3206.49.40.00 - Preparations based on carbon black

This HTS classification covers preparations where carbon black is the primary coloring agent or a significant component. Carbon black, a fine black powder produced by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons, is widely used as a pigment in various industries. These preparations can include masterbatches, pigment pastes, or other forms where carbon black is compounded with binders, dispersants, or other additives to facilitate its incorporation into end products. Common applications include inks, coatings, plastics, and rubber manufacturing.

Distinguishing this category from its siblings, it specifically targets preparations where carbon black is the defining characteristic. For instance, preparations based on iron oxides (3206.49.20.00) or zinc oxides (3206.49.30.00) will be classified elsewhere, even if they serve similar coloring functions. Concentrated dispersions of pigments in plastics materials (3206.49.10.00) will be classified under that specific heading if the dispersion technology is the primary characteristic, rather than a general preparation based on carbon black. Pigments and preparations based on hexacyanoferrates (3206.49.55.00) represent a distinct chemical class of coloring matter.

As HTS code 3206.49.40.00 is a leaf node, it does not have further subcategories. Therefore, classification under this code depends directly on the presence of carbon black as the predominant coloring component within the preparation, in contrast to other specified coloring matters or preparations detailed in sibling entries. The specific formulation and intended use, where carbon black plays a key role, are critical for accurate classification.