HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3204.13 – Dyes; basic dyes and preparations based thereon
HS code 3204.13 is the 6-digit subheading for dyes, basic dyes and preparations based thereon. It is used for basic Red, basic Blue, basic Yellow, acrylic dyes and cationic dyes.
What HS 3204.13 covers
Basic dyes and their preparations are covered under this HS code. These are a class of synthetic organic dyes known for their brilliant hues and high tinctorial strength, primarily used for dyeing acrylic fibers, modified nylons, and sometimes for paper, leather, and inks. They are cationic dyes, meaning they carry a positive charge, which allows them to form strong ionic bonds with anionic sites on the fiber, resulting in intense colors. While their lightfastness can be a concern for some applications, their vividness makes them popular for specific textile and non-textile uses. International trade involves chemical manufacturers supplying these dyes to various industries, with demand influenced by fashion trends, material science, and cost-effectiveness in achieving bright, impactful colors.
- Covers
- Basic Red
- Basic Blue
- Basic Yellow
- Acrylic dyes
- Cationic dyes
- Paper dyes
- Leather dyes (basic type)
- Ink dyes (basic type)
- Examples
- Dystar Astrazon
- Archroma Maxilon
- Atul Basic Dyes
- Ciba Maxilon
Codes often confused with 3204.13
Common mistake. Often confused with acid dyes (320412) due to both being synthetic, but basic dyes are cationic and primarily for acrylics, unlike anionic acid dyes for protein fibers.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320413, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320413 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 9.6% 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 $80M 35% of world exports
- 2 China $40M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $15M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $230M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $25M 9.6% of world imports
- 2 China $20M 7.7% of world imports
- 3 Germany $19M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $258M 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 code for 3204.13
Brazil does not split HS 3204.13: its NCM code is 3204.13.00.
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 3204.13
What is HS code 320413?
HS code 320413 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dyes; basic dyes and preparations based thereon. Basic dyes and their preparations are covered under this HS code. These are a class of synthetic organic dyes known for their brilliant hues and high tinctorial strength, primarily used for dyeing acrylic fibers, modified nylons, and sometimes for paper, leather, and inks. They are cationic dyes, meaning they carry a positive charge, which allows them to form strong ionic bonds with anionic sites on the fiber, resulting in intense colors. While their lightfastness can be a concern for some applications, their vividness makes them popular for specific textile and non-textile uses. International trade involves chemical manufacturers supplying these dyes to various industries, with demand influenced by fashion trends, material science, and cost-effectiveness in achieving bright, impactful colors.
What products fall under HS code 320413?
Basic Red, Basic Blue, Basic Yellow, Acrylic dyes, Cationic dyes, Paper dyes, Leather dyes (basic type), Ink dyes (basic type)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320413?
Often confused with acid dyes (320412) due to both being synthetic, but basic dyes are cationic and primarily for acrylics, unlike anionic acid dyes for protein fibers.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320413?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320413 in UN Comtrade data were India ($80M, 35% of world exports), China ($40M) and Germany ($15M). World exports came to about $230M, 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 320413?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320413 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($25M, 9.6% of world imports), China ($20M) and Germany ($19M). World imports came to about $258M, 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 320413 structured?
HS code 320413 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 (13) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320413?
In Brazil, HS code 320413 is NCM 3204.13.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.