Product classification
HS code for Disperse dye: 3204.11
Dyes, disperse dyes and preparations based thereon.
Classification of disperse dye under HS 3204.11
Disperse dyes are classified under HS code 3204.11 because they are synthetic organic coloring matter specifically designed for use on hydrophobic fibers. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Chapter Notes for Chapter 32, heading 3204 covers synthetic organic coloring matter, whether or not chemically defined. Subheading 3204.11 is the specific international designation for disperse dyes and preparations based on these dyes. These substances are non-ionic and possess low water solubility, requiring a dispersing agent to remain suspended in an aqueous dye bath. They are primarily utilized in the textile industry for dyeing polyester, cellulose acetate, and nylon. The classification is determined by the chemical nature of the dye and its application method. If the product is a preparation based on these dyes, it remains under this code provided it is not put up in forms or packings for retail sale, which would move it to heading 3212. Customs authorities typically verify this classification through Technical Data Sheets (TDS) that confirm the dye's ionic charge and intended substrate.
- Covers
- Disperse Blue 56 and other numbered disperse dyes
- Disperse dye preparations in powder form
- Disperse dye preparations in liquid dispersion
- Standardized mixtures of disperse dyes
- Also under 3204.11
- Huntsman Terasil
- Archroma Foron
- Dystar Dianix
- Ciba Terasil
Codes often confused with 3204.11
Common mistake. Disperse dyes are frequently confused with Reactive Dyes (HS code 3204.16) or Acid Dyes (HS code 3204.12). The distinction lies in the chemical bonding; reactive dyes form a covalent bond with the fiber, while disperse dyes rely on physical absorption. Another common error is classifying them as Pigments under HS code 3204.17. Unlike pigments, disperse dyes are intended to be dissolved or dispersed into the fiber rather than simply coating the surface with a binder.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320411 (the code used for disperse dye), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320411 (the code used for disperse dye) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 49% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 8.6% of world imports. Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 76% of its exports here ($42M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 34% of its imports here ($33M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 320411, not only disperse dye.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $397M 49% of world exports
- 2 India $75M 9.3% of world exports
- 3 Germany $50M 6.2% of world exports
Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 76% of its exports here ($42M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $805M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $80M 8.6% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$69M 7.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Türkiye $53M 5.7% of world imports
Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 34% of its imports here ($33M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $921M 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 disperse dye
Brazil classifies disperse dye under NCM 3204.11.00: HS 3204.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about disperse dye
What is the HS code for Disperse dye?
The HS code for Disperse dye is 320411 (Dyes; disperse dyes and preparations based thereon). The primary HS code for disperse dyes and preparations based on them is 3204.11.
How do I classify Disperse dye for customs?
Disperse dye is classified under HS code 320411 — Dyes; disperse dyes and preparations based thereon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can disperse dyes be classified under 3212?
Yes, if the disperse dyes are put up in forms or packings for retail sale (e.g., small packets for home use), they are classified under HS code 3212.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of disperse dye (HS 320411)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320411 (the code used for disperse dye) in UN Comtrade data were China ($397M, 49% of world exports), India ($75M) and Germany ($50M). World exports came to about $805M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Taiwan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 76% of its exports here ($42M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of disperse dye (HS 320411)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320411 (the code used for disperse dye) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($80M, 8.6% of world imports), Vietnam (about $69M) and Türkiye ($53M). World imports came to about $921M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Vietnam did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 34% of its imports here ($33M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Disperse dye the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320411 for Disperse 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 disperse dye in Brazil?
In Brazil, disperse dye (HS 320411) is classified under NCM 3204.11.00.