Product classification
HS code for Vat dye: 3204.15
Dyes, vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon.
Classification of vat dye under HS 3204.15
Vat dyes and preparations based on them are classified under HS code 3204.15. This classification is based on the chemical nature of the substance as a synthetic organic coloring matter. Heading 3204 covers synthetic organic dyes, and subheading 3204.15 is specifically designated for vat dyes. Vat dyes are characterized by their insolubility in water and the requirement of a reduction process (often in an alkaline "vat") to convert them into a soluble leuco form before they can be applied to fibers. Once applied, they are oxidized back to their insoluble state, providing excellent colorfastness. The classification includes these dyes even if they are usable as pigments in their current state, provided they maintain the chemical identity of a vat dye. This follows GRI 1 and the specific nomenclature of Chapter 32, which organizes dyes by their application method and chemical structure.
- Covers
- Synthetic indigo and its derivatives
- Anthraquinone-based vat dyes
- Thioindigo dyes
- Solubilized vat dyes (leuco-esters)
- Vat dye preparations for industrial textile dyeing
- Carbazole vat dyes
- Also under 3204.15
- Dystar Indanthren
- Archroma Indosol
- Huntsman Cibanone
- Ciba Vat Dyes
Codes often confused with 3204.15
Common mistake. Vat dyes are often confused with pigments classified under HS code 3204.17. While some vat dyes can function as pigments, 3204.15 takes precedence if the substance is chemically a vat dye. They are also frequently misclassified under 3204.11 (disperse dyes) or 3204.12 (acid dyes) if the importer is unaware of the specific chemical application process required. Another common error is classifying retail-packaged dyes under 3212.90; however, 3204.15 is strictly for the bulk or industrial preparations of the synthetic organic dye itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 320415 (the code used for vat dye), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320415 (the code used for vat dye) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 15% 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 320415, not only vat dye.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $253M 56% of world exports
- 2 India $58M 13% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $38M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $449M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $66M 15% of world imports
- 2 Pakistan $44M 10% of world imports
- 3 Bangladesh* ~$39M 9.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $427M 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 vat dye
Brazil splits HS 3204.15 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3204.15.10Indigo blue (Colour Index 73000)
- 3204.15.20Dibenzanthrone (vat dye)
- 3204.15.3012,12-Dimethoxydibenzanthrone (vat dye)
- 3204.15.90Other vat dyes and preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about vat dye
What is the HS code for Vat dye?
The HS code for Vat dye is 320415 (Dyes; vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon). The HS code for vat dyes and preparations based on them is 3204.15.
How do I classify Vat dye for customs?
Vat dye is classified under HS code 320415 — Dyes; vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can vat dyes be classified as pigments?
Yes, vat dyes that are usable as pigments are still classified under 3204.15 because the HS nomenclature specifically includes "those usable in that state as pigments" within the vat dye subheading.
Which countries are the top exporters of vat dye (HS 320415)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320415 (the code used for vat dye) in UN Comtrade data were China ($253M, 56% of world exports), India ($58M) and Singapore ($38M). World exports came to about $449M, 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 vat dye (HS 320415)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 320415 (the code used for vat dye) in UN Comtrade data were India ($66M, 15% of world imports), Pakistan ($44M) and Bangladesh (about $39M). World imports came to about $427M, 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 Vat dye the same in all countries?
The base HS code 320415 for Vat 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 vat dye in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 320415 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for vat dye depends on the product's details: 3204.15.10 (Indigo blue (Colour Index 73000)), 3204.15.20 (Dibenzanthrone (vat dye)), 3204.15.30 (12,12-Dimethoxydibenzanthrone (vat dye)), 3204.15.90 (Other vat dyes and preparations).