3201 - Tanning extracts of vegetable origin; tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives:

This HTS category, 3201, encompasses vegetable-derived extracts primarily used for tanning hides and skins. It specifically includes tannins, which are natural polyphenolic compounds extracted from various plants. The category also covers their salts, ethers, esters, and other chemically modified derivatives. These substances are crucial in the leather manufacturing process, converting raw hides into durable leather by cross-linking collagen proteins.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings at the chapter level (Chapter 32) is important. While Chapter 32 broadly covers tanning or dyeing extracts, dyes, pigments, paints, and varnishes, Category 3201 is narrowly focused on the *tanning extracts of vegetable origin* and their direct derivatives. It does not include synthetic tanning agents or other dyeing substances that might be classified elsewhere within Chapter 32 or other chapters of the HTS.

Within Category 3201, further subdivisions exist to account for specific sources of these vegetable tanning extracts. Subcategories like 3201.10 (Quebracho extract) and 3201.20 (Wattle extract) denote extracts derived from particular plant species, recognizing their distinct properties and widespread use in the tanning industry. The residual category, 3201.90, serves to classify any other vegetable tanning extracts and their derivatives not specifically enumerated under the preceding subheadings.