Product classification

HS code for Fluorescent brightener: 3204.20

Dyes, synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents.

Classification of fluorescent brightener under HS 3204.20

Fluorescent brightening agents, also known as optical brighteners (OBAs), are classified under HS code 320420. These substances are synthetic organic products that function by absorbing light in the ultraviolet and violet region of the spectrum and re-emitting it in the blue region. This phenomenon of fluorescence enhances the perceived whiteness or brightness of materials like textiles, paper, and plastics. The classification falls under Chapter 32, which covers tanning or dyeing extracts and coloring matter. Specifically, heading 3204 is for synthetic organic coloring matter. Subheading 320420 is a dedicated category for these brightening agents, distinguishing them from traditional dyes and pigments. The classification is determined by the chemical nature of the product (synthetic organic) and its specific optical property. Even when these agents are presented as preparations (mixed with other substances), they remain under 320420 as long as the fluorescent brightener provides the essential character of the product for its intended use.

Covers
  • Stilbene derivatives used as brighteners
  • Coumarin-based optical brighteners
  • Benzoxazole-based brightening agents
  • Synthetic organic whitening agents for paper
  • Optical brighteners for synthetic fibers
Also under 3204.20
  • BASF Tinopal
  • Clariant Hostalux
  • Huntsman Uvitex
  • Archroma Leucophor

Codes often confused with 3204.20

Common mistake. Fluorescent brighteners are frequently confused with synthetic organic pigments (320417) or direct dyes (320412). While they are all synthetic organic coloring matters, the functional difference of fluorescence defines 320420. Another common error involves laundry detergents containing brighteners; these are classified under 3402 as washing preparations. If the brightener is an inorganic compound, it would fall under 3206 instead of 3204.

3204.17Dyes; pigments and preparations based thereon3204.12Dyes; acid, whether or not premetallised and preparations based thereon, mordant dyes and preparations based thereon34.02Organic surface-active agents (not soap); surface-active, washing (including auxiliary washing) and cleaning preparations, containing soap or not, excluding those of heading no. 340132.06Colouring matter and preparations thereof n.e.c. in heading no. 3203, 3204, 3205; inorganic products, kind used as luminophores whether or not chemically defined32.04Synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon; synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores; whether or not chemically defined

Top exporters and importers of HS 320420 (the code used for fluorescent brightener), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320420 (the code used for fluorescent brightener) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 8.4% 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 320420, not only fluorescent brightener.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $145M
  2. 2 Switzerland $74M
  3. 3 India $56M

World total: $508M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Indonesia $40M
  2. 2 Germany $37M
  3. 3 United States $36M

World total: $483M 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 codes for fluorescent brightener

Brazil splits HS 3204.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about fluorescent brightener

What is the HS code for Fluorescent brightener?

The HS code for Fluorescent brightener is 320420 (Dyes; synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents). The HS code for synthetic organic fluorescent brightening agents is 320420.

How do I classify Fluorescent brightener for customs?

Fluorescent brightener is classified under HS code 320420 — Dyes; synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are these the same as glow-in-the-dark pigments?

No. Glow-in-the-dark (phosphorescent) pigments are typically inorganic and classified under 320650, whereas fluorescent brighteners are synthetic organic compounds under 320420.

Which countries are the top exporters of fluorescent brightener (HS 320420)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320420 (the code used for fluorescent brightener) in UN Comtrade data were China ($145M, 28% of world exports), Switzerland ($74M) and India ($56M). World exports came to about $508M, 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 fluorescent brightener (HS 320420)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 320420 (the code used for fluorescent brightener) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($40M, 8.4% of world imports), Germany ($37M) and the United States ($36M). World imports came to about $483M, 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 Fluorescent brightener the same in all countries?

The base HS code 320420 for Fluorescent brightener 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 fluorescent brightener in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 320420 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for fluorescent brightener depends on the product's details: 3204.20.11 (Triazinylaminostilbene disulphonic derivatives), 3204.20.19 (Other stilbene optical brighteners), 3204.20.90 (Other fluorescent brightening agents).