Product classification
HS code for Synthetic organic dye: 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 synthetic organic dye under HS 3204.90
Synthetic organic dyes and products used as luminophores are classified under HS code 3204.90. Heading 3204 encompasses synthetic organic coloring matter, whether or not chemically defined. While specific subheadings (3204.11 through 3204.17) cover well-defined categories like acid dyes, mordant dyes, and pigments, subheading 3204.90 serves as the "other" category. This includes synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores. These substances are used to impart color or light-emitting properties to various substrates, including textiles, plastics, and paper. The classification is based on the chemical nature of the product (organic and synthetic) and its function as a coloring agent. Because these products are often highly specialized, the residual subheading 3204.90 captures advanced chemical formulations that do not fit the traditional dye categories established in the earlier parts of the heading.
- Covers
- Optical brightening agents (OBAs)
- Organic luminophores (fluorescent compounds)
- Synthetic organic dyes not elsewhere specified
- Fluorescent dyes for leak detection
- Organic laser dyes
- 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. Synthetic organic dyes are often misclassified under 3206, which is reserved for inorganic coloring matter and pigments. Another common error is placing specific dyes in 3204.90 when they should be in 3204.11 (acid dyes), 3204.12 (reactive dyes), or 3204.17 (pigments). The distinction depends on the chemical application and the ionic nature of the dye. Furthermore, if the dye is put up in forms or packings for retail sale, it may fall under 3212.90 instead of 3204.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320490 (the code used for synthetic organic dye), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320490 (the code used for synthetic organic dye) 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 synthetic organic dye.
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 synthetic organic dye
Brazil classifies synthetic organic dye 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 synthetic organic dye
What is the HS code for Synthetic organic dye?
The HS code for Synthetic organic dye 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). While specific dyes have their own codes, synthetic organic products used as luminophores or other dyes not elsewhere specified fall under HS code 3204.90.
How do I classify Synthetic organic dye for customs?
Synthetic organic dye 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.
What is the difference between HS 3204 and HS 3206?
Heading 3204 is strictly for synthetic organic coloring matter, whereas heading 3206 covers other coloring matter, primarily inorganic pigments and preparations.
Which countries are the top exporters of synthetic organic dye (HS 320490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320490 (the code used for synthetic organic dye) 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 synthetic organic dye (HS 320490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320490 (the code used for synthetic organic dye) 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 Synthetic organic dye the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320490 for Synthetic organic 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 synthetic organic dye in Brazil?
In Brazil, synthetic organic dye (HS 320490) is classified under NCM 3204.90.00.