3206.49.10.00 - Concentrated dispersions of pigments in plastics materials

This HTS category, 3206.49.10.00, specifically covers concentrated dispersions of pigments within plastics materials. These are not raw pigments or simple mixtures but rather pre-dispersed pigments engineered for integration into polymer matrices during manufacturing processes, such as extrusion or molding. The product's form is typically a pellet, chip, or masterbatch, where the pigment is evenly distributed and stabilized within a plastic carrier resin.

Distinguishing this classification from its siblings is crucial for accurate import and export declarations. Unlike preparations based on specific inorganic compounds like iron oxides (3206.49.20.00), zinc oxides (3206.49.30.00), or carbon black (3206.49.40.00), or specialized pigments like hexacyanoferrates (3206.49.55.00), this code encompasses a broader range of pigment types dispersed in plastic. The "Other" subcategory within 3206.49.60 would capture dispersions that do not fall under the more specific pigment types listed, whereas 3206.49.10.00 is defined by the form of dispersion (concentrated in plastics) rather than the specific pigment chemistry.

As a leaf node, this classification does not have further subdivisions. Therefore, classification hinges on the product meeting the criteria of being a *concentrated dispersion* of pigments, where the pigment is already significantly broken down and suspended within a plastic material, ready for direct use in plastic manufacturing to impart color. The key is the form and intended use as a masterbatch or concentrated pigment preparation for plastics.