HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3204.90 – Dyes; synthetic organic products n.e.c. in heading no. 3204 (e.g. of a kind used as luminophores), whether or not chemically defined
HS code 3204.90 is the 6-digit subheading for dyes, synthetic organic products n.e.c. in heading no. 3204 (e.g. of a kind used as luminophores), whether or not chemically defined. It is used for organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) materials, fluorescent markers for biotechnology, security ink components, phosphorescent pigments and laser dyes.
What HS 3204.90 covers
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.
- Covers
- Organic Light Emitting Diodes (OLED) materials
- Fluorescent markers for biotechnology
- Security ink components
- Phosphorescent pigments
- Laser dyes
- Quantum dots (organic-based)
- Photochromic compounds
- Examples
- Merck OLED materials
- Sumitomo Chemical OLED materials
- DuPont security inks
- BASF Lumogen pigments
Codes often confused with 3204.90
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 320490, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 320490 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 40% 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 United States $284M 36% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $183M 23% of world exports
- 3 China $63M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $786M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $398M 40% of world imports
- 2 China $243M 24% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $73M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $995M 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 3204.90
Brazil does not split HS 3204.90: its NCM code is 3204.90.00.
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 3204.90
What is HS code 320490?
HS code 320490 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that 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.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 320490?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 320490 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($284M, 36% of world exports), South Korea ($183M) and China ($63M). World exports came to about $786M, 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 320490?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 320490 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($398M, 40% of world imports), China ($243M) and Indonesia ($73M). World imports came to about $995M, 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 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.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 320490?
In Brazil, HS code 320490 is NCM 3204.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.