Other coloring matter — HTS 3206
Other coloring matter; preparations as specified in note 3 to this chapter, other than those of heading 3203, 3204 or 3205; inorganic products of a kind used as luminophores, whether or not chemically defined
Chapter 32 › Heading 3206
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 3206 is a broad category for certain coloring materials and related preparations that are not classified in headings 3203, 3204, or 3205. It also covers inorganic products used as luminophores—materials that produce visible light or fluorescence after being activated, such as some pigment or phosphor products. The heading can include products that are chemically defined as well as products that are mixtures or preparations, depending on the relevant tariff language.
A merchant narrows heading 3206 to an 8-digit subheading by identifying the product’s material, technical type, and form. The subheadings may distinguish among particular pigments or coloring materials, preparations, and luminophore products. Start with the product’s actual composition and intended use, then read the complete wording of each candidate subheading and any applicable legal notes. Confirm that headings 3203, 3204, and 3205 do not describe the product before using heading 3206; difficult classification questions may require a customs broker or a binding ruling.
What to check
- Obtain the full ingredient or material specification, including chemical identity, pigments, fillers, coatings, and carrier substances.
- Determine whether the item is a single material, a mixture, or a prepared formulation, and record its physical form and packaging.
- Check the product’s principal intended use and technical description, especially if it is marketed as a pigment, coloring preparation, phosphor, or luminophore.
- Compare the product against headings 3203, 3204, and 3205 and read the chapter notes before selecting heading 3206.
- Use the current HTSUS subheading text and applicable classification rules; ask a customs broker or request a binding ruling when the material or formulation could fit more than one provision.
HTS heading 3206 summary
Other coloring matter is a 4-digit product category containing 4 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3206.11.00.00 👉 | Containing 80 percent or more by weight of titanium dioxide calculated on the dry matter | 6% | Free | 30% |
| 3206.19.00.00 👉 | Other | 6% | Free | 30% |
| 3206.20.00 👉 | Pigments and preparations based on chromium compounds | 3.7% | Free | 25% |
| 3206.50.00.00 👉 | Inorganic products of a kind used as luminophores | 6.5% | Free | 45.5% |
"Special" shows the free-trade-agreement rate; open a code to see exactly which countries qualify.
Common questions
What products fall under HTS heading 3206?
Other coloring matter; preparations as specified in note 3 to this chapter, other than those of heading 3203, 3204 or 3205; inorganic products of a kind used 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.