Product classification
HS code for Animal dye: 3203.00
Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined, preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin.
Classification of animal dye under HS 3203.00
Animal dyes are classified under HS code 3203.00, which covers coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin. These are natural pigments derived from animal sources, most commonly insects. The classification includes dyeing extracts and preparations based on these natural colors. Unlike synthetic dyes, these products are valued for their organic origin and specific chemical properties. The code 3203.00 excludes animal black (which is in 3802) and synthetic organic coloring matter. To fall under this code, the product must be a coloring matter or a preparation used for dyeing, even if its chemical composition is not precisely defined. Common examples include cochineal, derived from the Dactylopius coccus insect, and lac-dye. These substances are often used in the food, cosmetic, and textile industries where natural ingredients are preferred over synthetic alternatives. The classification remains 3203.00 even if the extracts are chemically defined, provided they are of animal origin.
- Covers
- Cochineal extract
- Kermes dye
- Lac-dye
- Natural carmine
- Preparations based on animal coloring matter
- Also under 3203.00
Natural Indigo from Stony Creek Colors, Cochineal from Imbarex, Annatto from Chr. Hansen, Turmeric extract from Kancor Ingredients
Codes often confused with 3203.00
Common mistake. Animal dyes are often misclassified under HS code 3204.17, which is for synthetic organic pigments. It is crucial to verify the origin of the dye; if it is derived from an animal source, it must stay in 3203.00. Another common error is confusing these with animal black (3802.90). While animal black is a carbonaceous material used for coloring, it is specifically excluded from 3203.00 by the Chapter 32 notes. Additionally, raw insects used to produce dye, such as dried cochineal, are sometimes incorrectly classified here; they should be in 0511.99 until the dye is actually extracted.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320300 (the code used for animal dye), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320300 (the code used for animal dye) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 320300, not only animal dye.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $326M 16% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$250M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $236M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $259M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $163M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Japan $143M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 animal dye
Brazil splits HS 3203.00 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3203.00.11Haematein
- 3203.00.12Fisetin
- 3203.00.13Morin
- 3203.00.19Other colouring matter of vegetable origin
- 3203.00.21Cochineal carmine
- 3203.00.29Other colouring matter of animal origin
- 3203.00.30Preparations based on vegetable or animal dyes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about animal dye
What is the HS code for Animal dye?
The HS code for Animal dye is 320300 (Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin).
How do I classify Animal dye for customs?
Animal dye is classified under HS code 320300 — Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for animal-based dyes?
The HS code for coloring matter of animal origin, such as cochineal or lac-dye, is 3203.00.
Is carmine classified under this HS code?
Yes, carmine and carminic acid extracts derived from animal sources are classified under HS code 3203.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of animal dye (HS 320300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320300 (the code used for animal dye) in UN Comtrade data were China ($326M, 16% of world exports), Peru (about $250M) and the Netherlands ($236M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 animal dye (HS 320300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320300 (the code used for animal dye) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($259M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($163M) and Japan ($143M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Animal dye the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320300 for Animal dye is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for animal dye in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320300 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for animal dye depends on the product's details: 3203.00.11 (Haematein), 3203.00.12 (Fisetin), 3203.00.13 (Morin), 3203.00.19 (Other colouring matter of vegetable origin), 3203.00.21 (Cochineal carmine), 3203.00.29 (Other colouring matter of animal origin), and more.