3215 - Printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid:
Sub-classifications
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3215 90
Overview
This HTS category, 3215, encompasses a broad range of inks used for various marking and coloring purposes. It includes printing inks designed for mechanical reproduction of text and images, as well as writing and drawing inks intended for manual application. The scope also extends to other inks, which may be presented in concentrated or solid forms, requiring reconstitution before use. These inks are chemically formulated for specific substrates and printing or writing methods, distinguishing them by their colorant, binder, solvent, and additive composition.
Within the broader framework of Section VI and Chapter 32, which deals with dyes, pigments, and related products, category 3215 specifically focuses on liquid or semi-liquid preparations intended for imparting color through application. It is distinct from raw pigments or dyes (which may be found in earlier chapters or sibling categories) as these are finished ink formulations ready for application. Furthermore, it differentiates itself from adhesive products or paints by its primary function of creating marks or images rather than protective or decorative coatings.
The subcategories within 3215 provide further granularity. The primary distinction is often made between printing ink, which is a substantial portion of this category, and "other" inks that fall outside the specific definition of printing ink. This allows for the classification of specialized inks such as those used in pens, markers, or for specific industrial marking applications, based on their unique formulation and intended use, which may differ significantly from the high-volume, often solvent-based inks characteristic of printing processes.