Heading 3201

Tanning extracts of vegetable origin; tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives

5 declarable lines

Heading 3201 covers tanning extracts of vegetable origin, plus tannins and their salts, ethers, esters and other derivatives. It splits three ways: quebracho extract and wattle extract each get their own line, and everything else falls under 3201.90, which separates tannic acid of 50% or more strength, a named list of other vegetable extracts, and a residual basket.

Products in this heading

Quebracho extract
Wattle extract
Tannic acid powder at 50% or more tannic acid by weight
Chestnut wood extract
Sumac extract
Tara pod extract
Gambier extract
Oak bark extract

How to choose the right subheading

Identify the plant source, since quebracho and wattle have dedicated lines.
Decide whether the product is a tanning extract or a tannin or tannin derivative.
For tannins, check the tannic acid content by weight against the 50% threshold.
For extracts, check whether the plant is named in the specific extract list.
Use the residual line for any other product of the heading that does not fit the above.

Often confused with

Synthetic organic tanning substances
Heading 3201 covers vegetable-origin extracts only; synthetic tanning agents sit in 3202.
Heading 3202
Synthetic organic dyes and colorants
Products used to color, not to tan, go to 3204.
Heading 3204
Inorganic pigments and other coloring matter
Coloring matter not covered by earlier coloring headings is classified in 3206.
Heading 3206
Paints and varnishes based on synthetic polymers
Finished coatings are goods of 3208, not raw tanning extracts.
Heading 3208
Printing ink and writing ink
Inks are classified in 3215 regardless of any tannin content.
Heading 3215

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for wattle extract?

Wattle extract is classified under 3201.20.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of Free.

What is the duty on tannic acid?

Tannic acid containing by weight 50% or more of tannic acid enters under 3201.90.10.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 1.5%.

How do I classify a vegetable tanning extract that is not quebracho or wattle?

If the plant is one of the named extract sources such as chestnut, sumac, tara or gambier, it goes under 3201.90.25.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free. Otherwise it falls to 3201.90.50.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 3.1%.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.