Product classification
HS code for Luminophore: 3204.90
Dyes, synthetic organic products n.e.c. in heading no. 3204 (e.g. of a kind used as luminophores), whether or not chemically defined.
Classification of luminophore under HS 3204.90
Luminophores are classified under HS code 3204.90 because they are synthetic organic products used to produce a luminescent effect. According to the Harmonized System, Chapter 32 encompasses tanning or dyeing extracts and coloring matter. Specifically, heading 3204 covers synthetic organic coloring matter. Subheading 3204.90 is a residual category for synthetic organic products that do not fit into the more specific categories of dyes or pigments but are used as luminophores. These substances absorb light of one wavelength and emit it at another, often used in plastics, textiles, and security printing. The classification depends on the organic chemical structure of the product; if the substance is inorganic, it would fall under a different heading entirely. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here to ensure the product is categorized by its chemical composition and its specific function as a light-emitting agent.
- Covers
- Synthetic organic luminophores
- Fluorescent brightening agents (optical bleaches)
- Organic laser dyes
- Luminescent compounds used in security inks
- Organic pigments with luminescent properties
- Also under 3204.90
- Merck OLED materials
- Sumitomo Chemical OLED materials
- DuPont security inks
- BASF Lumogen pigments
Codes often confused with 3204.90
Common mistake. Luminophores are frequently confused with HS code 3206.50. The primary distinction lies in the chemical nature of the substance. HS code 3206.50 is reserved for inorganic products of a kind used as luminophores, such as zinc sulfide doped with copper. If the product is synthetic and organic, it must stay within 3204.90. Additionally, some may attempt to classify these under 3204.12 or 3204.17 if they function as standard dyes or pigments, but if their primary value is their luminescent property, 3204.90 is the more specific and correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320490 (the code used for luminophore), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320490 (the code used for luminophore) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 36% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 40% 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 320490, not only luminophore.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $284M 36% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $183M 23% of world exports
- 3 China $63M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $786M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Korea $398M 40% of world imports
- 2 China $243M 24% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $73M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $995M 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 luminophore
Brazil classifies luminophore under NCM 3204.90.00: HS 3204.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about luminophore
What is the HS code for Luminophore?
The HS code for Luminophore is 320490 (Dyes; synthetic organic products n.e.c. in heading no. 3204 (e.g. of a kind used as luminophores), whether or not chemically defined). The HS code for synthetic organic luminophores is 3204.90. Inorganic luminophores are classified under 3206.50.
How do I classify Luminophore for customs?
Luminophore is classified under HS code 320490 — Dyes; synthetic organic products n.e.c. in heading no. 3204 (e.g. of a kind used as luminophores), whether or not chemically defined. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include optical brighteners?
Yes, synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents are typically classified under the subheadings of 3204, including 3204.90 or 3204.20 depending on the specific regional tariff schedule.
Which countries are the top exporters of luminophore (HS 320490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320490 (the code used for luminophore) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($284M, 36% of world exports), South Korea ($183M) and China ($63M). World exports came to about $786M, 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 luminophore (HS 320490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320490 (the code used for luminophore) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($398M, 40% of world imports), China ($243M) and Indonesia ($73M). World imports came to about $995M, 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 Luminophore the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320490 for Luminophore 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 luminophore in Brazil?
In Brazil, luminophore (HS 320490) is classified under NCM 3204.90.00.