HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3204.12 – Dyes; acid, whether or not premetallised and preparations based thereon, mordant dyes and preparations based thereon
HS code 3204.12 is the 6-digit subheading for dyes, acid, whether or not premetallised and preparations based thereon, mordant dyes and preparations based thereon. It is used for acid Red, acid Blue, acid Yellow, premetallized acid dyes and chrome mordant dyes.
What HS 3204.12 covers
This category covers acid dyes, whether or not premetallized, and mordant dyes, along with their preparations. These are synthetic organic dyes primarily used for coloring protein fibers like wool, silk, and polyamide fibers such as nylon. Acid dyes are applied from acidic dye baths and are known for their vibrant colors and good fastness properties, making them essential for high-quality apparel, carpets, and specialty textiles. Mordant dyes require a metallic salt (mordant) to fix the color onto the fiber, offering excellent light and wash fastness. Trade is driven by chemical companies supplying textile manufacturers globally, with demand influenced by fashion, performance requirements, and environmental standards, pushing for more eco-friendly dyeing processes and formulations.
- Covers
- Acid Red
- Acid Blue
- Acid Yellow
- Premetallized acid dyes
- Chrome mordant dyes
- Wool dyes
- Silk dyes
- Nylon dyes
- Polyamide dyes
- Examples
- Dystar Telon
- Archroma Nylosan
- Huntsman Erionyl
- Ciba Tectilon
Codes often confused with 3204.12
Common mistake. Can be confused with basic dyes (320413) or direct dyes (320414), but acid dyes are specifically for protein and polyamide fibers, applied in acidic conditions, and are anionic in nature.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320412, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320412 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% 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 India $222M 29% of world exports
- 2 China $68M 8.9% of world exports
- 3 Germany $61M 8.1% of world exports
World total: $760M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $118M 14% of world imports
- 2 Italy $70M 8.2% of world imports
- 3 United States $61M 7.1% of world imports
World total: $849M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 3204.12 2
Brazil splits HS 3204.12 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3204.12.10 Acid dyes, premetallised or not, and preparationsCorantes ácidos, mesmo metalizados, e preparações à base desses corantes
- 3204.12.20 Mordant dyes and preparations based thereonCorantes mordentes e preparações à base desses corantes
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 32.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3204.12
What is HS code 320412?
HS code 320412 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dyes; acid, whether or not premetallised and preparations based thereon, mordant dyes and preparations based thereon. This category covers acid dyes, whether or not premetallized, and mordant dyes, along with their preparations. These are synthetic organic dyes primarily used for coloring protein fibers like wool, silk, and polyamide fibers such as nylon. Acid dyes are applied from acidic dye baths and are known for their vibrant colors and good fastness properties, making them essential for high-quality apparel, carpets, and specialty textiles. Mordant dyes require a metallic salt (mordant) to fix the color onto the fiber, offering excellent light and wash fastness. Trade is driven by chemical companies supplying textile manufacturers globally, with demand influenced by fashion, performance requirements, and environmental standards, pushing for more eco-friendly dyeing processes and formulations.
What products fall under HS code 320412?
Acid Red, Acid Blue, Acid Yellow, Premetallized acid dyes, Chrome mordant dyes, Wool dyes, Silk dyes, Nylon dyes, Polyamide dyes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320412?
Can be confused with basic dyes (320413) or direct dyes (320414), but acid dyes are specifically for protein and polyamide fibers, applied in acidic conditions, and are anionic in nature.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320412?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320412 in UN Comtrade data were India ($222M, 29% of world exports), China ($68M) and Germany ($61M). World exports came to about $760M, 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 320412?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320412 in UN Comtrade data were China ($118M, 14% of world imports), Italy ($70M) and the United States ($61M). World imports came to about $849M, 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 320412 structured?
HS code 320412 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (32) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (12) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320412?
Brazil splits HS code 320412 into 2 NCM codes: 3204.12.10 (Acid dyes, premetallised or not, and preparations), 3204.12.20 (Mordant dyes and preparations based thereon). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.