Product classification
HS code for Direct dye: 3204.14
Dyes, direct dyes and preparations based thereon.
Classification of direct dye under HS 3204.14
Direct dyes are classified under HS code 3204.14 because they represent a specific category of synthetic organic coloring matter. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, products are classified based on the terms of the headings and subheadings. Heading 3204 covers synthetic organic coloring matter, whether or not chemically defined. Subheading 3204.14 specifically identifies direct dyes and preparations based thereon. These dyes are characterized by their ability to be applied directly to cellulosic fibers, such as cotton, paper, and leather, in an aqueous bath containing electrolytes. Unlike other dyes that require a mordant or a specific chemical reaction to bond with the fiber, direct dyes rely on hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals forces. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the dye is presented as a concentrated powder, a liquid solution, or a standardized preparation, provided it retains the essential character of a direct dye. The chemical structure typically involves azo groups and sulfonic acid groups which facilitate solubility and affinity for the substrate.
- Covers
- Direct Red 80
- Direct Blue 1
- Direct Yellow 11
- Direct Black 22
- Liquid direct dye preparations for paper coloring
- Standardized direct dye powders for textile manufacturing
- Also under 3204.14
- Dystar Sirius
- Archroma Drimaren
- Huntsman Novacron
- Ciba Direct Dyes
Codes often confused with 3204.14
Common mistake. Direct dyes are frequently confused with Disperse Dyes (HS code 3204.11) and Acid Dyes (HS code 3204.12). The primary difference lies in the application method and the target substrate. Disperse dyes are non-ionic and used for synthetic fibers like polyester, while Acid dyes are anionic and used for protein fibers like wool or silk. Misclassification often occurs when the chemical nature of the dye is not clearly specified on the technical data sheet, leading to errors between these subheadings of 3204.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320414 (the code used for direct dye), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320414 (the code used for direct dye) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 9.5% 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 320414, not only direct dye.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $100M 32% of world exports
- 2 China $35M 11% of world exports
- 3 Spain $30M 9.8% of world exports
World total: $313M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $33M 9.5% of world imports
- 2 Germany $31M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Japan $22M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $351M 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 direct dye
Brazil classifies direct dye under NCM 3204.14.00: HS 3204.14 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about direct dye
What is the HS code for Direct dye?
The HS code for Direct dye is 320414 (Dyes; direct dyes and preparations based thereon). The HS code for direct dyes and preparations based on them is 3204.14.
How do I classify Direct dye for customs?
Direct dye is classified under HS code 320414 — Dyes; direct dyes and preparations based thereon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can direct dyes be classified under 3204.19?
No, 3204.19 is a residual category for other synthetic organic coloring matter. Since direct dyes have a specific subheading (3204.14), they must be classified there according to the principle of specificity.
Which countries are the top exporters of direct dye (HS 320414)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320414 (the code used for direct dye) in UN Comtrade data were India ($100M, 32% of world exports), China ($35M) and Spain ($30M). World exports came to about $313M, 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 direct dye (HS 320414)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320414 (the code used for direct dye) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($33M, 9.5% of world imports), Germany ($31M) and Japan ($22M). World imports came to about $351M, 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 Direct dye the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320414 for Direct 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 direct dye in Brazil?
In Brazil, direct dye (HS 320414) is classified under NCM 3204.14.00.