HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3204.18 – Dyes; carotenoid colouring matters and preparations based thereon
HS code 3204.18 is the 6-digit subheading for dyes, carotenoid colouring matters and preparations based thereon. It is used for beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin and canthaxanthin.
What HS 3204.18 covers
Carotenoid coloring matters are natural or nature-identical pigments known for their vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues. They are widely used in the food and beverage industry, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics due to their coloring properties and often, their antioxidant benefits. This trade is driven by consumer demand for natural ingredients and clean labels, as well as the need for stable and effective colorants in various applications. Major importers include countries with large food processing industries (e.g., USA, EU member states, China) and animal feed producers. Exporters are often specialized chemical and biotechnology companies, particularly from regions with strong agricultural bases for raw materials or advanced synthesis capabilities, such as Europe (e.g., Switzerland, Germany) and China. Key aspects include regulatory approvals for food additives, stability against light and heat, and the sourcing of raw materials like carrots, marigolds, or algae for natural extracts, or advanced synthetic production methods.
- Covers
- Beta-carotene
- Lycopene
- Lutein
- Astaxanthin
- Canthaxanthin
- Zeaxanthin
- Annatto extract (bixin/norbixin)
- Examples
DSM OVNISCIENCE Carophyll, BASF Lucantin, Chr. Hansen NatuRColor, Kemin FloraGLO Lutein
Codes often confused with 3204.18
Common mistake. This code might be confused with other natural food colorants under 320300 (e.g., cochineal, turmeric) or even synthetic food dyes under 320419 if the specific carotenoid chemical structure is not identified.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320418, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320418 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 33% 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 France $231M 33% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $209M 30% of world exports
- 3 China $91M 13% of world exports
World total: $694M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $232M 33% of world imports
- 2 France $90M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $43M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $707M 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 3204.18 4
Brazil splits HS 3204.18 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 3204.18.10 Carotenoids, synthetic colouring matterCarotenoides
- 3204.18.20 β-carotene, apo-ester, canthaxanthin food coloursPreparações que contenham beta-caroteno, ésteres metílico ou etílico do ácido 8'-apo-beta-carotenoico ou cantaxantina, com óleos vegetais, amido, gelatina, sacarose ou dextrina, próprias para colorir alimentos
- 3204.18.30 Other carotenoid food-colouring preparationsOutras preparações próprias para colorir alimentos
- 3204.18.90 Other carotenoid preparationsOutras
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 3204.18
What is HS code 320418?
HS code 320418 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Dyes; carotenoid colouring matters and preparations based thereon. Carotenoid coloring matters are natural or nature-identical pigments known for their vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues. They are widely used in the food and beverage industry, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics due to their coloring properties and often, their antioxidant benefits. This trade is driven by consumer demand for natural ingredients and clean labels, as well as the need for stable and effective colorants in various applications. Major importers include countries with large food processing industries (e.g., USA, EU member states, China) and animal feed producers. Exporters are often specialized chemical and biotechnology companies, particularly from regions with strong agricultural bases for raw materials or advanced synthesis capabilities, such as Europe (e.g., Switzerland, Germany) and China. Key aspects include regulatory approvals for food additives, stability against light and heat, and the sourcing of raw materials like carrots, marigolds, or algae for natural extracts, or advanced synthetic production methods.
What products fall under HS code 320418?
Beta-carotene, Lycopene, Lutein, Astaxanthin, Canthaxanthin, Zeaxanthin, Annatto extract (bixin/norbixin)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320418?
This code might be confused with other natural food colorants under 320300 (e.g., cochineal, turmeric) or even synthetic food dyes under 320419 if the specific carotenoid chemical structure is not identified.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320418?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320418 in UN Comtrade data were France ($231M, 33% of world exports), the Netherlands ($209M) and China ($91M). World exports came to about $694M, 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 320418?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320418 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($232M, 33% of world imports), France ($90M) and Germany ($43M). World imports came to about $707M, 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 320418 structured?
HS code 320418 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 (18) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320418?
Brazil splits HS code 320418 into 4 NCM codes: 3204.18.10 (Carotenoids, synthetic colouring matter), 3204.18.20 (β-carotene, apo-ester, canthaxanthin food colours), 3204.18.30 (Other carotenoid food-colouring preparations), 3204.18.90 (Other carotenoid preparations). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.