The HS code for reactive dyes is 3204.16, and other dyes and pigments sit in the same heading 3204. Surfactants usually fall in 3402 and formulated agrochemicals in 3808, but technical-grade active ingredients are often classified in Chapter 29 instead. The first six digits are international, and your country adds more.
Classification is the importer's declaration, and it decides duty, licences and origin rules. Treat the codes below as a starting point and confirm them with your customs broker. For the general method, see what an HS code is and how to find it.
What is the HS code for dyes?
Heading 3204 covers synthetic organic colouring matter. The subheadings follow the dye class:
- 3204.11 covers disperse dyes and preparations based on them.
- 3204.12 covers acid dyes and mordant dyes.
- 3204.13 covers basic dyes, and 3204.14 covers direct dyes.
- 3204.15 covers vat dyes, and 3204.16 covers reactive dyes.
Standardised or diluted commercial dyes usually stay in these subheadings. Our guides to reactive dyes and disperse dyes explain how to tell the classes apart, which matters because the code follows the chemistry.
What is the HS code for pigments?
Organic pigments, such as phthalocyanine blue and green, normally go to 3204.17. Inorganic pigments, including titanium dioxide pigments, sit in heading 3206, and colour lakes in 3205. Pigment dispersions and preparations for painting may land in Chapter 32 or elsewhere, depending on their composition. Read dyes versus pigments if you are unsure which your product is.
What is the HS code for surfactants?
Heading 3402 covers organic surface-active agents and washing preparations. Anionic surfactants, such as linear alkylbenzene sulphonic acid and its salts, have their own subheadings, as do cationic and non-ionic types. A product sold ready for retail use falls under different subheadings from a bulk raw material.
A single, chemically defined compound may be classified in Chapter 29 instead. Whether a product is a mixture or a defined compound is the decisive question, so ask the factory for its composition. See surfactants made in India.
What is the HS code for agrochemicals?
Formulated pesticides, put up for retail sale or as preparations, go to heading 3808, with subheadings for insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and disinfectants. Separate chemically defined technical active ingredients are normally classified in Chapter 29 by their chemistry. Mixtures of a technical with additives may go to 3808.
The distinction is the same as in agrochemical technical versus formulation. Some pesticides also carry separate controls in your country, so a correct code does not replace registration. The same care applies to dyes. A preparation based on a dye, with diluent or standardising agent added, can stay in heading 3204, but your customs office may look at the dye content. Ask the factory for the dye content and any additives, and put that description on the invoice.
Next step
Wrong codes lead to wrong duty, delays and penalties. Send us the product, composition and destination and we will raise the right questions with the supplier and your broker. Book a free sourcing review, or see import duties on Indian chemicals.