HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3203.00 – Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin
HS code 3203.00 is the 6-digit subheading for colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined, preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin. It is used for indigo extract, cochineal extract, annatto extract, turmeric extract and madder root extract.
What HS 3203.00 covers
This HS code covers natural coloring matter derived from vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts, but specifically excluding animal black. These substances are traded globally for a wide array of applications in textiles, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and traditional crafts, appealing to markets seeking natural, sustainable, and non-toxic alternatives to synthetic colors. International trade involves sourcing raw materials from diverse ecosystems worldwide, processing them into concentrated extracts or finished preparations, and distributing them to various manufacturing industries. The growing consumer demand for 'clean label' products, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and unique aesthetic qualities is a key driver for the trade in these natural coloring matters, influencing agricultural practices and supply chain development.
- Covers
- Indigo extract
- Cochineal extract
- Annatto extract
- Turmeric extract
- Madder root extract
- Logwood extract
- Saffron extract
- Chlorophyll
- Examples
Natural Indigo from Stony Creek Colors, Cochineal from Imbarex, Annatto from Chr. Hansen, Turmeric extract from Kancor Ingredients
Codes often confused with 3203.00
Common mistake. Can be confused with synthetic organic coloring matter (3204xx) or even pigments (3206xx), but this code is strictly for natural, non-animal black, vegetable or animal origin dyes and preparations.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320300, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320300 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $326M 16% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$250M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $236M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $259M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $163M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Japan $143M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $2.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 3203.00 7
Brazil splits HS 3203.00 into 7 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3203.00.1 Colouring matter of vegetable originMatérias corantes de origem vegetal Group
- 3203.00.11 HaemateinHemateína
- 3203.00.12 FisetinFisetina
- 3203.00.13 MorinMorina
- 3203.00.19 Other colouring matter of vegetable originOutras
- 3203.00.2 Colouring matter of animal originMatérias corantes de origem animal Group
- 3203.00.21 Cochineal carmineCarmim de cochonilha
- 3203.00.29 Other colouring matter of animal originOutras
- 3203.00.30 Preparations based on vegetable or animal dyesPreparações indicadas na Nota 3 do presente Capítulo, à base de matérias corantes de origem vegetal ou animal
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 32.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3203.00
What is HS code 320300?
HS code 320300 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin. This HS code covers natural coloring matter derived from vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts, but specifically excluding animal black. These substances are traded globally for a wide array of applications in textiles, food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and traditional crafts, appealing to markets seeking natural, sustainable, and non-toxic alternatives to synthetic colors. International trade involves sourcing raw materials from diverse ecosystems worldwide, processing them into concentrated extracts or finished preparations, and distributing them to various manufacturing industries. The growing consumer demand for 'clean label' products, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and unique aesthetic qualities is a key driver for the trade in these natural coloring matters, influencing agricultural practices and supply chain development.
What products fall under HS code 320300?
Indigo extract, Cochineal extract, Annatto extract, Turmeric extract, Madder root extract, Logwood extract, Saffron extract, Chlorophyll
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320300?
Can be confused with synthetic organic coloring matter (3204xx) or even pigments (3206xx), but this code is strictly for natural, non-animal black, vegetable or animal origin dyes and preparations.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320300?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320300 in UN Comtrade data were China ($326M, 16% of world exports), Peru (about $250M) and the Netherlands ($236M). World exports came to about $2.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 320300?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320300 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($259M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($163M) and Japan ($143M). World imports came to about $2.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 320300 structured?
HS code 320300 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320300?
Brazil splits HS code 320300 into 7 NCM codes: 3203.00.11 (Haematein), 3203.00.12 (Fisetin), 3203.00.13 (Morin), 3203.00.19 (Other colouring matter of vegetable origin), 3203.00.21 (Cochineal carmine), 3203.00.29 (Other colouring matter of animal origin), 3203.00.30 (Preparations based on vegetable or animal dyes). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.