Direct dyes from India
India exported $97.5 million of direct dyes (HS 3204.14) in FY2025-26, down 11% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 16.5% US import duty, against 44% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 16.5%China 44%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $97MDown 10.6% on last year
- HS code
- 3204.14Page 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 5 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3204.14.10.00 | Direct dyes and preparations based thereon: Direct black 62, 91; Direct blue 92, 106, 108, 109, 160, 172; Direct brown 103, 115, 116; Direct green 5, 29, 31; and Direct orange 37 | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 3204.14.20.00 | Direct dyes and preparations based thereon: Direct black 51, 69, 112, 114, 118, 122; Direct blue 74, 77, 85, 90, 156, 158, 158:1, 207, 211, 225, 244, 267; Direct brown 97, 113, 157, 169, 170, 200, 212, 214; Direct green 33, 59, 67, 68; Direct orange 17, 60, 105, 106, 107, 118; Direct red 9, 89, 92, 95, 111, 127, 173, 207, 221; Direct violet 47, 93; and Direct yellow 27, 39, 68, 93, 95, 96, 98, 109, 110, 133, 134 | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 3204.14.25.00 | Direct dyes and preparations based thereon: Direct blue 86; Direct red 83; and Direct yellow 28 | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 3204.14.30.00 | Other: Products described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 3204.14.50.00 | Other: Other | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
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 direct dyes
India's exports to all countries under HS 3204.14, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 3204.14 is 6.5%, 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 0.8% 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 direct dyes from India?
16.5% on the 5 US tariff lines under HS 3204.14, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 44%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for direct dyes?
3204.14, under 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). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export direct dyes?
Yes. India exported $97.5 million under HS 3204.14 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.