Product classification
HS code for Lake pigment: 3205.00
Colour lakes, preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapter.
Classification of lake pigment under HS 3205.00
Lake pigments are classified under HS code 3205.00. This classification falls under Chapter 32, which encompasses tanning or dyeing extracts, tannins and their derivatives, dyes, pigments, and other coloring matter. According to Note 3 to Chapter 32, this heading specifically includes preparations based on color lakes used for coloring any material or used as ingredients in the manufacture of coloring preparations. A color lake is a pigment produced by the precipitation of a dye with an inert binder, or "mordant," usually a metallic salt. Unlike synthetic organic dyes that are soluble, lake pigments are insoluble and are valued for their stability and opacity in various industrial applications, including food, cosmetics, and plastics. The classification 3205.00 is a single-level heading that does not differentiate between the chemical base of the lake, provided it meets the definition of a color lake.
- Covers
- Aluminum lake pigments
- Calcium lake dyes
- Food-grade color lakes (e.g., Red 40 Lake)
- Cosmetic-grade lake pigments
- Barium lakes for printing inks
- 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. Lake pigments are often misclassified under HS code 3204, which covers synthetic organic coloring matter. While the dye used to create the lake may be synthetic and organic, once it is precipitated onto an inorganic substrate to form a lake, it must be classified under 3205.00. They may also be confused with 3206, which covers other coloring matter and inorganic pigments. However, 3205.00 is the specific provision for lakes regardless of the substrate used.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320500 (the code used for lake pigment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320500 (the code used for 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 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 lake pigment
Brazil classifies 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 lake pigment
What is the HS code for Lake pigment?
The HS code for 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 Lake pigment for customs?
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.
Are lake pigments classified differently if they are for food use?
No, regardless of whether the lake pigment is for industrial, cosmetic, or food use, it remains classified under 3205.00 as long as it meets the technical definition of a color lake.
Which countries are the top exporters of lake pigment (HS 320500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320500 (the code used for 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 lake pigment (HS 320500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320500 (the code used for 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 Lake pigment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320500 for 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 lake pigment in Brazil?
In Brazil, lake pigment (HS 320500) is classified under NCM 3205.00.00.