Abstract: A plastics molding composition comprises (a) at least one organic thermoplastic polymer, (b) at least one mineral black pigment and (c) another coloring agent which is an inorganic and/or organic pigment and/or a polymer-soluble dyestuff, and if appropriate (d) further additives. This molding composition is used for the production of shaped objects which are provided with colored symbols with the aid of a laser beam. In the process for the production of such a shaped article, the molding composition mentioned is employed and the resulting shaped article is exposed to a laser beam having a principal wavelength of 1,064 nm or of 532 nm.