HS-2 · Chapter 32
HS chapter 32: Tanning or dyeing extracts
Section VI — Products of the chemical or allied industries
Goods classified under HS-32 include tanning extracts, dyes, pigments, paints, varnishes, and inks. For example, if you are importing vegetable tanning extracts used in leather production, this chapter will guide you on the appropriate classification.
To determine the correct HS-4 code, start by identifying the product's primary function and origin. For instance, if your product is a synthetic dye, you would look into HS-3204. Pay attention to the specific wording in the headings, as slight differences can lead to different classifications.
Once you narrow down to an HS-4 code, you can drill down to HS-6 by checking the detailed notes and product forms. For example, if you are dealing with a synthetic pigment in liquid form, you would refer to HS-3207 for pigments prepared for specific industries, ensuring you capture the right nuances.
Terms & reference phrasing
These phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
tanning extracts · dyes and pigments · paints and varnishes · synthetic coloring matter · tannins and their derivatives · inks and printing materials · colour lakes · prepared pigments · glaziers' putty · artists' colors · water-based paints · synthetic polymers · colouring preparations · enamels and lacquers · non-aqueous media · liquid lustres · caulking compounds
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Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.
Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify tanning extracts for trade
- HS codes for synthetic organic dyes and pigments
- understanding HS-32 for paints and varnishes
- importing inks and their classification
- differences between HS-3208 and HS-3209 explained
- guidelines for classifying artist's colors
- tannins and their derivatives HS code
- choosing the right HS-4 code for pigments
Examples & common questions
Example products are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
Example products
- Vegetable tanning extracts for leather production
- Synthetic dyes used in textiles
- Water-based paints for interior walls
- Inks for printing and drawing applications
- Varnishes for wood finishes
- Pigments for ceramic glazing
- Artists' colors in tubes or jars
- Glaziers' putty for window installations
Common classification questions
- What is the HS code for vegetable tanning extracts?
- How do I classify synthetic dyes for import?
- Are there specific notes for paints and varnishes?
- What HS-4 code applies to artist's colors?
- How do I determine the right classification for inks?
- What are the differences between HS-3208 and HS-3209?
- Can I use HS-3204 for all synthetic dyes?
- What should I check for when classifying pigments?
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are covered under HS-32?
- HS-32 covers tanning extracts, dyes, pigments, paints, varnishes, inks, and their derivatives, used in various industries.
- How do I find the correct HS-4 code for my product?
- Identify the product's primary function and origin, then refer to the specific headings in HS-32 to find the appropriate HS-4 code.
- Are there special notes I should consider for paints?
- Yes, check the chapter notes for specific formulations and classifications, especially when dealing with water-based vs. non-aqueous paints.
- What if my product doesn't fit neatly into one heading?
- If your product has characteristics of multiple headings, review the detailed descriptions and notes to determine the best fit.
- Can I classify all synthetic dyes under HS-3204?
- Not all synthetic dyes fall under HS-3204; ensure you check the specific descriptions to find the right classification.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 32 (15)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 3201 | Tanning extracts of vegetable origin; tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives | |
| 3202 | Tanning substances; synthetic organic or inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances, enzymatic preparations for pre-tanning | |
| 3203 | Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin (including dyeing extracts, not animal black); whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin | |
| 3204 | Synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon; synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores; whether or not chemically defined | |
| 3205 | Colour lakes; preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapter | |
| 3206 | Colouring matter and preparations thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 3203, 3204, 3205; inorganic products, kind used as luminophores whether or not chemically defined | |
| 3207 | Pigments, 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 flakes | |
| 3208 | Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium | |
| 3209 | Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous medium | |
| 3210 | Paints and varnishes (including enamels, lacquers and distempers), excluding those of heading no. 3209, prepared water pigments of a kind used for finishing leather | |
| 3211 | Driers; prepared | |
| 3212 | Pigments (metallic powders and flakes) dispersed in non-aqueous media in liquid or paste form, as used in manufacture of paints (including enamels); stamping foils, dyes etc in forms, packing for retail sale | |
| 3213 | Colours; artists, students, or signboard painters, modifying tints, amusement colours and the like; in tablets, tubes, jars, bottles, pan or in similar forms or packings | |
| 3214 | Glaziers' putty, grafting putty, resin cements, caulking compounds and other mastics; painters' fillings; non-refractory surfacing preparations for facades, indoor walls, floors, ceilings or the like | |
| 3215 | Ink; printing, writing or drawing ink and other inks; whether or not concentrated or solid |
Browse first heading (HS-4 3201)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (3201). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.