About HS Code 320490
This residual category within HS 3204 covers synthetic organic products that are not primarily dyes, pigments, or fluorescent brightening agents, but still fall under the broader umbrella of "synthetic organic colouring matter." A key example explicitly mentioned are luminophores, which are substances that emit light when excited by radiation (e.g., phosphors, fluorescent materials used in displays or security inks). This trade involves highly specialized chemicals for advanced applications in electronics, security printing, medical diagnostics, and specialized coatings. Importers are often high-tech manufacturers in countries like Japan, South Korea, USA, and Germany. Exporters are typically R&D-intensive chemical companies, often from Europe (e.g., Germany, Switzerland), Japan, or the USA, and increasingly China. Key considerations include high purity requirements, specific optical properties, intellectual property protection, and stringent performance standards for their end-use applications. This category represents the cutting edge of organic material science.
Products Under This Code
Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) materials, Fluorescent markers for biotechnology, Security ink components, Phosphorescent pigments, Laser dyes, Quantum dots (organic-based), Photochromic compounds
Real World Examples
Merck OLED materials, Sumitomo Chemical OLED materials, DuPont security inks, BASF Lumogen pigments
Common Misclassification
This code is distinct from other 3204 categories because the primary function is not traditional coloring or brightening, but rather light emission or other optical effects, making confusion with 320419 (general dyes) or 320420 (brighteners) possible if the specific function is overlooked.
Products Classified Under 3204.90
Industry
This code belongs to the Chemicals industry.
Trade Overview
Japan, South Korea, Germany, and the USA are prominent in the trade of these high-tech synthetic organic products, reflecting their advanced manufacturing sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 320490?
HS code 320490 covers: Dyes; synthetic organic products n.e.c. in heading no. 3204 (e.g. of a kind used as luminophores), whether or not chemically defined. This residual category within HS 3204 covers synthetic organic products that are not primarily dyes, pigments, or fluorescent brightening agents, but still fall under the broader umbrella of "synthetic organic colouring matter." A key example explicitly mentioned are luminophores, which are substances that emit light when excited by radiation (e.g., phosphors, fluorescent materials used in displays or security inks). This trade involves highly specialized chemicals for advanced applications in electronics, security printing, medical diagnostics, and specialized coatings. Importers are often high-tech manufacturers in countries like Japan, South Korea, USA, and Germany. Exporters are typically R&D-intensive chemical companies, often from Europe (e.g., Germany, Switzerland), Japan, or the USA, and increasingly China. Key considerations include high purity requirements, specific optical properties, intellectual property protection, and stringent performance standards for their end-use applications. This category represents the cutting edge of organic material science.
What products fall under HS code 320490?
Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) materials, Fluorescent markers for biotechnology, Security ink components, Phosphorescent pigments, Laser dyes, Quantum dots (organic-based), Photochromic compounds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 320490?
This code is distinct from other 3204 categories because the primary function is not traditional coloring or brightening, but rather light emission or other optical effects, making confusion with 320419 (general dyes) or 320420 (brighteners) possible if the specific function is overlooked.
How is HS code 320490 structured?
HS code 320490 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.