Heading 3205

Color lakes; preparations as specified in note 3 to this chapter based on color lakes

11 declarable lines

Heading 3205 covers color lakes and preparations based on color lakes. The lines first separate carmine products, including a Free line for specified food coloring solutions, from other color lakes. Other lines split products described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI from other products, then by color.

Products in this heading

Cochineal carmine lake food coloring solution with paprika oleoresin
Carmine lake colorant for lipstick and blush
Aluminum lake colorants for tablet coatings
Lake pigments for candy and beverage coloring
Lake pigment dispersions for printing inks
Lake colors for paint and coating tinting
Lake pigments for cosmetic powders

How to choose the right subheading

Decide whether the product is a color lake, meaning an insoluble pigment made by fixing a dye on a substrate, rather than a soluble dye or an extract.
Check whether the product is carmine or cochineal based, because carmine has its own lines.
For carmine, check whether it is the specified food coloring solution with cochineal carmine lake and paprika oleo resins and no synthetic organic coloring matter, which is the Free line.
For non-carmine color lakes, check whether the product is described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI, which changes the line.
Use the declared color, such as yellow, red, violet, blue or other, to finish the selection.

Often confused with

Synthetic organic dyes that are not lakes
Synthetic organic coloring matter and preparations based on it go to heading 3204.
Heading 3204
Vegetable or animal coloring extracts that are not lakes
Non-lake coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin goes to heading 3203.
Heading 3203
Inorganic pigments such as iron oxides
Other coloring matter and inorganic pigments are in heading 3206.
Heading 3206
Water-based paint made with lake pigments
Finished paint based on a polymer in an aqueous medium is classified in heading 3209.
Heading 3209
Printing ink made with lake pigments
Finished printing ink is classified in heading 3215.
Heading 3215

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for carmine lake food coloring?

Food coloring solutions containing cochineal carmine lake and paprika oleo resins, without synthetic organic coloring matter, are classified under 3205.00.05.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free.

What is the duty on color lakes?

Most color lake lines carry a general (MFN) rate of 6.5%, such as 3205.00.15.00 at 6.5% and 3205.00.50.50 at 6.5%, while the specified food coloring solution under 3205.00.05.00 is Free.

How do I classify a red lake pigment for cosmetics?

Classify it as an other color lake by color; red falls under 3205.00.50.20 at a general (MFN) rate of 6.5%, or under 3205.00.40.20 at a general (MFN) rate of 6.5% if it is described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI.

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.