Product classification

HS code for Optical brightener: 3204.20

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

Classification of optical brightener under HS 3204.20

Optical brighteners, also referred to as fluorescent whitening agents, are classified under HS code 3204.20. This classification is based on the chemical nature and functional use of the product. Chapter 32 covers tanning or dyeing extracts, pigments, and other coloring matter. Heading 3204 specifically addresses synthetic organic coloring matter, whether or not chemically defined. Subheading 3204.20 is the specific international designation for synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents. These substances function by absorbing ultraviolet light and re-emitting it in the blue spectrum, which compensates for the yellowing of materials like paper or textiles. Because they are synthetic organic compounds used to alter the optical appearance of a substrate, they fall squarely within this category. The classification remains the same whether the brightener is in powder, liquid, or paste form, provided it is a synthetic organic product used for its brightening properties.

Covers
  • Stilbene derivatives used for whitening
  • Coumarin-based optical brighteners
  • Fluorescent whitening agents for textiles
  • Optical brightening agents for paper and pulp
  • Synthetic organic brighteners for plastics
  • Whitening agents used in detergent formulations
Also under 3204.20
  • BASF Tinopal
  • Clariant Hostalux
  • Huntsman Uvitex
  • Archroma Leucophor

Codes often confused with 3204.20

Common mistake. Optical brighteners are sometimes misclassified under HS code 3206.49, which covers other coloring matter and inorganic pigments. This is incorrect because optical brighteners are synthetic organic compounds, which are specifically directed to heading 3204. Another common confusion arises with HS code 3809.91, which covers finishing agents used in the textile industry. While a finishing agent might contain optical brighteners, if the product is a concentrated brightener itself, 3204.20 is the correct code. If it is a complex mixture for finishing, 3809 might apply.

3206.49Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.432.04Synthetic organic colouring matter and preparations based thereon; synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores; whether or not chemically defined3809.91Finishing agents and dye carriers; to accelerate dyeing or fixing of dye-stuffs, other products and preparations, used in the textile industry (excluding those with a basis of amylaceous substances)38.09Finishing agents, dye carriers to accelerate the dyeing, fixing of dyestuffs, other products and preparations, of a kind used in the textile, paper, leather or like industries, n.e.c. or included

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320420 (the code used for optical 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 optical 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 optical 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 optical brightener

What is the HS code for Optical brightener?

The HS code for Optical brightener is 320420 (Dyes; synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents). The HS code for optical brighteners is 3204.20, which covers synthetic organic fluorescent brightening agents.

How do I classify Optical brightener for customs?

Optical 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.

Can optical brighteners for detergents use this code?

Yes, if the product is the pure synthetic organic brightening agent intended for use in detergents, it is classified under 3204.20. However, finished detergent mixtures are classified under 3402.

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

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320420 (the code used for optical 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 optical brightener (HS 320420)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 320420 (the code used for optical 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 Optical brightener the same in all countries?

The base HS code 320420 for Optical 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 optical brightener in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 320420 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for optical 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).