.0% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 printer ink black
Brazil classifies printer ink black under NCM 3215.11.00: HS 3215.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about printer ink black
What is the HS code for Printer ink black?
The HS code for Printer ink black is 321511 (Ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid).
How do I classify Printer ink black for customs?
Printer ink black is classified under HS code 321511 — Ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for black printer ink?
The HS code for black printer ink is 3215.11.
Is black ink in a cartridge classified differently?
If the cartridge is a simple plastic container, it is classified as black ink under 3215.11. If the cartridge contains a print head, it may be classified under 8443.99.
Which countries are the top exporters of printer ink black (HS 321511)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321511 (the code used for printer ink black) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($235M, 17% of world exports), Japan ($189M) and Germany ($162M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 printer ink black (HS 321511)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321511 (the code used for printer ink black) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($120M, 7.8% of world imports), Germany ($82M) and Malaysia ($77M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Printer ink black the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321511 for Printer ink black 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 printer ink black in Brazil?
In Brazil, printer ink black (HS 321511) is classified under NCM 3215.11.00.