Product classification
HS code for Synthetic tanning agent: 3202.10
Tanning substances, synthetic organic tanning substances.
Classification of synthetic tanning agent under HS 3202.10
Synthetic tanning agents are classified under HS code 3202.10. This code is situated within Section VI, which covers products of the chemical or allied industries. Chapter 32 specifically deals with tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins and their derivatives, and dyes. Heading 3202 covers synthetic organic tanning substances, inorganic tanning substances, and tanning preparations. Subheading 3202.10 is reserved for synthetic organic tanning substances, often referred to in the industry as "syntans." These are chemically synthesized compounds used in the leather industry to convert raw hides into leather or to improve the properties of vegetable-tanned leather. The classification depends on the organic nature of the chemical compound and its primary function as a tanning agent. These substances are distinct from natural vegetable tannins and are essential for modern high-speed leather processing and for achieving specific leather characteristics like whiteness or heat resistance.
- Covers
- Naphthalene-based syntans
- Phenolic synthetic tanning agents
- Sulfone-based tanning substances
- Urea-formaldehyde tanning resins
- Melamine-based tanning agents
- Also under 3202.10
- BASF Basyntan
- Lanxess Baykanol
- Stahl EasyWhite
- TFL Corial
Codes often confused with 3202.10
Common mistake. This code is often confused with HS code 3201, which covers tanning extracts of vegetable origin (like quebracho or mimosa). It may also be confused with 3202.90, which is used for inorganic tanning substances such as chromium salts or tanning preparations containing natural tanning substances. Furthermore, finishing agents used after the tanning process may fall under 3809.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320210 (the code used for synthetic tanning agent), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320210 (the code used for synthetic tanning agent) in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% 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 320210, not only synthetic tanning agent.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Italy $54M 22% of world exports
- 2 Spain $42M 17% of world exports
- 3 France $27M 11% of world exports
World total: $242M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $51M 19% of world imports
- 2 Italy $27M 10.0% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $21M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $272M 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 synthetic tanning agent
Brazil classifies synthetic tanning agent under NCM 3202.10.00: HS 3202.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about synthetic tanning agent
What is the HS code for Synthetic tanning agent?
The HS code for Synthetic tanning agent is 320210 (Tanning substances; synthetic organic tanning substances).
How do I classify Synthetic tanning agent for customs?
Synthetic tanning agent is classified under HS code 320210 — Tanning substances; synthetic organic tanning substances. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for synthetic tanning agents?
The HS code for synthetic organic tanning substances is 3202.10.
Are chromium salts included in this HS code?
No, chromium-based tanning salts are inorganic and are classified under HS code 3202.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic tanning agent (HS 320210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320210 (the code used for synthetic tanning agent) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($54M, 22% of world exports), Spain ($42M) and France ($27M). World exports came to about $242M, 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 synthetic tanning agent (HS 320210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320210 (the code used for synthetic tanning agent) in UN Comtrade data were China ($51M, 19% of world imports), Italy ($27M) and Brazil ($21M). World imports came to about $272M, 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 Synthetic tanning agent the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320210 for Synthetic tanning agent 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 synthetic tanning agent in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic tanning agent (HS 320210) is classified under NCM 3202.10.00.