HS Code for Color lake pigment

Color lake pigments are classified under HS code 3205.00. This classification is governed by Note 3 to Chapter 32, which specifies that the heading includes preparations based on color lakes of a kind used for coloring any material or used as ingredients in the manufacture of coloring preparations. A color lake is technically defined as a pigment produced by the precipitation of an organic dye onto an inorganic substrate or "base," typically a metallic salt like aluminum hydroxide, barium sulfate, or calcium carbonate. This process renders the dye insoluble in water, transforming it into a pigment suitable for various industrial applications such as food coloring, cosmetics, and printing inks. The classification 3205.00 is a "single-dash" heading that encompasses all such products, provided they are not specifically excluded by other notes. The distinction between a simple dye and a lake is critical: the former is soluble, while the latter is an insoluble pigment complex. This code is used globally to ensure that these specific chemical preparations are tracked separately from synthetic organic coloring matter or inorganic pigments.

Products Included

• Aluminum lakes of organic dyes
• Calcium lakes used in food coloring
• Barium lakes for industrial coatings
• Pigment Red 57:1 (Lithol Rubine BK) when prepared as a lake
• Lake-based color concentrates

Common Misclassification

Color lakes are often confused with HS code 3204, which covers synthetic organic coloring matter. While lakes are derived from these dyes, the chemical act of fixing them to an inorganic base moves them to 3205.00. Another misclassification occurs with 3206, which covers other coloring matter like inorganic pigments (e.g., titanium dioxide). If the pigment is an organic dye precipitated on an inorganic base, it must stay in 3205.00. Confusion also arises with 2106 for food preparations; however, if the product is a pure coloring lake, Chapter 32 takes precedence.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Color lake pigment?

The HS code for color lakes and preparations based on color lakes is 3205.00.

Is a color lake the same as a synthetic dye?

No, a synthetic dye (3204) is usually soluble, whereas a color lake (3205) is a dye that has been made insoluble by being fixed to a metallic salt substrate.