Coloring matter preparations from India
India exported $61.6 million of coloring matter preparations (HS 3206.49) in FY2025-26, down 6.7% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 10% to 16.5% US import duty, depending on the tariff line, against 37.5% to 44% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 10%China 37.5%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $62MDown 6.7% on last year
- HS code
- 3206.49Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 27.5 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
All 6 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3206.49.10.00 | Other: Concentrated dispersions of pigments in plastics materials | 5.9% | 15.9% | 43.4% |
| 3206.49.20.00 | Other: Preparations based on iron oxides | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 3206.49.30.00 | Other: Preparations based on zinc oxides | 1.3% | 11.3% | 38.8% |
| 3206.49.40.00 | Other: Preparations based on carbon black | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 3206.49.55.00 | Other: Pigments and preparations based on hexacyanoferrates (ferrocyanides and ferricyanides) | 3.7% | 13.7% | 41.2% |
| 3206.49.60 | Other: Other | 3.1% | 13.1% | 40.6% |
Totals include the Section 301 duty on goods from India or China and any Section 232 metals duty. They exclude anti-dumping and countervailing duties and customs fees. Check the current rate before you quote.
India's exports of coloring matter preparations
India's exports to all countries under HS 3206.49, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 3206.49 is 5.2%, ranging from 0% to 6.5% across tariff lines, from 2021 data. It doesn't include India's GSP preference, so goods from India may pay less. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 0.7% of FOB value for exporters. The scheme was notified until 30 September 2026, so check with DGFT whether it's been extended.
- India's export policy
- Free to export, with no licence needed.
Common questions
What is the US import duty on coloring matter preparations from India?
10% to 16.5% on the 6 US tariff lines under HS 3206.49, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 37.5% to 44%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for coloring matter preparations?
3206.49, under 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). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export coloring matter preparations?
Yes. India exported $61.6 million under HS 3206.49 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.