---
title: "3215 HSN Code | HSN Code for Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink in India"
description: "Know more about 3215 HSN Code with BUSY Accounting - HSN Tariff, GST Rates and case laws related to chapter 3215 covering Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink."
canonical: "https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3215/"
---

# HSN Sub-chapter 3215: Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink

Printing ink, writing or drawing ink and other inks, whether or not concentrated or solid

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 |
| --- | --- |
| 32151110 | [Printing ink : Black : Lithographic ink and jelly](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151110/) |
| 32151120 | [Printing Ink \| Black](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151120/) |
| 32151130 | [Printing Ink \| Black](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151130/) |
| 32151140 | [Printing Ink\| Black Screen Printing](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151140/) |
| 32151190 | [Printing Ink \| Other](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151190/) |
| 32151910 | [Lithographic Ink and Jelly](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151910/) |
| 32151920 | [Printing Ink \| Other](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151920/) |
| 32151930 | [Printing Ink \| Other](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151930/) |
| 32151940 | [Printing Ink\| Screen Printing](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151940/) |
| 32151990 | [Printing Ink \| Other](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32151990/) |
| 32159010 | [Other \| Fountain Pen Ink](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32159010/) |
| 32159020 | [Other: Ball pen ink](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32159020/) |
| 32159030 | [Other \| Indelible Ink](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32159030/) |
| 32159040 | [Other \| Drawing Ink](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32159040/) |
| 32159090 | [Inks (printing, writing, drawing, other), concentrated/solid: Other.](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32159090/) |

## Frequently asked questions

### What products are classified under HSN 3215

It includes Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink

### How do I bill a kit or combo that includes Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink?

Prefer separate lines per item with its HSN so each component follows its own tax treatment. If it is a naturally bundled supply, identify the principal supply and tax the whole bundle accordingly.

### Any special steps when selling Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink through an e‑commerce platform?

Ensure registration requirements are met and reconcile the operator’s TCS statements with your GSTR‑2B/3B. Map SKU descriptions to HSN to reduce mismatches and returns.

### How should I document Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink sent for job work?

Use a delivery challan for sending Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink to the job worker. Declare movement in your records and reconcile when the goods return. If the job worker raises a service invoice, classify it under SAC; your goods remain under the original HSN.

### Does MRP, weight or pack size change GST treatment for Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink?

Some entries use MRP/weight‑based conditions for classification. Keep pack size, retail marking and brand status on records and invoice to support the chosen HSN.

### What are the e‑way bill and e‑invoice points while moving Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink?

Generate an e‑way bill when the consignment value exceeds ₹50,000, unless exempted for the transaction. E‑invoicing depends on turnover (AATO threshold as notified) for B2B supplies, not on the item itself.

## India's trade performance: HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 (FY 2024-25)

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

- Exports: ₹3,338 Cr (−63.41% YoY) — 0.0901% of India's total exports
- Imports: ₹2,110 Cr (−80.13% YoY) — 0.0346% of India's total imports
- Trade balance: ₹1,229 Cr (Surplus); surplus rank #170 of 1233 sub-chapters
- Share of Chapter 32: 11.08% of its exports; import side 8.68%
- Rank within Chapter 32: #2 of 15 by export value; import-side #4

### Key metrics

- Export CAGR: 18.77% (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, 7 fiscal years)
- National export rank: #188 of 1233 sub-chapters by export value (FY 2024-25)
- Peak growth year: +443.48% in FY 2023-24
- Contribution to Ch. 32: 11.08% of its exports (FY 2024-25)

## India export-import trade statistics: HSN Sub-Chapter 3215

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 | 1,189.14 | 0.0518% | — | 5.14% | 1,841.68 | 0.0513% | — | 11.91% | −652.54 | #260 |
| FY 2019-20 | 1,230.87 | 0.0557% | +3.51% | 5.04% | 1,205.43 | 0.0359% | −34.55% | 8.30% | +25.44 | #248 |
| FY 2020-21 | 1,198.32 | 0.0557% | −2.64% | 5.29% | 1,036.23 | 0.0356% | −14.04% | 7.38% | +162.09 | #267 |
| FY 2021-22 | 1,620.09 | 0.0516% | +35.20% | 5.49% | 1,404.24 | 0.0307% | +35.51% | 7.23% | +215.85 | #260 |
| FY 2022-23 | 1,678.61 | 0.0464% | +3.61% | 6.33% | 1,686.66 | 0.0293% | +20.11% | 8.23% | −8.05 | #280 |
| FY 2023-24 | 9,122.97 | 0.2521% | +443.48% | 27.65% | 10,617.63 | 0.1891% | +529.51% | 35.26% | −1,494.66 | #68 |
| FY 2024-25 | 3,338.23 | 0.0901% | −63.41% | 11.08% | 2,109.51 | 0.0346% | −80.13% | 8.68% | +1,228.72 | #188 |

- CAGR (7-year): exports 18.77%/yr, imports 2.29%/yr (consistently Surplus)

## Key trade insights: HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 export-import analysis

### Consistent export growth: 18.77% CAGR over 7 years

India's exports under HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 have grown at a compound annual rate of 18.77% over 7 fiscal years, rising from ₹1,189.14 Crore in FY 2018-19 to ₹3,338.23 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 ranked #188 among all 1233 sub-chapters by export value

In FY 2024-25, HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 ranks #188 out of 1233 sub-chapters by total export value. Within Chapter 32, it ranks #2 of 15. By trade surplus, it ranks #170 of 1233.

### FY 2023-24 was the strongest growth year for HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 exports

The strongest single-year export movement for HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 was recorded in FY 2023-24, when exports surged by 443.48% over the prior year.

### India maintains a trade surplus of ₹1,228.72 Crore in HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 goods

In FY 2024-25, India's exports of ₹3,338.23 Cr exceeded imports of ₹2,109.51 Cr, resulting in a trade surplus of ₹1,228.72 Crore — ranking #170 of 1233 by surplus magnitude.

### Import growth of 2.29% CAGR signals stable import dependency for Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink

India's imports under HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 have grown at 2.29% CAGR, reaching ₹2,109.51 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 contributes 11.08% of Chapter 32 exports — ranked #2

Among the 15 sub-chapters under Chapter 32, HSN Sub-Chapter 3215 ranks #2 by export value — accounting for 11.08% of the chapter's total exports in FY 2024-25. On the import side, it holds 8.68% share (rank #4).

## 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 (this hsn sub-chapter) | ₹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](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3212/) | ₹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/) |
| 3212 | [Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3212/) |
| 3213 | [Artists’ colors and paints](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3213/) |
| 3214 | [Putty and caulking compounds](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3214/) |