Product classification
HS code for Stamping foil: 3212.10
Pigments, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils.
Classification of stamping foil under HS 3212.10
Stamping foils are classified under HS code 3212.10 because they consist of pigments, metallic powders, or other coloring matter deposited on a supporting sheet of plastic, paper, or other carrier material. This classification is specific to foils used for printing or marking through the application of heat and pressure, a process known as hot or cold stamping. The Harmonized System distinguishes these from bulk pigments or simple metallic foils by their specific construction as a transfer medium. The carrier material is typically a thin polyester film, which acts as a temporary substrate for the decorative layer. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, these products must be intended for use in the printing industry, bookbinding, or the decoration of leather and textiles. The classification is determined by the presence of the pigment layer and its intended application method rather than the material of the carrier film itself.
- Covers
- Hot stamping foils for bookbinding
- Metallic pigments on a plastic backing
- Holographic stamping foils
- Cold transfer foils for labeling
- Pigmented foils for leather marking
- Also under 3212.10
- Kurz Stamping Foils (pigment component)
- Leonhard Kurz
- Crown Roll Leaf
- API Group
- ITW Foils
Codes often confused with 3212.10
Common mistake. Stamping foils are frequently misclassified under HS code 3204, which covers synthetic organic coloring matter in bulk, or HS code 3206 for other coloring matter. However, once the pigment is applied to a carrier for stamping purposes, 3212.10 takes precedence. Another common error is using HS code 7607 for aluminum foil; while stamping foils may contain aluminum, they are classified in Chapter 32 if they are prepared as stamping foils with a binder or carrier.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321210 (the code used for stamping foil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321210 (the code used for stamping foil) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 321210, not only stamping foil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $146M 22% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$77M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Malaysia $57M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $678M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $85M 10% of world imports
- 2 China $60M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Italy $52M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $814M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 stamping foil
Brazil classifies stamping foil under NCM 3212.10.00: HS 3212.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about stamping foil
What is the HS code for Stamping foil?
The HS code for Stamping foil is 321210 (Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils). The HS code for stamping foil is 3212.10, which specifically covers pigments (including metallic powders and flakes) dispersed in non-aqueous media, in liquid or in paste form, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, including stamping foils.
How do I classify Stamping foil for customs?
Stamping foil is classified under HS code 321210 — Pigments; of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, stamping foils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include foils without a carrier?
No, products classified under 3212.10 as stamping foils must consist of a coloring layer on a support (such as paper or plastic) or be composed of metal powder bonded by an adhesive.
Which countries are the top exporters of stamping foil (HS 321210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321210 (the code used for stamping foil) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($146M, 22% of world exports), Taiwan (about $77M) and Malaysia ($57M). World exports came to about $678M, 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 stamping foil (HS 321210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321210 (the code used for stamping foil) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($85M, 10% of world imports), China ($60M) and Italy ($52M). World imports came to about $814M, 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 Stamping foil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321210 for Stamping foil 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 stamping foil in Brazil?
In Brazil, stamping foil (HS 321210) is classified under NCM 3212.10.00.