Coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin (including dyeing extracts but excluding animal black), whether or not chemically defined; preparations as specified in note 3 to this chapter based on coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin
3 declarable lines
Heading 3203 covers coloring matter taken from plants or animals, including dyeing extracts, whether or not chemically defined, plus preparations based on that natural coloring matter under chapter note 3. It covers named natural dye materials such as annatto, cochineal, logwood and litmus, one separately listed flavonoid mixture, and a residual basket for everything else in the heading. Most of the heading enters free of duty, while the residual line carries a low rate.
Products in this heading
- Annatto seed extract used to color cheese and butter
- Cochineal extract or carmine pigment from insects
- Logwood extract for dyeing textile and leather
- Litmus powder used as a pH indicator
- Cudbear and archil dyes from lichen
- Marigold meal used as a natural feed colorant
- Blends of natural coloring matter put up as a preparation
How to choose the right subheading
- Identify the origin of the coloring matter: vegetable or animal, not mineral or synthetic.
- Check whether the item is one of the named materials in 3203.00.10.00, such as annatto, cochineal, logwood, litmus or marigold meal.
- Check whether the product is the specific flavonoid mixture described in 3203.00.30.00.
- Confirm the goods are coloring matter or a note 3 preparation, not a tanning extract, lake or finished paint.
- If the item does not fit a named line, classify in the residual line 3203.00.80.00.
Often confused with
- Heading 3204Synthetic organic dyes such as azo dyes
Man-made coloring matter, even if chemically identical to a natural dye, goes to 3204.
- Heading 3205Color lakes made by fixing dye on a substrate
Lakes are classified in their own heading regardless of whether the dye was natural.
- Heading 3206Inorganic pigments such as iron oxide
Mineral coloring matter and luminophores fall outside the vegetable and animal origin scope.
- Heading 3201Vegetable tanning extracts for leather
Tanning extracts and tannins are classified in 3201, not with dyeing extracts.
- Heading 3208Paints or varnishes tinted with a natural dye
Once the dye is dispersed in a paint medium, the product is a paint, not coloring matter.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for annatto extract?
Annatto is named in 3203.00.10.00, together with archil, cochineal, cudbear, litmus, logwood and marigold meal. The general (MFN) rate for that line is Free.
What is the duty on other natural coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin?
Goods that do not fit a named line go in 3203.00.80.00 (Other). The general (MFN) rate for that line is 3.1%.
How do I classify a cochineal or carmine colorant?
Cochineal is specifically named in 3203.00.10.00, so the extract is classified there at a general (MFN) rate of Free. If the colorant has been fixed onto a substrate to form a lake, it is classified outside this heading.
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.