Chapter 32 covers "Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes, pigments, paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks", the core of which is coloring and coating materials. This chapter includes products across the complete industrial chain from natural tanning extracts and synthetic dyes to finished coatings and printing inks, but excludes waxes, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. that have been made into specific shapes. Printing inks, as coloring agents for information recording and decoration, are classified under the heading at the end of this chapter. Heading 3215 specifically covers "Printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid". Its scope includes inks used for printing books, packaging, and labels, as well as inks for pens, markers, and printers. However, this heading does not include ordinary fountain pen ink with extremely low pigment content (usually classified under 3215) or toner (classified under 3707). Black printing ink is one of the most common subheadings within it. Code 321510 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "32" represent Chapter 32 (tanning extracts, dyes, pigments, paints, inks, etc.); digits 3-4 "15" represent heading 3215 (printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 321510, specifically referring to "black printing ink". Therefore, the complete meaning of this code is: under Chapter 32, within heading 3215, printing ink characterized primarily by the color black. If it is printing ink of other colors, it is classified under 321519, and writing ink is classified under 321590. This product is black printing ink, mainly used in the printing industry, and conforms to the description of "printing ink" under heading 3215. Because its color is black, it is further classified at the subheading level under 321510, rather than the other color subheading 321519. At the same time, it is not writing ink (321590) or toner (3707), nor is it ordinary paint (3208/3209), so it is not classified under adjacent codes.
Chapter
Chapter 32 covers "Tanning or dyeing extracts; dyes, pigments, paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks", the core of which is coloring and coating materials. This chapter includes products across the complete industrial chain from natural tanning extracts and synthetic dyes to finished coatings and printing inks, but excludes waxes, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, etc. that have been made into specific shapes. Printing inks, as coloring agents for information recording and decoration, are classified under the heading at the end of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 3215 specifically covers "Printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid". Its scope includes inks used for printing books, packaging, and labels, as well as inks for pens, markers, and printers. However, this heading does not include ordinary fountain pen ink with extremely low pigment content (usually classified under 3215) or toner (classified under 3707). Black printing ink is one of the most common subheadings within it.
Digit Breakdown
Code 321510 consists of 6 digits: the first 2 digits "32" represent Chapter 32 (tanning extracts, dyes, pigments, paints, inks, etc.); digits 3-4 "15" represent heading 3215 (printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 321510, specifically referring to "black printing ink". Therefore, the complete meaning of this code is: under Chapter 32, within heading 3215, printing ink characterized primarily by the color black. If it is printing ink of other colors, it is classified under 321519, and writing ink is classified under 321590.
Classification Basis
This product is black printing ink, mainly used in the printing industry, and conforms to the description of "printing ink" under heading 3215. Because its color is black, it is further classified at the subheading level under 321510, rather than the other color subheading 321519. At the same time, it is not writing ink (321590) or toner (3707), nor is it ordinary paint (3208/3209), so it is not classified under adjacent codes.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should include color and use, such as "black printing ink". Composition and content: List the main components (such as resin, pigment, solvent) and their respective percentages, which must be consistent with the test report. Use: Explain the specific printing method and target, such as "used for offset printing of books and periodicals" or "used for flexographic printing of packaging". Packaging specifications: Indicate the net weight and shape of the unit package, such as "20 kg/iron drum". Brand: Fill in the manufacturer's or seller's brand; if there is no brand, "no brand" may be entered. Model: Fill in the product model or item number to facilitate identification of the specific formula. Whether concentrated or solid: Declare the state of the ink, such as "No, liquid" or "Yes, solid". Product name: black printing ink; Composition and content: pigment 15%, resin 30%, solvent 50%, additives 5%; Use: used for offset printing of books and periodicals; Packaging specifications: 20 kg/iron drum; Brand: XX brand; Model: XX-100; Whether concentrated or solid: No, liquid. Failure to indicate color, leading to confusion between subheadings 321510 and 321519. Failure to provide specific percentages in composition and content, affecting classification and customs valuation. Use description is too general and does not distinguish the printing method, which may lead to questions about classification. Packaging specifications do not indicate net weight, affecting the unit of measurement and statistics. Ignoring the element "whether concentrated or solid", which may result in incorrect classification under other subheadings.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should include color and use, such as "black printing ink".
⚠️ Writing only "ink" without specifying black or printing use.
Composition and content
List the main components (such as resin, pigment, solvent) and their respective percentages, which must be consistent with the test report.
⚠️ Writing only "pigment, resin, solvent" without providing specific proportions.
Use
Explain the specific printing method and target, such as "used for offset printing of books and periodicals" or "used for flexographic printing of packaging".
⚠️ Writing generally "for printing" without distinguishing offset, gravure, flexographic printing, etc.
Packaging specifications
Indicate the net weight and shape of the unit package, such as "20 kg/iron drum".
⚠️ Writing only "drummed" without indicating net weight and material.
Brand
Fill in the manufacturer's or seller's brand; if there is no brand, "no brand" may be entered.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting it.
Model
Fill in the product model or item number to facilitate identification of the specific formula.
⚠️ Mixing up model and brand, or filling it in incompletely.
Whether concentrated or solid
Declare the state of the ink, such as "No, liquid" or "Yes, solid".
⚠️ Ignoring this element, leading to classification disputes.
Example： Product name: black printing ink; Composition and content: pigment 15%, resin 30%, solvent 50%, additives 5%; Use: used for offset printing of books and periodicals; Packaging specifications: 20 kg/iron drum; Brand: XX brand; Model: XX-100; Whether concentrated or solid: No, liquid.
Common Mistakes：
Failure to indicate color, leading to confusion between subheadings 321510 and 321519.
Failure to provide specific percentages in composition and content, affecting classification and customs valuation.
Use description is too general and does not distinguish the printing method, which may lead to questions about classification.
Packaging specifications do not indicate net weight, affecting the unit of measurement and statistics.
Ignoring the element "whether concentrated or solid", which may result in incorrect classification under other subheadings.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 32 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 3215. Black printing ink must simultaneously satisfy: 1) it is used for printing; 2) its color is black; 3) it falls within the category of ink. If it is writing ink, it is classified under 321590; if it is toner, it is classified under 3707; if it is ordinary paint, it is classified under 3208/3209. If the composition contains a large amount of organic solvent and it is used for printing, it is still classified under 3215. 321519 Other printing ink: This code covers printing inks other than black, such as colored, white, etc. The difference lies only in color: black is classified under 321510, and other colors under 321519. 321590 Other ink: Includes writing ink, drawing ink, printer ink, etc., not used for printing. The difference lies in use: printing ink is classified under 3215, and writing ink under 321590. 370790 Other chemical preparations for photographic uses: Toner (ink powder) is usually classified under 3707, not 3215. The difference is that toner is in dry powder form and used for electrostatic copying, while printing ink is liquid or paste-like. 320810 Polyester paints and varnishes: Paints are used for protective or decorative coating, not for printing. The difference lies in use and composition; printing inks need to have printability. Is it clearly black? Is it used for printing rather than writing? Does the composition contain pigment, resin, and solvent? Is the packaging suitable for the printing industry? Does it not belong to toner or paint?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the notes to Chapter 32 of the Import and Export Tariff and the text of heading 3215. Black printing ink must simultaneously satisfy: 1) it is used for printing; 2) its color is black; 3) it falls within the category of ink. If it is writing ink, it is classified under 321590; if it is toner, it is classified under 3707; if it is ordinary paint, it is classified under 3208/3209. If the composition contains a large amount of organic solvent and it is used for printing, it is still classified under 3215.
Confused Codes：
321519 - Other printing ink
This code covers printing inks other than black, such as colored, white, etc. The difference lies only in color: black is classified under 321510, and other colors under 321519.
321590 - Other ink
Includes writing ink, drawing ink, printer ink, etc., not used for printing. The difference lies in use: printing ink is classified under 3215, and writing ink under 321590.
370790 - Other chemical preparations for photographic uses
Toner (ink powder) is usually classified under 3707, not 3215. The difference is that toner is in dry powder form and used for electrostatic copying, while printing ink is liquid or paste-like.
320810 - Polyester paints and varnishes
Paints are used for protective or decorative coating, not for printing. The difference lies in use and composition; printing inks need to have printability.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly black?
✓ Is it used for printing rather than writing?
✓ Does the composition contain pigment, resin, and solvent?
✓ Is the packaging suitable for the printing industry?
✓ Does it not belong to toner or paint?
❓ FAQ
How can I look up the HS code for black printing ink? You can use the Customs Import and Export Tariff or a classification query system, enter the keyword "printing ink", and select the black subheading 321510. You can also determine it based on composition and use, and apply for advance classification if necessary. What is the difference between the codes for black printing ink and colored printing ink? Both belong to heading 3215, but the subheadings differ: black is classified under 321510, and other colors under 321519. When declaring, the color must be accurately stated to avoid confusion. How are printing ink and writing ink distinguished? It mainly depends on use: printing ink is used in printing presses, and writing ink is used in pens. If it is printer ink, it is usually classified under 321590. A statement of use should be provided when declaring. What elements are required for declaring black printing ink? Product name, composition and content, use, packaging specifications, brand, model, and whether concentrated or solid are required. Composition and content require specific percentages, and the use must specify the printing method. If the ink is solid, will the code change? Heading 3215 covers solid ink, but subheadings are still divided by color. Solid black printing ink is still classified under 321510, and "Yes, solid" must be stated when declaring. How can I check the tax rate for black printing ink? The tax rate must be checked according to the latest Import and Export Tariff, through the General Administration of Customs website or a customs declaration system. Rates may differ under different trade agreements, so consulting a professional customs broker is recommended. What regulatory conditions are required for importing black printing ink? Generally, a composition test report and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) are required. If it contains hazardous components, it must meet dangerous goods transportation requirements. Specific regulatory conditions are subject to the latest customs announcements. What are the consequences of incorrect classification? Incorrect classification may lead to supplementary taxes, fines, downgrading of credit rating, and even affect customs clearance timeliness. Enterprises are advised to use advance classification services or consult customs classification experts.
Q: How can I look up the HS code for black printing ink?
A: You can use the Customs Import and Export Tariff or a classification query system, enter the keyword "printing ink", and select the black subheading 321510. You can also determine it based on composition and use, and apply for advance classification if necessary.
Q: What is the difference between the codes for black printing ink and colored printing ink?
A: Both belong to heading 3215, but the subheadings differ: black is classified under 321510, and other colors under 321519. When declaring, the color must be accurately stated to avoid confusion.
Q: How are printing ink and writing ink distinguished?
A: It mainly depends on use: printing ink is used in printing presses, and writing ink is used in pens. If it is printer ink, it is usually classified under 321590. A statement of use should be provided when declaring.
Q: What elements are required for declaring black printing ink?
A: Product name, composition and content, use, packaging specifications, brand, model, and whether concentrated or solid are required. Composition and content require specific percentages, and the use must specify the printing method.
Q: If the ink is solid, will the code change?
A: Heading 3215 covers solid ink, but subheadings are still divided by color. Solid black printing ink is still classified under 321510, and "Yes, solid" must be stated when declaring.
Q: How can I check the tax rate for black printing ink?
A: The tax rate must be checked according to the latest Import and Export Tariff, through the General Administration of Customs website or a customs declaration system. Rates may differ under different trade agreements, so consulting a professional customs broker is recommended.
Q: What regulatory conditions are required for importing black printing ink?
A: Generally, a composition test report and MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) are required. If it contains hazardous components, it must meet dangerous goods transportation requirements. Specific regulatory conditions are subject to the latest customs announcements.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrect classification?
A: Incorrect classification may lead to supplementary taxes, fines, downgrading of credit rating, and even affect customs clearance timeliness. Enterprises are advised to use advance classification services or consult customs classification experts.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.