Product classification
HS code for Zinc sulfide pigment: 3206.42
Colouring matter, lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide.
Classification of zinc sulfide pigment under HS 3206.42
Zinc sulfide pigments are classified under HS code 3206.42. This classification is situated within Chapter 32, which covers tanning or dyeing extracts, pigments, and other coloring matter. The classification is determined by the intended use and the chemical preparation of the substance. Heading 3206 is designated for "Other coloring matter; preparations as specified in Note 3 to this Chapter." Subheading 3206.42 specifically identifies lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulfide. Lithopone is a white pigment consisting of a mixture of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate. The classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that the product is categorized based on its chemical identity as a prepared pigment. Unlike pure chemical compounds, these pigments are often mixed with extenders or carriers to facilitate their use in paints, plastics, and inks. The inclusion of zinc sulfide in Chapter 32 rather than Chapter 28 (Inorganic Chemicals) is due to its preparation for use as a coloring agent.
- Covers
- Lithopone (mixture of zinc sulfide and barium sulfate)
- Pure zinc sulfide prepared as a pigment
- Zinc sulfide-based masterbatches for plastics
- White coloring preparations for rubber manufacturing
- Zinc sulfide dispersions for industrial coatings
- Also under 3206.42
- Sachtleben Lithopone
- Venator Lithopone
- Lanxess Lithopone
- Hebei Jinguang Chemical Lithopone
- Shandong Xinhai Chemical Lithopone
Codes often confused with 3206.42
Common mistake. Zinc sulfide pigments are frequently misclassified under HS code 2830.90, which covers other sulfides. While pure zinc sulfide is a chemical compound that belongs in Chapter 28, once it is prepared for use as a pigment or mixed with other substances like barium sulfate, it must be classified under 3206.42. Another common error is confusing it with titanium dioxide pigments, which fall under 3206.11. Accurate classification requires verifying the chemical composition and the presence of additives that define the product as a pigment rather than a laboratory-grade chemical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320642 (the code used for zinc sulfide pigment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320642 (the code used for zinc sulfide pigment) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 11% 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 320642, not only zinc sulfide pigment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $7.4M 34% of world exports
- 2 China $5.5M 26% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.8M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $21M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $3.0M 11% of world imports
- 2 Austria $2.2M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Italy $2.1M 7.4% of world imports
World total: $29M 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 zinc sulfide pigment
Brazil splits HS 3206.42 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3206.42.10Lithopone
- 3206.42.90Other zinc sulphide pigments and preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about zinc sulfide pigment
What is the HS code for Zinc sulfide pigment?
The HS code for Zinc sulfide pigment is 320642 (Colouring matter; lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide). The HS code for zinc sulfide pigment, including lithopone, is 3206.42.
How do I classify Zinc sulfide pigment for customs?
Zinc sulfide pigment is classified under HS code 320642 — Colouring matter; lithopone and other pigments and preparations based on zinc sulphide. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is pure zinc sulfide classified under the same code?
No, pure zinc sulfide as a separate chemically defined compound is classified under HS code 2830.90. It only moves to 3206.42 when prepared as a pigment.
Which countries are the top exporters of zinc sulfide pigment (HS 320642)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320642 (the code used for zinc sulfide pigment) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($7.4M, 34% of world exports), China ($5.5M) and the United States ($1.8M). World exports came to about $21M, 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 zinc sulfide pigment (HS 320642)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320642 (the code used for zinc sulfide pigment) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($3.0M, 11% of world imports), Austria ($2.2M) and Italy ($2.1M). World imports came to about $29M, 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 Zinc sulfide pigment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320642 for Zinc sulfide pigment 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 zinc sulfide pigment in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320642 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for zinc sulfide pigment depends on the product's details: 3206.42.10 (Lithopone), 3206.42.90 (Other zinc sulphide pigments and preparations).