Ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid

HS v2022 Code: 321511

About ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid

HS code 321511 covers the import and export of black printing ink, a critical component in the global printing and publishing industry. This type of ink is used in a wide range of applications, from commercial printing to packaging and labeling. As a key input for many downstream industries, the trade of black printing ink plays an important role in the broader economy.

Production process

Black printing ink is typically produced through a multi-step process. First, the base pigment, usually carbon black, is combined with various binding agents, solvents, and additives to create the ink formulation. This mixture is then milled and dispersed to ensure a consistent, smooth texture. Finally, the ink is packaged and prepared for distribution to printing companies and other end-users.

Production inputs

The main inputs required for the production of black printing ink include the carbon black pigment, resins or binders (such as rosin or hydrocarbon resins), solvents (like mineral oils or vegetable oils), and various additives (e.g., drying agents, waxes, or surfactants). Specialized machinery, such as high-speed dispersers and milling equipment, is also essential for the manufacturing process.

Production outputs

The primary output of HS code 321511 is black printing ink, which is consumed by a variety of industries, including 4901 Printed books, brochures, leaflets and similar printed matter, 4902 Newspapers, journals and periodicals, whether or not illustrated or containing advertising material, and 4908 (Transfers (decalcomanias)). This ink is a critical input for the global printing and packaging sectors, enabling the production of high-quality printed materials across a wide range of applications.

Revisions to 321511

Classification codes are adjusted frequently. The code may have been revised or replaced between system versions. The table below shows the history (newest to oldest) of the code 321511. The most recent 1 version of this code (321511) is in the HS v2022 system (this version):

This page shows the most recent version of code 321511.

Family tree for ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/32'>32: Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments and other colouring matter; paints, varnishes; putty, other mastics; inks</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/3215'>3215: Ink; printing, writing or drawing ink and other inks; whether or not concentrated or solid</a>"]
B --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/321511'>321511: Ink; for printing, black, whether or not concentrated or solid</a>"]

    B --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/321519'>321519: Ink; for printing, other than black, whether or not concentrated or solid</a>"]
B --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/321590'>321590: Ink; writing, drawing and other inks, n.e.c. in heading no. 3215, whether or not concentrated or solid</a>"]

    

    %% Color coordination by level

    classDef level1 color:#000,fill:#a8f9ff,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level6
class D level6
class E level6

  class C highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class C highlight