Chapter 32 covers 'Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks.' This chapter includes colouring substances extracted from natural raw materials and synthetic colouring matter, as well as products made from these colouring matter, such as paints, varnishes, inks, etc. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include separate chemically defined compounds (which should be classified under Chapter 29) and certain products for specific uses (such as gold powder in printing ink, which if separately presented is classified under Chapter 71). Heading 3215 covers 'Printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid.' Specifically, it includes: printing ink (such as offset, gravure, flexographic inks), writing ink (such as fountain pen ink, ballpoint pen ink), drawing ink (such as plotter ink) and other inks (such as stamp ink, inkjet ink). However, this heading does not include: separately presented colouring matter (classified under other headings of Chapter 32 or Chapter 29), etching ink for printed circuit boards (classified under 3824), and certain inks for special uses (such as invisible ink, which if separately presented is classified under 3824). HS code 321590 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '32' represent Chapter 32, belonging to the category of 'Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks.' The 3rd-4th digits '15' represent heading 3215, i.e., 'Printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks.' The 5th-6th digits '90' represent subheading 321590, i.e., 'Other printing ink.' Under heading 3215, subheadings are typically divided based on use or composition: for example, 321511 is black printing ink, 321519 is other printing ink, and 321590 covers other inks besides printing ink, such as writing ink, drawing ink, etc. However, according to the WCO subheading notes, 321590 is actually an 'other' subheading, including all inks not elsewhere specified, such as writing ink, drawing ink, stamp ink, etc. The goods are printing ink, but not black printing ink (321511) or other specific types, therefore classified under 321590. If it were black printing ink, it should be classified under 321511; if it were printing ink of other colours, it should be classified under 321519. 321590 is the residual subheading of heading 3215, covering all inks not specifically named, including writing ink, drawing ink, inkjet ink, etc. Therefore, only when printing ink cannot be classified under 321511 or 321519 should it be classified under 321590.
Chapter
Chapter 32 covers 'Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks.' This chapter includes colouring substances extracted from natural raw materials and synthetic colouring matter, as well as products made from these colouring matter, such as paints, varnishes, inks, etc. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include separate chemically defined compounds (which should be classified under Chapter 29) and certain products for specific uses (such as gold powder in printing ink, which if separately presented is classified under Chapter 71).
Heading
Heading 3215 covers 'Printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid.' Specifically, it includes: printing ink (such as offset, gravure, flexographic inks), writing ink (such as fountain pen ink, ballpoint pen ink), drawing ink (such as plotter ink) and other inks (such as stamp ink, inkjet ink). However, this heading does not include: separately presented colouring matter (classified under other headings of Chapter 32 or Chapter 29), etching ink for printed circuit boards (classified under 3824), and certain inks for special uses (such as invisible ink, which if separately presented is classified under 3824).
Digit Breakdown
HS code 321590 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits '32' represent Chapter 32, belonging to the category of 'Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks.' The 3rd-4th digits '15' represent heading 3215, i.e., 'Printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks.' The 5th-6th digits '90' represent subheading 321590, i.e., 'Other printing ink.' Under heading 3215, subheadings are typically divided based on use or composition: for example, 321511 is black printing ink, 321519 is other printing ink, and 321590 covers other inks besides printing ink, such as writing ink, drawing ink, etc. However, according to the WCO subheading notes, 321590 is actually an 'other' subheading, including all inks not elsewhere specified, such as writing ink, drawing ink, stamp ink, etc.
Classification Basis
The goods are printing ink, but not black printing ink (321511) or other specific types, therefore classified under 321590. If it were black printing ink, it should be classified under 321511; if it were printing ink of other colours, it should be classified under 321519. 321590 is the residual subheading of heading 3215, covering all inks not specifically named, including writing ink, drawing ink, inkjet ink, etc. Therefore, only when printing ink cannot be classified under 321511 or 321519 should it be classified under 321590.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared goods, such as 'printing ink', 'water-based ink', 'UV ink', etc. It should accurately reflect the characteristics of the goods. Composition: List the main components and their content, such as resin, pigment, solvent, additives, etc. It is necessary to indicate whether volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are contained. Use: Explain the specific use, such as for offset printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, inkjet printing, etc. The printing method must be specified. Brand: Declare the brand name (if no brand, indicate 'no brand'). The brand helps customs confirm the attributes of the goods. Model: Declare the model or specification, such as 'XX-100'. The model can assist in determining the characteristics of the goods. Packaging Specification: Declare the packaging form and net weight, such as 'canned, 20kg/can'. This affects tariffs and regulatory conditions. Is It Black: Specify whether it is black printing ink. Black printing ink is classified under 321511, others under 321519 or 321590. Is It Retail Packaging: Indicate whether it is retail packaging. Ink in retail packaging may be classified under other subheadings, but printing ink usually does not change classification due to retail packaging. Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Water-based printing ink
Composition: Acrylic resin 40%, pigment 15%, water 40%, additives 5%
Use: For flexographic printing on corrugated cardboard
Brand: ABC
Model: WF-200
Packaging Specification: Canned, 20kg/can
Is It Black: No
Is It Retail Packaging: No
HS Code: 3215909090 Mistakenly classifying black printing ink under 321590, when it should actually be classified under 321511. Failure to distinguish printing ink from writing ink, leading to classification errors. False declaration of composition, such as concealing the type of solvent, which may affect classification and regulation.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared goods, such as 'printing ink', 'water-based ink', 'UV ink', etc. It should accurately reflect the characteristics of the goods.
⚠️ Only writing 'ink' without distinguishing printing ink from other inks.
Composition
List the main components and their content, such as resin, pigment, solvent, additives, etc. It is necessary to indicate whether volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are contained.
⚠️ Incomplete declaration of composition, or failure to indicate the type of solvent.
Use
Explain the specific use, such as for offset printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, inkjet printing, etc. The printing method must be specified.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as 'for printing', without specifying the printing method.
Brand
Declare the brand name (if no brand, indicate 'no brand'). The brand helps customs confirm the attributes of the goods.
⚠️ Declaring the brand as 'none' when there is actually a brand, leading to classification disputes.
Model
Declare the model or specification, such as 'XX-100'. The model can assist in determining the characteristics of the goods.
⚠️ Incomplete model declaration or inconsistency with the actual goods.
Packaging Specification
Declare the packaging form and net weight, such as 'canned, 20kg/can'. This affects tariffs and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ Only writing 'barreled' without indicating the net weight.
Is It Black
Specify whether it is black printing ink. Black printing ink is classified under 321511, others under 321519 or 321590.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring black printing ink as other colours.
Is It Retail Packaging
Indicate whether it is retail packaging. Ink in retail packaging may be classified under other subheadings, but printing ink usually does not change classification due to retail packaging.
⚠️ Ignoring the impact of retail packaging on classification.
Example： Customs declaration example:
Product Name: Water-based printing ink
Composition: Acrylic resin 40%, pigment 15%, water 40%, additives 5%
Use: For flexographic printing on corrugated cardboard
Brand: ABC
Model: WF-200
Packaging Specification: Canned, 20kg/can
Is It Black: No
Is It Retail Packaging: No
HS Code: 3215909090
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying black printing ink under 321590, when it should actually be classified under 321511.
Failure to distinguish printing ink from writing ink, leading to classification errors.
False declaration of composition, such as concealing the type of solvent, which may affect classification and regulation.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and the 'HS Explanatory Notes'. Heading 3215 covers printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks. Subheading 321511 is black printing ink, 321519 is other printing ink, and 321590 is other inks. Therefore, determining whether it is printing ink and whether it is black is key. If it is printing ink and not black, it should be classified under 321519 first; if it is other inks (such as writing ink), it is classified under 321590. At the same time, note that if the ink is a separately presented colouring matter, it should be classified under other headings of Chapter 32 or Chapter 29. 321511 Black printing ink: 321511 applies only to black printing ink, while 321590 covers other inks. If the ink is black and used for printing, it should be classified under 321511. 321519 Other printing ink: 321519 applies to non-black printing ink, while 321590 applies to inks for non-printing uses. If the ink is used for printing and is not black, it should be classified under 321519. 321210 Stamping foil: Stamping foil is used for hot stamping and is a foil product, while 321590 is liquid or paste ink. Their forms and uses are different. 382499 Other chemical products: Certain special inks (such as conductive ink) may be classified under 382499, while 321590 only covers traditional printing inks and inks. 844399 Printer parts: Printer ink cartridges, if presented together with the printer, may be classified under 844399; but ink presented separately is still classified under 3215. Is it clearly printing ink? Is it black? Is it used for printing? Is it retail packaging? Does the composition contain special substances?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the 'Import and Export Tariff' and the 'HS Explanatory Notes'. Heading 3215 covers printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks. Subheading 321511 is black printing ink, 321519 is other printing ink, and 321590 is other inks. Therefore, determining whether it is printing ink and whether it is black is key. If it is printing ink and not black, it should be classified under 321519 first; if it is other inks (such as writing ink), it is classified under 321590. At the same time, note that if the ink is a separately presented colouring matter, it should be classified under other headings of Chapter 32 or Chapter 29.
Confused Codes：
321511 - Black printing ink
321511 applies only to black printing ink, while 321590 covers other inks. If the ink is black and used for printing, it should be classified under 321511.
321519 - Other printing ink
321519 applies to non-black printing ink, while 321590 applies to inks for non-printing uses. If the ink is used for printing and is not black, it should be classified under 321519.
321210 - Stamping foil
Stamping foil is used for hot stamping and is a foil product, while 321590 is liquid or paste ink. Their forms and uses are different.
382499 - Other chemical products
Certain special inks (such as conductive ink) may be classified under 382499, while 321590 only covers traditional printing inks and inks.
844399 - Printer parts
Printer ink cartridges, if presented together with the printer, may be classified under 844399; but ink presented separately is still classified under 3215.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly printing ink?
✓ Is it black?
✓ Is it used for printing?
✓ Is it retail packaging?
✓ Does the composition contain special substances?
❓ FAQ
How to determine whether ink belongs to 321590? First confirm whether it is printing ink. If it is printing ink and not black, it should be classified under 321519; if it is other inks (such as writing ink, drawing ink), it is classified under 321590. At the same time, note that if the ink is a separately presented colouring matter, it should be classified under other headings. What is the difference between 321590 and 321519? 321519 specifically refers to other printing ink (non-black), while 321590 covers all other inks, including writing ink, drawing ink, etc. Therefore, if it is printing ink and not black, it should be classified under 321519 first; if it is ink for other uses, it is classified under 321590. Which code should black printing ink be classified under? Black printing ink should be classified under 321511. If mistakenly classified under 321590, it may lead to classification errors, affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions. Which code is ink for inkjet printers classified under? Inkjet printer ink, if used for printing, is usually classified under 321519 (non-black) or 321511 (black). But if used for other purposes (such as drawing), it may be classified under 321590. Judgment should be based on the specific use. What are the declaration elements for ink? Mainly include product name, composition, use, brand, model, packaging specification, whether black, whether retail packaging, etc. Composition and use are key, helping customs determine classification. How to check the tariff rate for 321590? Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the 'Import and Export Tariff'. Also pay attention to free trade agreement rates. If the ink is in retail packaging, will the classification change? For printing ink, retail packaging usually does not affect classification, and it is still classified under 3215. But for other inks, retail packaging may affect subheading division and requires specific analysis. Does 321590 include invisible ink? Invisible ink, if separately presented, is usually classified under 382499 because it has special functions. 321590 mainly covers traditional inks.
Q: How to determine whether ink belongs to 321590?
A: First confirm whether it is printing ink. If it is printing ink and not black, it should be classified under 321519; if it is other inks (such as writing ink, drawing ink), it is classified under 321590. At the same time, note that if the ink is a separately presented colouring matter, it should be classified under other headings.
Q: What is the difference between 321590 and 321519?
A: 321519 specifically refers to other printing ink (non-black), while 321590 covers all other inks, including writing ink, drawing ink, etc. Therefore, if it is printing ink and not black, it should be classified under 321519 first; if it is ink for other uses, it is classified under 321590.
Q: Which code should black printing ink be classified under?
A: Black printing ink should be classified under 321511. If mistakenly classified under 321590, it may lead to classification errors, affecting tariffs and regulatory conditions.
Q: Which code is ink for inkjet printers classified under?
A: Inkjet printer ink, if used for printing, is usually classified under 321519 (non-black) or 321511 (black). But if used for other purposes (such as drawing), it may be classified under 321590. Judgment should be based on the specific use.
Q: What are the declaration elements for ink?
A: Mainly include product name, composition, use, brand, model, packaging specification, whether black, whether retail packaging, etc. Composition and use are key, helping customs determine classification.
Q: How to check the tariff rate for 321590?
A: Tariff rates may change. It is recommended to check the latest rates through the official website of the General Administration of Customs or the 'Import and Export Tariff'. Also pay attention to free trade agreement rates.
Q: If the ink is in retail packaging, will the classification change?
A: For printing ink, retail packaging usually does not affect classification, and it is still classified under 3215. But for other inks, retail packaging may affect subheading division and requires specific analysis.
Q: Does 321590 include invisible ink?
A: Invisible ink, if separately presented, is usually classified under 382499 because it has special functions. 321590 mainly covers traditional inks.
⚠️ 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.