Product classification
HS code for Tanning preparation: 3202.90
Tanning substances, inorganic tanning substances, tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances, enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning.
Classification of tanning preparation under HS 3202.90
Tanning preparations that are not purely vegetable-based or are inorganic in nature are classified under HS code 3202.90. This heading covers a broad range of chemical products used in the leather industry to prepare hides for tanning or to perform the tanning process itself using mineral or enzymatic methods. Unlike heading 3201, which is restricted to vegetable extracts, heading 3202 includes synthetic organic tanning substances, inorganic tanning substances (such as chromium salts), and enzymatic preparations. The subheading 3202.90 is a residual category for inorganic tanning substances and complex preparations that may contain natural tanning materials but are formulated with additional chemicals to enhance their performance. This classification is essential for products like chrome tanning salts, which are the most common mineral tanning agents used globally.
- Covers
- Chrome tanning salts (basic chromium sulfate)
- Aluminum-based tanning salts
- Zirconium tanning preparations
- Enzymatic pre-tanning preparations (bates)
- Inorganic tanning substances mixed with organic salts
- Pre-tanning preparations containing enzymes for de-hairing
- 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. A common mistake is classifying these chemical preparations under 3201.90. However, 3201 is strictly for vegetable extracts; any preparation containing inorganic salts or enzymes must move to 3202. Another frequent error is confusing 3202.90 with 3202.10. HS code 3202.10 is specifically for synthetic organic tanning substances (often called \"syntans\"), which are man-made polymers. If the preparation is based on inorganic minerals like chromium or aluminum, 3202.90 is the correct code. Additionally, simple chemicals like sodium sulfide used in the beamhouse are classified in Chapter 28, not as tanning preparations in 3202.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320290 (the code used for tanning preparation), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320290 (the code used for tanning preparation) 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 tanning preparation.
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 tanning preparation
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 tanning preparation
What is the HS code for Tanning preparation?
The HS code for Tanning preparation is 320290 (Tanning substances; inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances; enzymatic preparations for pre- tanning).
How do I classify Tanning preparation for customs?
Tanning preparation 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.
What is the HS code for chrome tanning salts?
Chrome tanning salts and similar inorganic tanning preparations are classified under HS code 3202.90.
Are enzymatic de-hairing agents included here?
Yes, enzymatic preparations used for pre-tanning or bating are classified under HS code 3202.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of tanning preparation (HS 320290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320290 (the code used for tanning preparation) 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 tanning preparation (HS 320290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320290 (the code used for tanning preparation) 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 Tanning preparation the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320290 for Tanning preparation 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 tanning preparation in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320290 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for tanning preparation 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.