HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3204.15 – Dyes; vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon
HS code 3204.15 is the 6-digit subheading for dyes, vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon. It is used for indigo (synthetic vat dye), vat Blue, vat Green, vat Orange and indanthrone dyes.
What HS 3204.15 covers
Vat dyes, including those usable as pigments, and their preparations are classified under this HS code. These are a class of synthetic organic dyes renowned for their exceptional fastness properties, particularly to light, washing, and chlorine, making them ideal for high-performance textiles like workwear, military uniforms, and outdoor fabrics. They are applied in a reduced, soluble form and then oxidized back to their insoluble, colored state within the fiber. This complex application process yields highly durable and vibrant colors. International trade involves specialized chemical manufacturers supplying these premium dyes to textile industries globally, with demand driven by the need for long-lasting color in demanding applications and the growing market for sustainable, high-quality textiles that require superior color retention.
- Covers
- Indigo (synthetic vat dye)
- Vat Blue
- Vat Green
- Vat Orange
- Indanthrone dyes
- Anthraquinone vat dyes
- Workwear dyes
- Denim dyes
- Examples
- Dystar Indanthren
- Archroma Indosol
- Huntsman Cibanone
- Ciba Vat Dyes
Codes often confused with 3204.15
Common mistake. Often confused with direct dyes (320414) or reactive dyes (320416), but vat dyes are characterized by their unique reduction-oxidation application process and superior fastness properties.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320415, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320415 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 15% 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 $253M 56% of world exports
- 2 India $58M 13% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $38M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $449M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $66M 15% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $44M 10% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$39M 9.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $427M 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 3204.15 4
Brazil splits HS 3204.15 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3204.15.10 Indigo blue (Colour Index 73000)Indigo blue segundo Colour Index 73000
- 3204.15.20 Dibenzanthrone (vat dye)Dibenzantrona
- 3204.15.30 12,12-Dimethoxydibenzanthrone (vat dye)12,12-Dimetoxidibenzantrona
- 3204.15.90 Other vat dyes and preparationsOutros
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 3204.15
What is HS code 320415?
HS code 320415 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dyes; vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon. Vat dyes, including those usable as pigments, and their preparations are classified under this HS code. These are a class of synthetic organic dyes renowned for their exceptional fastness properties, particularly to light, washing, and chlorine, making them ideal for high-performance textiles like workwear, military uniforms, and outdoor fabrics. They are applied in a reduced, soluble form and then oxidized back to their insoluble, colored state within the fiber. This complex application process yields highly durable and vibrant colors. International trade involves specialized chemical manufacturers supplying these premium dyes to textile industries globally, with demand driven by the need for long-lasting color in demanding applications and the growing market for sustainable, high-quality textiles that require superior color retention.
What products fall under HS code 320415?
Indigo (synthetic vat dye), Vat Blue, Vat Green, Vat Orange, Indanthrone dyes, Anthraquinone vat dyes, Workwear dyes, Denim dyes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320415?
Often confused with direct dyes (320414) or reactive dyes (320416), but vat dyes are characterized by their unique reduction-oxidation application process and superior fastness properties.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320415?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320415 in UN Comtrade data were China ($253M, 56% of world exports), India ($58M) and Singapore ($38M). World exports came to about $449M, 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 320415?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320415 in UN Comtrade data were India ($66M, 15% of world imports), Pakistan ($44M) and Bangladesh (about $39M). World imports came to about $427M, 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 320415 structured?
HS code 320415 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 (15) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320415?
Brazil splits HS code 320415 into 4 NCM codes: 3204.15.10 (Indigo blue (Colour Index 73000)), 3204.15.20 (Dibenzanthrone (vat dye)), 3204.15.30 (12,12-Dimethoxydibenzanthrone (vat dye)), 3204.15.90 (Other vat dyes and preparations). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.