Product classification
HS code for Natural dye: 3203.00
Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined, preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin.
Classification of natural dye under HS 3203.00
HS code 3203.00 is the primary classification for coloring matter derived from vegetable or animal sources. This classification is essential for distinguishing bio-based pigments from synthetic alternatives. The code covers extracts used for dyeing or tanning, provided they are not animal black (which falls under 3802). The production process typically involves the extraction of pigments from plants (like roots, bark, or leaves) or animals (like insects). These substances are used extensively in the food industry as natural colorants and in the textile industry for organic dyeing processes. The heading also includes preparations based on these coloring matters, which are used to color any material or as ingredients in the manufacture of coloring preparations. It is important to note that even if the coloring matter is chemically defined, it remains under 3203.00 if it is of natural origin. Furthermore, the extraction method must not involve chemical modification that would change the fundamental nature of the coloring matter, as this would lead to a different classification under synthetic categories.
- Covers
- Chlorophyll and chlorophyllin
- Cochineal extract (carmine)
- Logwood extract
- Madder and indigo (natural)
- Henna powder and extracts
- Quercitron and fustic
- Oenocyanin (grape skin extract)
- Also under 3203.00
Natural Indigo from Stony Creek Colors, Cochineal from Imbarex, Annatto from Chr. Hansen, Turmeric extract from Kancor Ingredients
Codes often confused with 3203.00
Common mistake. Natural dyes are often confused with synthetic organic coloring matter classified under HS code 3204. While they may serve the same purpose, 3204 is reserved for man-made chemical dyes. Additionally, color lakes—which are pigments produced by precipitating a natural or synthetic dye with a metallic salt—are classified under HS code 3205.00. Another area of confusion is HS code 3206, which covers other coloring matter, primarily inorganic pigments like titanium dioxide or ultramarine, which do not have a biological origin.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320300 (the code used for natural dye), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320300 (the code used for natural dye) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 12% 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 320300, not only natural dye.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $326M 16% of world exports
- 2 Peru* ~$250M 12% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Netherlands $236M 12% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $259M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $163M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Japan $143M 6.7% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 codes for natural dye
Brazil splits HS 3203.00 into 7 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3203.00.11Haematein
- 3203.00.12Fisetin
- 3203.00.13Morin
- 3203.00.19Other colouring matter of vegetable origin
- 3203.00.21Cochineal carmine
- 3203.00.29Other colouring matter of animal origin
- 3203.00.30Preparations based on vegetable or animal dyes
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about natural dye
What is the HS code for Natural dye?
The HS code for Natural dye is 320300 (Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin). The HS code for coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts, is 3203.00.
How do I classify Natural dye for customs?
Natural dye is classified under HS code 320300 — Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are food-grade natural colors included here?
Yes, natural coloring preparations used in the food industry, such as beta-carotene from carrots or turmeric extracts, are classified under 3203.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of natural dye (HS 320300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320300 (the code used for natural dye) in UN Comtrade data were China ($326M, 16% of world exports), Peru (about $250M) and the Netherlands ($236M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 natural dye (HS 320300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320300 (the code used for natural dye) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($259M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($163M) and Japan ($143M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Natural dye the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320300 for Natural 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 natural dye in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320300 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for natural dye depends on the product's details: 3203.00.11 (Haematein), 3203.00.12 (Fisetin), 3203.00.13 (Morin), 3203.00.19 (Other colouring matter of vegetable origin), 3203.00.21 (Cochineal carmine), 3203.00.29 (Other colouring matter of animal origin), and more.