Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and… (chapter 32): which countries import it
Chapter 32 covers tannins, synthetic dyes, pigments, paints, varnishes and inks. Spain exported USD 2.23 billion to the world in 2025. Germany, China and…
Published on 16 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 32 covers tannins, synthetic dyes, pigments, paints, varnishes and inks. Spain exported USD 2.23 billion to the world in 2025. Germany, China and the US are the largest importers globally. These products face tariffs that vary by destination and specific heading; certification requirements depend on chemical composition and end use.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 32
- Sector
- Health, Cosmetics and Chemicals
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| Germany | 6,418,149,770 |
| China | 5,125,288,138 |
| United States | 5,010,704,474 |
| France | 3,941,371,978 |
| Italy | 3,120,148,990 |
| Netherlands | 3,043,575,660 |
| Mexico | 2,776,589,440 |
| Canada | 2,670,711,528 |
| India | 2,643,406,968 |
| Poland | 2,476,279,226 |
| Türkiye | 2,474,530,080 |
| United Kingdom | 2,403,985,971 |
| South Korea | 2,289,203,123 |
| Spain | 2,229,956,880 |
| Belgium | 1,731,485,366 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Tanning extracts of vegetable origin; tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivativesHeading 3201
- Tanning substances; synthetic organic or inorganic tanning substances; tanning preparations, whether or not containing natural tanning substances, enzymatic preparations for pre-tanningHeading 3202
- 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 originHeading 3203
- Synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon; synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores; whether or not chemically definedHeading 3204
- Colour lakes; preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapterHeading 3205
- Colouring matter and preparations thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 3203, 3204, 3205; inorganic products, kind used as luminophores whether or not chemically definedHeading 3206
- 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 flakesHeading 3207
- Paints, varnishes; (enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic polymers or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous mediumHeading 3208
- Paints and varnishes (including enamels and lacquers) based on synthetic or chemically modified natural polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous mediumHeading 3209
- Paints and varnishes (including enamels, lacquers and distempers), excluding those of heading no. 3209, prepared water pigments of a kind used for finishing leatherHeading 3210
- Driers; preparedHeading 3211
- 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 saleHeading 3212
- Colours; artists, students, or signboard painters, modifying tints, amusement colours and the like; in tablets, tubes, jars, bottles, pan or in similar forms or packingsHeading 3213
- 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 likeHeading 3214
- Ink; printing, writing or drawing ink and other inks; whether or not concentrated or solidHeading 3215
Trade fairs in this sector
What you need to know to export Chapter 32
Chapter 32 groups 15 product headings across tanning extracts, synthetic colouring matter, pigments, paints, varnishes and inks. The tariff treatment and regulatory requirements differ significantly between headings, so the first step is to classify your product correctly under the HS code.
Transport and labelling requirements are strict. Paints, varnishes and chemical dyes must comply with ADR (for transport) and the destination country's labelling and safety data sheet (SDS) rules. Allow extra time for documentation if your product is classified as hazardous.
Incoterms matter more than in other sectors: your buyer often expects you to manage logistics and labelling compliance. Agree on who bears the cost of customs clearance, insurance and destination labelling before you send the quote.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between HS codes 3208, 3209 and 3210 for paints and varnishes?
Heading 3208 covers paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers dissolved in non-aqueous media (solvent-based). Heading 3209 covers aqueous dispersions (water-based). Heading 3210 covers all other paints, enamels and lacquers not covered by 3209, including those with natural polymers chemically modified. The tariff and regulatory requirements differ: classify your product by its solvent and binder first, then check the destination tariff.
Do I need REACH registration to export dyes and pigments to the EU?
If your product contains substances that meet the REACH definition of a 'substance' (not formulated in a mixture), and the tonnage threshold is met, yes. However, if the substance is already registered by an earlier actor in the supply chain, you do not register again. If you are formulating or blending pigments into a paint or ink, REACH applies to the finished product as a 'preparation', not the individual pigment. Verify your exact position in the supply chain with your chemical supplier and a compliance consultant.
What happens if my paint or varnish is classified as hazardous?
You must provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in the language of the destination country, comply with ADR for transport (labelling, packaging, documentation), and ensure your product meets the destination's classification and labelling rules (in the EU, this is CLP). Your freight forwarder and buyer will need this information before shipment. Costs and liability for non-compliance can be high; budget for professional labelling and transport support.
How long does customs clearance take for Chapter 32 products?
Standard customs clearance in the EU takes 1–2 working days if all documentation is correct and the product does not trigger inspections. In non-EU markets, it depends on the importer's customs capacity and whether the product is on a high-risk list. Allow 3–5 working days for typical clearance in the US, UK or Mexico. If your product is hazardous or requires chemical testing, add 5–10 extra working days.
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