HS HEADING 3203

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

HEADING

3203

CHAPTER

32 — Tanning or dyeing extracts; pigments, paints, varnishes, putty

In plain English

This category includes coloring materials derived from plants or animals, such as dyeing extracts that are not animal black, regardless of whether they have a specific chemical definition. It also covers preparations that are based on these vegetable or animal coloring matters. There is a single classification for these items, which groups all such coloring matters and their related preparations together without further subdivision.

PARAPHRASE OF THE OFFICIAL HS 2022 TEXTS BELOW — NOT LEGAL ADVICE

6-digit subheadings (1)

Official HS 2022 subheading texts. National tariff schedules subdivide these further (8-10 digit lines) and set the actual duty rates.

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

Chapter 32 classification notes

Chapter 32 contains many DG class 3 flammable liquids (alcohol-based paints) and class 6 toxic substances (heavy-metal pigments). Personal-quantity art supplies clear as routine; commercial imports need MSDS.

Frequent misclassification in this chapter

Cosmetic colourants under Chapter 33 not 32; food colourings under Chapter 32 with E-number additive labelling.

Classification certainty

The 6-digit level shown here is the internationally harmonised layer. Duty rates attach to national 8-10 digit tariff lines, which differ by country — use the duty calculator for lane estimates. For binding certainty, request a ruling from the destination customs authority.

Binding tariff ruling database

Other headings in Chapter 32

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