Product classification
HS code for Organic pigment: 3204.17
Dyes, pigments and preparations based thereon.
Classification of organic pigment under HS 3204.17
Organic pigments are classified under HS code 3204.17, which falls within the category of synthetic organic coloring matter. Unlike dyes, which are soluble in the medium they are applied to, pigments are insoluble and require a binder to adhere to a surface. The classification under 3204.17 specifically targets synthetic organic pigments and preparations based on them. These substances are widely used in the manufacturing of printing inks, plastics, paints, and coatings. The Harmonized System distinguishes these from inorganic pigments (which contain metals) and natural coloring matter. The classification logic is based on the chemical structure of the coloring agent; if the molecule is synthetic and organic (carbon-based), and the substance functions as an insoluble pigment, it must be declared under this specific subheading. This ensures consistency in international trade for the chemical and manufacturing sectors.
- Covers
- Phthalocyanine blue and green pigments
- Azo-based organic pigments
- Quinacridone reds and violets
- Lake pigments (organic dyes precipitated on an inorganic base)
- Pigment dispersions in plastics or rubber for coloring
- Synthetic organic toners used in printing
- Also under 3204.17
- BASF Irgalite pigments
- Clariant Hostaperm pigments
- DIC Dainichiseika pigments
- Sun Chemical Sunfast pigments
Codes often confused with 3204.17
Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion is between HS code 3204.17 and HS code 3206, which covers other coloring matter and inorganic pigments like titanium dioxide or iron oxides. Importers often mistake the two if they do not know the chemical origin of the pigment. Furthermore, HS code 3203 is sometimes incorrectly used for organic pigments; however, 3203 is strictly for coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin (natural dyes/pigments). Finally, if the pigment is put up in forms or packings for retail sale, it may fall under 3212 instead.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320417 (the code used for organic pigment), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320417 (the code used for organic pigment) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 8.9% 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 320417, not only organic pigment.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $985M 22% of world exports
- 2 India $784M 18% of world exports
- 3 Germany $542M 12% of world exports
World total: $4.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $425M 8.9% of world imports
- 2 United States $418M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 China $332M 6.9% of world imports
World total: $4.8B 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 organic pigment
Brazil classifies organic pigment under NCM 3204.17.00: HS 3204.17 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about organic pigment
What is the HS code for Organic pigment?
The HS code for Organic pigment is 320417 (Dyes; pigments and preparations based thereon). The standard HS code for synthetic organic pigments is 3204.17.
How do I classify Organic pigment for customs?
Organic pigment is classified under HS code 320417 — Dyes; pigments and preparations based thereon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the difference between a dye and a pigment in HS classification?
Dyes (classified in other subheadings of 3204) are generally soluble, whereas pigments (3204.17) are insoluble and maintain a crystalline or particulate structure in the application medium.
Which countries are the top exporters of organic pigment (HS 320417)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320417 (the code used for organic pigment) in UN Comtrade data were China ($985M, 22% of world exports), India ($784M) and Germany ($542M). World exports came to about $4.5B, 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 organic pigment (HS 320417)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320417 (the code used for organic pigment) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($425M, 8.9% of world imports), the United States ($418M) and China ($332M). World imports came to about $4.8B, 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 Organic pigment the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320417 for Organic 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 organic pigment in Brazil?
In Brazil, organic pigment (HS 320417) is classified under NCM 3204.17.00.