---
title: "3212 HSN Code | HSN Code for Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes in India"
description: "Know more about 3212 HSN Code with BUSY Accounting - HSN Tariff, GST Rates and case laws related to chapter 3212 covering Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes."
canonical: "https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3212/"
---

# HSN Sub-chapter 3212: Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes

Pigments (including metallic powders and flakes) dispersed in non-aqueous media, in liquid or paste form, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints (including enamels); stamping foils; dyes and other colouring matter put up in forms or packings for retail sale

Part of [Chapter 32: Tanning or Dyeing Extracts; Dyes, Pigments and Other Colouring Matter](https://busy.in/hsn/chapter-32/).

- Current GST rate: 18%
- Earlier GST rate: 18%

## HSN codes

| Code | Title |
| --- | --- |
| 32121000 | [Stamping Foils](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32121000/) |
| 32129010 | [Pigments in Oils/Varnishes](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32129010/) |
| 32129020 | [Retail Packed Dyes/Colouring Matter](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32129020/) |
| 32129030 | [Other \| Aluminium Paste](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32129030/) |
| 32129090 | [Pigment Dispersions, Foils, Retail Dyes/Colorants: Other](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32129090/) |

## Frequently asked questions

### What products are classified under HSN 3212

It includes Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes

### Is the composition scheme suitable if I mainly trade Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes?

The composition scheme is optional for eligible small suppliers of goods. You cannot issue tax invoices or collect tax under composition. Check turnover limits and exclusions; evaluate margins and ITC loss before opting in.

### If I repair and return Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes, how should I charge GST?

Repair/service is a service supply (SAC). Parts and materials used are goods and may be billed separately with HSN. Mention both lines clearly to avoid mixing service and goods values.

### Does packaging or branding change how GST applies to Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes?

Yes. Many food/agri goods are treated differently when sold as pre‑packaged & labelled retail packs versus loose/open packs. If Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes is sold in small pouches (e.g., 500 g) with an MRP and label, record that on the invoice. Loose bulk bags often follow a different treatment.

### Can I claim ITC on inputs and services used for Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes?

If your outward supply of Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes is taxable, ITC is generally available (Sections 16–17) except blocked credits (e.g., personal use, motor vehicles in most cases). For exempt supplies, proportionate reversal is required under Rule 42/43.

### How are warranty replacements of Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes handled?

If replacement is without consideration under a pre‑agreed warranty, issue a delivery challan and reference the original invoice/contract. If consideration is charged, raise a tax invoice. Keep serial/lot details for traceability.

## India's trade performance: HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 (FY 2024-25)

Source: TradeStat EIDB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Values in ₹ Crore (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25).

- Exports: ₹596 Cr (−14.76% YoY) — 0.0161% of India's total exports
- Imports: ₹757 Cr (+20.11% YoY) — 0.0124% of India's total imports
- Trade balance: −₹161 Cr (Deficit); surplus rank #755 of 1233 sub-chapters
- Share of Chapter 32: 1.98% of its exports; import side 3.12%
- Rank within Chapter 32: #6 of 15 by export value; import-side #7

### Key metrics

- Export CAGR: -0.80% (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, 7 fiscal years)
- National export rank: #496 of 1233 sub-chapters by export value (FY 2024-25)
- Peak growth year: +37.62% in FY 2021-22
- Contribution to Ch. 32: 1.98% of its exports (FY 2024-25)

## India export-import trade statistics: HSN Sub-Chapter 3212

7-year export and import data, FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, in ₹ Crore. Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, TradeStat EIDB.

| FY | Exports (₹ Cr) | Exp share | Exp YoY | Exp % of Ch. 32 | Imports (₹ Cr) | Imp share | Imp YoY | Imp % of Ch. 32 | Trade balance | Exp rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| FY 2018-19 | 625.63 | 0.0273% | — | 2.71% | 503.66 | 0.0140% | — | 3.26% | +121.97 | #382 |
| FY 2019-20 | 655.35 | 0.0297% | +4.75% | 2.68% | 508.00 | 0.0151% | +0.86% | 3.50% | +147.35 | #359 |
| FY 2020-21 | 534.94 | 0.0249% | −18.37% | 2.36% | 440.11 | 0.0151% | −13.36% | 3.14% | +94.83 | #411 |
| FY 2021-22 | 736.19 | 0.0235% | +37.62% | 2.49% | 540.55 | 0.0118% | +22.82% | 2.78% | +195.64 | #404 |
| FY 2022-23 | 761.48 | 0.0210% | +3.44% | 2.87% | 620.74 | 0.0108% | +14.83% | 3.03% | +140.74 | #421 |
| FY 2023-24 | 699.34 | 0.0193% | −8.16% | 2.12% | 630.12 | 0.0112% | +1.51% | 2.09% | +69.22 | #447 |
| FY 2024-25 | 596.14 | 0.0161% | −14.76% | 1.98% | 756.82 | 0.0124% | +20.11% | 3.12% | −160.68 | #496 |

- CAGR (7-year): exports -0.80%/yr, imports 7.02%/yr (consistently Deficit)

## Key trade insights: HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 export-import analysis

### Export decline: -0.80% CAGR over 7 years

India's exports under HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 have declined at a compound annual rate of -0.80% over 7 fiscal years, falling from ₹625.63 Crore in FY 2018-19 to ₹596.14 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 ranked #496 among all 1233 sub-chapters by export value

In FY 2024-25, HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 ranks #496 out of 1233 sub-chapters by total export value. Within Chapter 32, it ranks #6 of 15. By trade surplus, it ranks #755 of 1233.

### FY 2021-22 was the strongest growth year for HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 exports

The strongest single-year export movement for HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 was recorded in FY 2021-22, when exports surged by 37.62% over the prior year.

### India records a trade deficit of ₹160.68 Crore in HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 goods

In FY 2024-25, India's imports of ₹756.82 Cr exceeded exports of ₹596.14 Cr, resulting in a trade deficit of ₹160.68 Crore — ranking #755 of 1233 by surplus magnitude.

### Import growth of 7.02% CAGR signals stable import dependency for Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes

India's imports under HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 have grown at 7.02% CAGR, reaching ₹756.82 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 contributes 1.98% of Chapter 32 exports — ranked #6

Among the 15 sub-chapters under Chapter 32, HSN Sub-Chapter 3212 ranks #6 by export value — accounting for 1.98% of the chapter's total exports in FY 2024-25. On the import side, it holds 3.12% share (rank #7).

## Related Sub-Chapters in Chapter 32

Ranked by export value (FY 2024-25).

| Rank | HSN Sub-Chapter | Exports (FY 2024-25) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| #1 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3204: Synthetic organic colouring matter](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3204/) | ₹20,454 Cr |
| #2 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3215: Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3215/) | ₹3,338 Cr |
| #3 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3206: Colouring matter for luminophores](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3206/) | ₹2,389 Cr |
| #4 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3208: Synthetic polymer paints & varnishes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3208/) | ₹841 Cr |
| #5 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3205: Colour preparations](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3205/) | ₹628 Cr |
| #6 | HSN Sub-Chapter 3212: Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes (this hsn sub-chapter) | ₹596 Cr |
| #7 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3207: Prepared pigments & ceramic colours](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3207/) | ₹400 Cr |
| #8 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3202: Synthetic tanning substances](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3202/) | ₹286 Cr |
| #9 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3214: Putty and caulking compounds](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3214/) | ₹277 Cr |
| #10 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3203: Vegetable or animal dye extracts](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3203/) | ₹237 Cr |

## Other sub-chapters

| Code | Title |
| --- | --- |
| 3201 | [Tannins & extracts](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3201/) |
| 3202 | [Synthetic tanning substances](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3202/) |
| 3203 | [Vegetable or animal dye extracts](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3203/) |
| 3204 | [Synthetic organic colouring matter](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3204/) |
| 3205 | [Colour preparations](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3205/) |
| 3206 | [Colouring matter for luminophores](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3206/) |
| 3207 | [Prepared pigments & ceramic colours](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3207/) |
| 3208 | [Synthetic polymer paints & varnishes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3208/) |
| 3209 | [Synthetic paints](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3209/) |
| 3210 | [Paints & Varnishes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3210/) |
| 3211 | [Prepared driers](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3211/) |
| 3213 | [Artists’ colors and paints](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3213/) |
| 3214 | [Putty and caulking compounds](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3214/) |
| 3215 | [Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3215/) |