HS Code 3204 — Synthetic Organic Colouring Matter and Dyes

This code covers man-made organic dyes and pigments used to colour textiles, plastics, and paper. It includes synthetic organic products like fluorescent brightening agents and luminophores used in detergents and high-visibility materials.

What's included

Disperse dyes
Acid dyes
Reactive dyes
Organic pigments
Optical brightening agents

What's excluded

Natural indigo → use 3203 (Natural indigo is of vegetable origin, not synthetic organic.)
Inorganic pigments → use 3206 (Synthetic pigments under 3204 must be organic in chemical structure.)

Common examples

Huntsman Terasil Blue Disperse Dye
Reactive Black 5 for cotton textiles
Blankophor fluorescent whitening agent
Solvent Red 24 for plastics
Cationic dyes for acrylic fibres

Frequently asked questions

Are food colourants included in 3204?

Yes, synthetic organic food dyes like Tartrazine or Allura Red are classified here if they are chemically defined synthetic compounds.

Trade & shipping notes

Typical duty range: 0% - 6.5%
Documentation: Requires a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and often a Technical Data Sheet (TDS) specifying the CI (Colour Index) number.
Typical shipping mode: LCL
Top exporters: China, India, Germany, Switzerland
Top importers: Vietnam, Turkey, Bangladesh, United States

Key takeaway

Essential for industrial textile and plastic manufacturing, requiring precise Colour Index identification for customs.

Synthetic Organic Colouring Matter and Dyes