Tile adhesive Hs Code

Tile adhesive harmonized system code

Product Overview Tile adhesive classified under HS Code 321490 refers to specialized bonding compounds used primarily for affixing ceramic, porcelain, stone, and other types of tiles onto various substrates. This adhesive is characterized by its high-strength polymer or cementitious base, formulated to provide durable adhesion, water resistance, and flexibility to accommodate substrate movement. Physical specifications typically include a fine powder or pre-mixed paste form, with setting times ranging from rapid to extended curing, and tensile adhesion strengths exceeding industry benchmarks (e.g., >1.0 MPa). Within HS Code 321490, the product encompasses subcategories such as polymer-based adhesives, cementitious adhesives, and hybrid formulations designed for diverse environmental conditions. Commercially, these adhesives are extensively utilized in construction sectors including residential, commercial, and industrial tiling projects, as well as in retail and food service environments where hygienic and chemical-resistant surfaces are essential. The product’s value proposition lies in its consistent performance, compliance with international building standards, and adaptability across multiple substrate materials, positioning it competitively in global markets. HS Code Classification & Trade Specifications The full HS Code for tile adhesive is 3214.90, situated within Chapter 32 (Tanning or dyeing extracts; tannins and their derivatives; dyes, pigments, and other coloring matter; paints and varnishes; putty and other mastics; inks). Specifically, Heading 3214 covers “Glaziers’ putty, grafting putty, resin cements, caulking compounds and other mastics; painters’ fillings,” with Subheading 3214.90 designated for “other” adhesives including tile adhesives. This classification is justified by the product’s composition as a mastic or cementitious bonding agent distinct from synthetic adhesives categorized elsewhere. Standard trade practices involve packaging in moisture-resistant, multi-layer paper bags or sealed plastic containers to preserve adhesive integrity and prevent contamination. Preservation methods adhere to specifications such as controlled humidity (<60%) and temperature ranges (5–30°C) during storage and transit. Shipping requirements often mandate palletization and protection against mechanical damage. Quality standards conform to ISO 13007 for ceramic tile adhesives and relevant ASTM or EN norms, ensuring performance consistency and facilitating customs compliance under WTO agreements. This description supports precise customs declarations and aligns with global harmonized system protocols for streamlined import/export operations.

Tile adhesive Chapter Note

1.- This Chapter does not cover : (a) Separate chemically defined elements or compounds (except those of heading 32.03 or 32.04, inorganic products of a kind used as luminophores (heading 32.06), glass obtained from fused quartz or other fused silica in the forms provided for in heading 32.07, and also dyes and other colouring matter put up in forms or packings for retail sale, of heading 32.12); (b) Tannates or other tannin derivatives of products of headings 29.36 to 29.39, 29.41 or 35.01 to 35.04; or (c) Mastics of asphalt or other bituminous mastics (heading 27.15). 2.- Heading 32.04 includes mixtures of stabilised diazonium salts and couplers for the production of azo dyes. 3.- Headings 32.03, 32.04, 32.05 and 32.06 apply also to preparations based on colouring matter (including, in the case of heading 32.06, colouring pigments of heading 25.30 or Chapter 28, metal flakes and metal powders), of a kind used for colouring any material or used as ingredients in the manufacture of colouring preparations. The headings do not apply, however, to pigments dispersed in non-aqueous media, in liquid or paste form, of a kind used in the manufacture of paints, including enamels (heading 32.12), or to other preparations of heading 32.07, 32.08, 32.09, 32.10, 32.12, 32.13 or 32.15. 4.- Heading 32.08 includes solutions (other than collodions) consisting of any of the products specified in headings 39.01 to 39.13 in volatile organic solvents when the weight of the solvent exceeds 50 % of the weight of the solution. 5.- The expression “colouring matter” in this Chapter does not include products of a kind used as extenders in oil paints, whether or not they are also suitable for colouring distempers. 6.- The expression “stamping foils” in heading 32.12 applies only to thin sheets of a kind used for printing, for example, book covers or hat bands, and consisting of : (a) Metallic powder (including powder of precious metal) or pigment, agglomerated with glue, gelatin or other binder; or (b) Metal (including precious metal) or pigment, deposited on a supporting sheet of any material.