HS Code:
Transfers (decalcomanias), vitrifiable, classified under HS Code 490810, are specialized printed designs or patterns that can be transferred onto surfaces such as ceramics, glass, or metal through a heat process. These products are primarily used in industries like pottery, glassware, and decorative manufacturing for branding, labeling, or aesthetic purposes. Vitrifiable transfers are designed to withstand high temperatures during the firing process, making them durable for industrial applications. Global trade in this category is niche but significant in specific manufacturing sectors, driven by demand in ceramics and glass industries.
Total Trade Volume
USD 120 million
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 30 million
25% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 25 million
21% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 20 million
17% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 15 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 10 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
5.2% ad valorem
Highest Rate
12% (applied by certain developing countries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rising demand in ceramics industry
Increased exports to countries with strong ceramics manufacturing, such as China and Italy, driven by growth in construction and home decor sectors.
2021-2022
Shift towards eco-friendly materials
Manufacturers are adopting sustainable production methods for vitrifiable transfers, influencing trade patterns as markets prioritize green certifications.
2020-2022
Technological advancements in printing
Digital printing technologies are reducing costs and improving customization, boosting trade volumes in developed markets like Germany and the US.
2019-2022
The European Union introduced stricter regulations on the chemical composition of vitrifiable transfers to ensure environmental safety, impacting exporters to the region.
March 2023
Non-compliant manufacturers may face reduced market access, while compliant firms could see increased demand.
Chinese manufacturers have expanded facilities for vitrifiable transfers to meet rising global demand, particularly from Southeast Asia and Africa.
July 2022
This could lead to more competitive pricing, potentially affecting European exporters.
Under the USMCA agreement, tariffs on vitrifiable transfers between the US, Mexico, and Canada were reduced to 0%, facilitating smoother trade flows.
January 2022
Increased trade within North America, with US exporters gaining a competitive edge in the region.