HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3204.17 – Dyes; pigments and preparations based thereon
HS code 3204.17 is the 6-digit subheading for dyes, pigments and preparations based thereon. It is used for phthalocyanine Blue, quinacridone Red, diarylide Yellow, carbon Black (synthetic organic) and perylene Maroon.
What HS 3204.17 covers
This category covers a broad range of synthetic organic pigments and their preparations, distinct from dyes because pigments are insoluble and color by dispersion, not by dissolving. They are vital for industries like paints and coatings, plastics, printing inks, and cosmetics, providing color, opacity, and durability. Major importers are countries with robust manufacturing sectors for these end-use products, such as China, the USA, Germany, and Japan. Exporters often come from regions with strong chemical industries, including China, India, Germany, and the USA. Key considerations in this trade include regulatory compliance for heavy metals and other restricted substances (especially for food contact or toy applications), performance requirements like lightfastness and heat stability, and the shift towards high-performance and specialty pigments for demanding applications. The market is influenced by construction, automotive, and packaging industries.
- Covers
- Phthalocyanine Blue
- Quinacridone Red
- Diarylide Yellow
- Carbon Black (synthetic organic)
- Perylene Maroon
- Azo Pigments
- Benzimidazolone Yellow
- Examples
- BASF Irgalite pigments
- Clariant Hostaperm pigments
- DIC Dainichiseika pigments
- Sun Chemical Sunfast pigments
Codes often confused with 3204.17
Common mistake. This code can be confused with inorganic pigments under 3206 (e.g., titanium dioxide) or even with dyes under 320411-320416 if the distinction between soluble dyes and insoluble pigments is not carefully made.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320417, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320417 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.9% 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 $985M 22% of world exports
- 2 India $784M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $542M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $425M 8.9% of world imports
- 2 United States $418M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 China $332M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 3204.17
Brazil does not split HS 3204.17: its NCM code is 3204.17.00.
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 3204.17
What is HS code 320417?
HS code 320417 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dyes; pigments and preparations based thereon. This category covers a broad range of synthetic organic pigments and their preparations, distinct from dyes because pigments are insoluble and color by dispersion, not by dissolving. They are vital for industries like paints and coatings, plastics, printing inks, and cosmetics, providing color, opacity, and durability. Major importers are countries with robust manufacturing sectors for these end-use products, such as China, the USA, Germany, and Japan. Exporters often come from regions with strong chemical industries, including China, India, Germany, and the USA. Key considerations in this trade include regulatory compliance for heavy metals and other restricted substances (especially for food contact or toy applications), performance requirements like lightfastness and heat stability, and the shift towards high-performance and specialty pigments for demanding applications. The market is influenced by construction, automotive, and packaging industries.
What products fall under HS code 320417?
Phthalocyanine Blue, Quinacridone Red, Diarylide Yellow, Carbon Black (synthetic organic), Perylene Maroon, Azo Pigments, Benzimidazolone Yellow
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320417?
This code can be confused with inorganic pigments under 3206 (e.g., titanium dioxide) or even with dyes under 320411-320416 if the distinction between soluble dyes and insoluble pigments is not carefully made.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320417?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320417 in UN Comtrade data were China ($985M, 22% of world exports), India ($784M) and Germany ($542M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 320417?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320417 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($425M, 8.9% of world imports), the United States ($418M) and China ($332M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 320417 structured?
HS code 320417 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 (17) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320417?
In Brazil, HS code 320417 is NCM 3204.17.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.