Fluorescent brightening agents from India
India exported $54.1 million of fluorescent brightening agents (HS 3204.20) in FY2025-26, down 8.8% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 10% to 16.5% US import duty, depending on the tariff line, against 12.5% to 44% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 10%China 12.5%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $54MDown 8.8% on last year
- HS code
- 3204.20Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 2.5 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
All 3 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3204.20.10.00 | Synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents: Fluorescent brightening agent 32 | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 3204.20.40.00 | Synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents: Benzoxazol | Free | 10% | 12.5% |
| 3204.20.80.00 | Synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents: 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 fluorescent brightening agents
India's exports to all countries under HS 3204.20, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 3204.20 is 6%, 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% to 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 fluorescent brightening agents from India?
10% to 16.5% on the 3 US tariff lines under HS 3204.20, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 12.5% to 44%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for fluorescent brightening agents?
3204.20, 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 fluorescent brightening agents?
Yes. India exported $54.1 million under HS 3204.20 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.