Product classification
HS code for Food coloring: 3204.18
Dyes, carotenoid colouring matters and preparations based thereon.
Classification of food coloring under HS 3204.18
Food coloring based on carotenoids is classified under HS code 320418. This code is situated within Chapter 32, which covers tanning or dyeing extracts and synthetic organic coloring matter. Carotenoids are a specific class of organic pigments that provide yellow, orange, and red hues. While many carotenoids occur naturally, HS code 3204 refers specifically to synthetic organic coloring matter or preparations based on these substances. This includes beta-carotene and similar compounds used to enhance the visual appeal of processed foods. The classification depends on the chemical structure of the dye and its intended use as a colorant rather than a flavoring agent or a nutritional supplement. Preparations based on these coloring matters, even if they contain diluents or surfactants to facilitate their use in food processing, remain under this heading. The essential character of the product is the coloring matter itself, which dictates the classification under the synthetic organic dyes section of the tariff schedule.
- Covers
- Synthetic beta-carotene dispersions
- Lycopene-based food dyes
- Canthaxanthin coloring preparations
- Zeaxanthin food colorants
- Carotenoid-based powders for food tinting
- Also under 3204.18
DSM OVNISCIENCE Carophyll, BASF Lucantin, Chr. Hansen NatuRColor, Kemin FloraGLO Lutein
Codes often confused with 3204.18
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 320300, which is reserved for coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin (natural dyes). If the carotenoid is extracted directly from a plant without chemical synthesis, it belongs in 320300. Another error is using 210690 (food preparations), which should only be used if the product has nutritional or flavoring properties that overshadow its coloring function.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320418 (the code used for food coloring), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320418 (the code used for food coloring) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 33% 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 320418, not only food coloring.
Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports
- 1 France $231M 33% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $209M 30% of world exports
- 3 China $91M 13% of world exports
World total: $694M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $232M 33% of world imports
- 2 France $90M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $43M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $707M Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
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 food coloring
Brazil splits HS 3204.18 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3204.18.10Carotenoids, synthetic colouring matter
- 3204.18.20ฮฒ-carotene, apo-ester, canthaxanthin food colours
- 3204.18.30Other carotenoid food-colouring preparations
- 3204.18.90Other carotenoid preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about food coloring
What is the HS code for Food coloring?
The HS code for Food coloring is 320418 (Dyes; carotenoid colouring matters and preparations based thereon). The HS code for synthetic carotenoid-based food coloring is 320418.
How do I classify Food coloring for customs?
Food coloring is classified under HS code 320418 โ Dyes; carotenoid colouring matters and preparations based thereon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between 3203 and 3204?
HS code 3203 is for natural coloring matter derived from plants or animals, while 3204 is for synthetic organic coloring matter produced through chemical synthesis.
Which countries are the top exporters of food coloring (HS 320418)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320418 (the code used for food coloring) in UN Comtrade data were France ($231M, 33% of world exports), the Netherlands ($209M) and China ($91M). World exports came to about $694M, 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 food coloring (HS 320418)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320418 (the code used for food coloring) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($232M, 33% of world imports), France ($90M) and Germany ($43M). World imports came to about $707M, 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 Food coloring the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320418 for Food coloring 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 food coloring in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320418 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for food coloring depends on the product's details: 3204.18.10 (Carotenoids, synthetic colouring matter), 3204.18.20 (ฮฒ-carotene, apo-ester, canthaxanthin food colours), 3204.18.30 (Other carotenoid food-colouring preparations), 3204.18.90 (Other carotenoid preparations).