Product classification

HS code for Vegetable 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 vegetable dye under HS 3203.00

Vegetable dyes are classified under HS code 3203.00, which covers coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin. This includes dyeing extracts and preparations based on these natural sources, regardless of whether they are chemically defined. Unlike synthetic dyes, these products are derived from plant parts such as roots, bark, leaves, or wood. The classification under 3203.00 is appropriate because it groups all natural organic coloring matter together, provided they have not been processed into a form that would classify them as synthetic organic coloring matter. This code is essential for identifying natural pigments used in the textile, food, and cosmetic industries. The extraction process usually involves aqueous or solvent extraction of the pigment from the plant material, and the resulting product may be in liquid, paste, or powder form. As long as the coloring principle is derived from vegetable matter, it remains within this heading, even if it contains small amounts of additives for stabilization or standardization.

Covers
  • Indigo (natural)
  • Logwood extract
  • Madder extract
  • Henna powder for dyeing
  • Chlorophyll (natural)
  • Turmeric used as dye
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. Vegetable dyes are often misclassified under HS code 3204.11 through 3204.19, which are reserved for synthetic organic coloring matter. While synthetic indigo is 3204.11, natural indigo must stay in 3203.00. Another confusion arises with 3206.49 for inorganic coloring matter or 2106.90 for food preparations if the dye is marketed as a food additive.

3204.11Dyes; disperse dyes and preparations based thereon3204.19Dyes; n.e.c., including mixtures of colouring matter of two or more of those from item no. 3204.11 to 3204.193206.49Colouring matter; other preparations n.e.c. in item no. 3206.42106.90Food preparations; n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10

Top exporters and importers of HS 320300 (the code used for vegetable dye), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 320300 (the code used for vegetable 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 vegetable dye.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $326M
  2. 2 Peru* ~$250M
  3. 3 Netherlands $236M

World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $259M
  2. 2 Germany $163M
  3. 3 Japan $143M

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 vegetable dye

Brazil splits HS 3203.00 into 7 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 vegetable dye

What is the HS code for Vegetable dye?

The HS code for Vegetable 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 vegetable dye is 3203.00, covering coloring matter of vegetable or animal origin.

How do I classify Vegetable dye for customs?

Vegetable 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.

Does this code include synthetic dyes?

No, synthetic dyes are classified under heading 3204; 3203.00 is strictly for natural organic coloring matter.

Which countries are the top exporters of vegetable dye (HS 320300)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 320300 (the code used for vegetable 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 vegetable dye (HS 320300)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 320300 (the code used for vegetable 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 Vegetable dye the same in all countries?

The base HS code 320300 for Vegetable 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 vegetable dye in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 320300 into 7 NCM codes, so the right one for vegetable 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.