Product classification

HS code for Vitrifiable enamel: 3207.20

Enamels and glazes, vitrifiable enamels and glazes, engobes (slips) and similar preparations.

Classification of vitrifiable enamel under HS 3207.20

Vitrifiable enamels are classified under HS code 3207.20. This heading covers vitrifiable enamels and glazes, engobes (slips), and similar preparations used in the ceramic, enamelling, or glass industries. These substances are essentially glass-forming compositions that, when applied to a substrate and fired at high temperatures, melt to form a vitreous (glassy) coating. The classification is determined by the chemical composition and the intended application method (thermal fusion). Under Chapter 32, which deals with tanning, dyeing, and coloring matter, heading 3207 is reserved for specialized preparations used for coating surfaces that require heat treatment, distinguishing them from standard paints or varnishes that dry through evaporation or chemical reaction at room temperature.

Covers
  • Powdered glass enamels for steel or cast iron
  • Ceramic glazes for pottery and tiles
  • Engobes (clay-based slips for coloring ceramics)
  • Vitrifiable colors for glass decoration
  • Liquid lusters for ceramic application
Also under 3207.20
  • Ferro Glazes
  • Johnson Matthey Enamels
  • Colorobbia Glazes
  • Pemco Vitreous Enamels
  • Reimbold & Strick Glazes

Codes often confused with 3207.20

Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for vitrifiable enamel is HS code 3208 or 3209, which cover traditional paints and varnishes. The key difference is the binder and the curing process; 3207 products are inorganic and require kiln firing, whereas 3208/3209 are organic polymer-based. Another error is confusing these with HS code 3207.10 (prepared pigments, opacifiers, and colors). While both are used in ceramics, 3207.10 refers to the coloring agents themselves, whereas 3207.20 refers to the complete coating (enamel or glaze) that forms the surface layer. Finally, glass frit in bulk is classified under 3207.40, not 3207.20.

32.08Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium32.09Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium32.07Pigments, prepared; opacifiers, colours, vitrifiable enamels, glazes, engobes (slips), liquid lustres etc as used in the ceramic enamelling or glass industry; glass frit and powder, granules or flakes3207.10Pigments; prepared pigments, opacifiers, colours and similar preparations3207.40Glass; glass frit and other glass, in the form of powder, granules or flakes

Top exporters and importers of HS 320720 (the code used for vitrifiable enamel), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320720 (the code used for vitrifiable enamel) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Algeria, with about 8.3% 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 320720, not only vitrifiable enamel.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Spain $273M
  2. 2 China $165M
  3. 3 Germany $139M

World total: $995M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Algeria* ~$94M
  2. 2 Germany $86M
  3. 3 Nigeria $69M

World total: $1.1B 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. 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 vitrifiable enamel

Brazil splits HS 3207.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about vitrifiable enamel

What is the HS code for Vitrifiable enamel?

The HS code for Vitrifiable enamel is 320720 (Enamels and glazes; vitrifiable enamels and glazes, engobes (slips) and similar preparations). The HS code for vitrifiable enamels and glazes is 3207.20.

How do I classify Vitrifiable enamel for customs?

Vitrifiable enamel is classified under HS code 320720 — Enamels and glazes; vitrifiable enamels and glazes, engobes (slips) and similar preparations. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 3207.10 and 3207.20?

3207.10 is for the pigments and opacifiers used to add color, while 3207.20 is for the actual enamel or glaze preparation that melts to form the protective or decorative glassy coating.

Which countries are the top exporters of vitrifiable enamel (HS 320720)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320720 (the code used for vitrifiable enamel) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($273M, 27% of world exports), China ($165M) and Germany ($139M). World exports came to about $995M, 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 vitrifiable enamel (HS 320720)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 320720 (the code used for vitrifiable enamel) in UN Comtrade data were Algeria (about $94M, 8.3% of world imports), Germany ($86M) and Nigeria ($69M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Vitrifiable enamel the same in all countries?

The base HS code 320720 for Vitrifiable enamel 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 vitrifiable enamel in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 320720 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for vitrifiable enamel depends on the product's details: 3207.20.10 (Engobes (slips)), 3207.20.91 (PCB glazes, at least 25% silver or 40% bismuth), 3207.20.99 (Other vitrifiable enamels and glazes).