Product classification
HS code for Carotenoid dye: 3204.18
Dyes, carotenoid colouring matters and preparations based thereon.
Classification of carotenoid dye under HS 3204.18
Carotenoid dye is classified under HS code 3204.18. This code is found within Chapter 32, which covers tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins and their derivatives, dyes, pigments, and other coloring matter. Heading 3204 specifically addresses synthetic organic coloring matter. Subheading 3204.18 is dedicated to carotenoid coloring matters and preparations based thereon. Carotenoids are a class of pigments that include beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. When these are produced synthetically or as organic coloring preparations for use in food, pharmaceuticals, or textiles, they fall under this specific subheading. The classification is determined by the chemical nature of the dye (synthetic organic) and its primary function as a colorant.
- Covers
- Synthetic beta-carotene used as a food dye
- Lycopene-based coloring preparations
- Canthaxanthin coloring matter
- Astaxanthin dyes for industrial use
- Preparations based on carotenoids for coloring purposes
- Also under 3204.18
DSM OVNISCIENCE Carophyll, BASF Lucantin, Chr. Hansen NatuRColor, Kemin FloraGLO Lutein
Codes often confused with 3204.18
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 3203.00, which covers coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin. If the carotenoid is extracted directly from a plant (like carrots) without chemical synthesis, it belongs in 3203.00. However, most commercial carotenoid dyes are synthetic and belong in 3204.18. Another confusion arises with HS code 2936.21, which covers Vitamin A and its derivatives. If beta-carotene is sold as a provitamin supplement rather than a dye, it may be classified in Chapter 29.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320418 (the code used for carotenoid dye), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320418 (the code used for carotenoid dye) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 320418, not only carotenoid dye.
Top exporters 2025 ยท 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 โ
Top importers 2025 ยท 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 โ
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 carotenoid dye
Brazil splits HS 3204.18 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3204.18.10Carotenoids, synthetic colouring matter
- 3204.18.20ฮฒ-carotene, apo-ester, canthaxanthin food colours
- 3204.18.30Other carotenoid food-colouring preparations
- 3204.18.90Other carotenoid preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about carotenoid dye
What is the HS code for Carotenoid dye?
The HS code for Carotenoid dye is 320418 (Dyes; carotenoid colouring matters and preparations based thereon). The HS code for synthetic carotenoid coloring matter and its preparations is 3204.18.
How do I classify Carotenoid dye for customs?
Carotenoid dye is classified under HS code 320418 โ Dyes; carotenoid colouring matters and preparations based thereon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do I distinguish between HS 3203 and 3204 for carotenoids?
Use 3203 for natural extracts from plants or animals and 3204.18 for synthetic organic carotenoids or preparations based on them.
Which countries are the top exporters of carotenoid dye (HS 320418)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320418 (the code used for carotenoid dye) 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 carotenoid dye (HS 320418)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320418 (the code used for carotenoid dye) 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.
Is the HS code for Carotenoid dye the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320418 for Carotenoid 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 carotenoid dye in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320418 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for carotenoid dye depends on the product's details: 3204.18.10 (Carotenoids, synthetic colouring matter), 3204.18.20 (ฮฒ-carotene, apo-ester, canthaxanthin food colours), 3204.18.30 (Other carotenoid food-colouring preparations), 3204.18.90 (Other carotenoid preparations).