Product classification
HS code for Color lake pigment: 3205.00
Colour lakes, preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapter.
Classification of color lake pigment under HS 3205.00
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 3205.00
- Sun Chemical Laked pigments
- DIC Dainichiseika Lake pigments
- BASF Irgalite Lake pigments
- Clariant Hostaperm Lake pigments
Codes often confused with 3205.00
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320500 (the code used for color lake pigment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320500 (the code used for color lake pigment) in UN Comtrade data was Peru, with about 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 7.5% 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 320500, not only color lake pigment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Peru* ~$106M 33% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 India $78M 25% of world exports
- 3 United States $36M 11% of world exports
World total: $319M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $28M 7.5% of world imports
- 2 China $28M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 United States $26M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $375M 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 code for color lake pigment
Brazil classifies color lake pigment under NCM 3205.00.00: HS 3205.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about color lake pigment
What is the HS code for Color lake pigment?
The HS code for Color lake pigment is 320500 (Colour lakes; preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapter). The HS code for color lakes and preparations based on color lakes is 3205.00.
How do I classify Color lake pigment for customs?
Color lake pigment is classified under HS code 320500 — Colour lakes; preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapter. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of color lake pigment (HS 320500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320500 (the code used for color lake pigment) in UN Comtrade data were Peru (about $106M, 33% of world exports), India ($78M) and the United States ($36M). World exports came to about $319M, 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 color lake pigment (HS 320500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320500 (the code used for color lake pigment) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($28M, 7.5% of world imports), China ($28M) and the United States ($26M). World imports came to about $375M, 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 Color lake pigment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320500 for Color lake pigment 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 color lake pigment in Brazil?
In Brazil, color lake pigment (HS 320500) is classified under NCM 3205.00.00.