Heading 3204

Synthetic organic coloring matter, whether or not chemically defined; preparations as specified in note 3 to this chapter based on synthetic organic coloring matter; synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores, whether or not chemically defined

89 declarable lines

Heading 3204 covers synthetic organic coloring matter, whether or not chemically defined, plus preparations based on it as defined in note 3 to chapter 32. It also covers synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or luminophores. The heading splits first by dye class: disperse, acid and mordant, basic, direct, vat, reactive, pigments, carotenoid, solvent dyes, fluorescent brightening agents, and a residual other group. Most lines carry a 6.5% general (MFN) rate, with selected lines free or lower.

Products in this heading

Disperse dyes for dyeing polyester fabric
Acid dyes for nylon, wool and leather
Reactive dyes for cotton knit and woven goods
Organic pigments such as Pigment blue 15:3 for inks and coatings
Vat dyes including synthetic indigo
Basic dyes for acrylic fibers
Solvent dyes for plastics, fuels and wood stains
Fluorescent brightening agents for paper and detergent

How to choose the right subheading

Identify the dye class: disperse, acid or mordant, basic, direct, vat, reactive, pigment, carotenoid, solvent or fluorescent brightening agent.
Match the Colour Index name and number, for example Disperse blue 35 or Pigment red 149, to the named lines.
Decide whether the goods are a single dye or a preparation or mixture based on coloring matter, since mixtures get their own lines.
Check whether a pigment is in a raw form not ready for use as a pigment, which has its own line.
Check whether the item is a fluorescent brightening agent or luminophore, which is covered by subheading 3204.20.

Often confused with

Pigment dispersed in a nonaqueous medium, in liquid or paste form, for making paint
Dispersion in a nonaqueous medium moves the goods out of 3204 into the pigment dispersion heading.
Heading 3212
Printing ink made with a 3204 dye
Ink is classified as ink, not as the dye it contains.
Heading 3215
Paint or varnish based on a synthetic polymer
Finished coatings go to the paint headings, not to the coloring matter heading.
Heading 3208
Inorganic pigments such as titanium dioxide or iron oxide
Heading 3204 is limited to synthetic organic coloring matter.
Heading 3206
Prepared ceramic pigments, enamels and glazes
Ceramic industry preparations are named in heading 3207.
Heading 3207

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a disperse dye not named in the list?

Unnamed disperse dyes and preparations based on them fall in 3204.11.50.00, at 6.5% general (MFN). Disperse dyes named in the tariff, such as Disperse blue 30, are listed separately, for example 3204.11.15.00 at 6.5% general (MFN).

What is the duty on reactive dyes?

Most reactive dyes are dutiable at 6.5% general (MFN), for example Reactive black 1 and Reactive blue 1, 2 and 4 under 3204.16.10.00. Reactive dyes not named elsewhere fall in 3204.16.50.00, also at 6.5% general (MFN).

How do I classify an organic pigment such as Pigment blue 15:3?

Use the Colour Index pigment name and the physical form. Pigment blue 15:3 in dry, presscake or aqueous slurry form goes in 3204.17.90.02 at 6.5% general (MFN), and preparations based on it go in 3204.17.90.03 at 6.5% general (MFN). Pigment red 149 is an example of a free line, 3204.17.40.15 at Free.

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.