Product classification
HS code for Writing ink: 3215.90
Ink, writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid.
Classification of writing ink under HS 3215.90
Writing ink is classified under HS code 3215.90. Heading 3215 covers printing ink, writing or drawing ink, and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid. The heading is divided into two main categories: printing inks (3215.11 and 3215.19) and "other" inks (3215.90). Writing ink falls into the latter category because it is formulated for use in pens, markers, or for manual application rather than for industrial printing presses. The classification is based on the chemical composition, which usually includes a carrier (water or solvent), colorants (dyes or pigments), and various additives to control viscosity and drying time. Under GRI 1, the product is identified by its function as a writing medium. Even if the ink is presented in a concentrated form or as a solid block intended to be dissolved, it remains under this code as long as its primary intended use is writing or drawing.
- Covers
- Fountain pen ink in bottles
- Ballpoint pen ink refills (bulk)
- Calligraphy and drawing inks
- Indelible writing inks
- Marker pen ink
- India ink for drawing and sketching
- Also under 3215.90
- Parker Quink
- Pilot G2 Gel Ink
- Winsor & Newton Drawing Ink
- Sharpie Permanent Marker Ink
- Noodler's Ink
Codes often confused with 3215.90
Common mistake. Writing ink is frequently confused with printing ink under HS codes 3215.11 (black) or 3215.19 (other colors). Printing inks are specifically designed for mechanical printing processes like lithography or flexography and have different viscosities. Another common error is classifying ink cartridges for printers under 3215.90; while they contain ink, they are often classified under 3215.11/19 or 8443.99 depending on the presence of a print head. Finally, the pens themselves are classified in heading 9608, not 3215.
Top exporters and importers of HS 321590 (the code used for writing ink), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 321590 (the code used for writing ink) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% 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 321590, not only writing ink.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $1.3B 28% of world exports
- 2 Germany $1.3B 27% of world exports
- 3 China $430M 9.1% of world exports
World total: $4.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $1.1B 22% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $636M 12% of world imports
- 3 France $573M 11% of world imports
World total: $5.1B 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 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 writing ink
Brazil classifies writing ink under NCM 3215.90.00: HS 3215.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about writing ink
What is the HS code for Writing ink?
The HS code for Writing ink is 321590 (Ink; writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid). Writing ink is classified under HS code 3215.90, which covers writing, drawing, and other non-printing inks.
How do I classify Writing ink for customs?
Writing ink is classified under HS code 321590 — Ink; writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are ink cartridges for fountain pens included here?
Yes, fountain pen ink cartridges are generally classified under 3215.90 as they contain writing ink, though some jurisdictions may classify the cartridge assembly under 9608.
Which countries are the top exporters of writing ink (HS 321590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 321590 (the code used for writing ink) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($1.3B, 28% of world exports), Germany ($1.3B) and China ($430M). World exports came to about $4.7B, 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 writing ink (HS 321590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 321590 (the code used for writing ink) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 22% of world imports), the Netherlands ($636M) and France ($573M). World imports came to about $5.1B, 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 Writing ink the same in all countries?
The base HS code 321590 for Writing ink 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 writing ink in Brazil?
In Brazil, writing ink (HS 321590) is classified under NCM 3215.90.00.