Synthetic organic coloring matter — HTS 3204
Synthetic organic coloring matter, whether or not chemically defined; preparations as specified in note 3 to this chapter based on synthetic organic coloring matter; synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores, whether or not chemically defined
Chapter 32 › Heading 3204
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS heading 3204 is a broad product category for synthetic organic coloring matter, whether or not the substance has been chemically defined. It also covers certain preparations based on those colorants, as described in Chapter 32, Note 3, plus synthetic organic products used as fluorescent brightening agents or luminophores. These products may be supplied as individual chemicals, mixtures, or prepared formulations, depending on the applicable provision.
A 4-digit heading is not usually the complete classification for import entry. To reach the correct 8-digit HTSUS code, follow the indented subheadings and legal notes, which commonly distinguish the product by chemical or functional type, such as dyes, pigments, fluorescent brightening agents, or luminophores. Review the product's composition, physical form, intended use, and whether it is a preparation or a single substance; the correct choice may require technical documentation and customs-broker judgment.
What to check
- Identify whether the product is a synthetic organic colorant, a preparation based on one, a fluorescent brightening agent, or a luminophore.
- Read the complete 3204 subheading structure and all applicable Chapter 32 notes before selecting an 8-digit code.
- Obtain the product's technical data sheet, safety data sheet, ingredient or chemical-composition information, and physical-form details.
- Confirm whether the product is a single chemically defined substance, a mixture, or a preparation, and check how the HTSUS treats that form.
- Compare the proposed code with binding rulings, official classification guidance, or a qualified customs broker when the chemistry or intended use is unclear.
HTS heading 3204 summary
Synthetic organic coloring matter is a 4-digit product category containing 2 published product-code lines in this snapshot. A heading does not carry one universal duty rate; classification must be narrowed to the line matching the product facts.
How to find your code in this category
A heading is a product category. To get the exact duty, narrow from this 4-digit heading to a sub-category (usually by material), then open the 8-digit code that matches your product.
Open any code in the tables below to see its exact duty rate, a duty calculator (enter your shipment value → estimated duty and landed cost), the rate-change history chart, and the country-by-country breakdown (including Section 301/232 add-on duties).
Why you have to click in: a single category can contain products with very different duties. The rate depends on the specific product — its material and construction — and on the country of origin, and those only get pinned down at the 8-digit code level. That is why this page points you to codes instead of showing one rate for the whole category.
Sub-categories
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 3204.11 | Disperse dyes and preparations based thereon |
| 3204.12 | Acid dyes, whether or not premetallized, and preparations based thereon; mordant dyes and preparations based thereon |
| 3204.13 | Basic dyes and preparations based thereon |
| 3204.14 | Direct dyes and preparations based thereon |
| 3204.15 | Vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon |
| 3204.16 | Reactive dyes and preparations based thereon |
| 3204.17 | Pigments and preparations based thereon |
| 3204.19 | Other, including mixtures of coloring matter of two or more of the subheadings 3204.11 to 3204.19 |
| 3204.20 | Synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents |
Product codes & duty rates
👇 Each row is a specific product code — click a blue code to open its full page with exact duty rates by country, the rate-history chart, and a duty calculator. 👉
| Code | Description | General (MFN) | Special | Column 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3204.18.00.00 👉 | Carotenoid coloring matters and preparations based thereon | 3.1% | Free | 25% |
| 3204.90.00.00 👉 | Other | 5.9% | Free | 50.8% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 3204?
Synthetic organic coloring matter, whether or not chemically defined; preparations as specified in note 3 to this chapter based on synthetic organic coloring matter; synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores, whether or not chemically defined. To classify a specific item you must pick the matching sub-category and 8-digit code above; the right choice usually depends on the material and construction of the product.
How do I choose the right code within this category?
Start from the sub-categories (typically divided by material—for example cotton versus man-made fibers), then open the active 8- or 10-digit code that matches the product. When unsure, a licensed customs broker or a CBP binding ruling can confirm the classification.
Reference information only, not customs, legal, or classification advice. Confirm the current code and rate against the official HTS before you import.