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3215Ink; printing, writing or drawing ink and other inks; whether or not concentrated or solid

Chapter 32: Tanning or dyeing extracts

Plain-language overview

Use HS-4 3215 when importing or exporting inks, such as black printing ink in 55-gallon drums or small bottles of colored drawing ink. This heading covers various types of inks, whether concentrated or solid, used in printing, writing, or drawing.

When deciding between the subheadings, consider the color and intended use of the ink. For example, if you have black printing ink, you should classify it under HS-6 321511. If your product is a different color, like blue or red printing ink, it falls under HS-6 321519.

The subheading HS-6 321590 is for inks that don’t fit neatly into the other categories, such as specialty inks for artists or unique formulations. If your product is a writing or drawing ink not classified elsewhere, this is the correct choice.

Keywords & topics

Short phrases that describe this HS-4 heading when you're searching or filtering schedules.

ink classification · HS-4 3215 · printing ink · drawing ink · black ink · colored ink · ink import/export · ink subheadings · concentrated ink · solid ink

Examples

Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-4 heading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.

  • Black printing ink in 1-liter bottles
  • Colored inks for screen printing in bulk containers
  • Drawing inks in various colors in small tubes
  • Solid ink sticks for use in traditional calligraphy
  • Concentrated ink solutions for industrial printing
  • Specialty inks for fabric or textile applications

Common questions

How people often phrase their search when they're trying to classify goods like yours.

  • What is HS-4 3215 used for?
  • How to classify printing ink under HS codes?
  • What are the subheadings for ink in HS-4 3215?
  • Is black printing ink classified differently?
  • What types of inks fall under HS-6 321590?
  • How to determine the correct HS code for drawing ink?

Related topics

Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.

  • how to classify black printing ink for import
  • differences between HS-6 321511 and 321519
  • requirements for importing concentrated ink
  • examples of products under HS-4 3215
  • ink packaging requirements for customs
  • what to do if ink doesn’t fit standard classifications
  • guidelines for exporting writing ink
  • understanding ink subheadings in HS codes

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What is included in HS-4 3215?
HS-4 3215 includes all types of inks used for printing, writing, or drawing, whether they are black, colored, concentrated, or solid.
How do I choose between HS-6 321511 and 321519?
Choose **HS-6 321511** for black printing ink and **HS-6 321519** for any other colors used in printing.
What if my ink is not classified under the main categories?
If your ink does not fit the other categories, it should be classified under **HS-6 321590** for writing, drawing, and other inks.
Are there any specific packaging requirements for ink?
Yes, ensure that ink is packaged to prevent leakage and is labeled according to customs regulations for hazardous materials if applicable.
Can I use a single HS code for mixed ink shipments?
Typically, you should classify mixed ink shipments under the appropriate subheading based on the predominant type of ink.

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HS-6 subheadings (3)

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