Synthetic organic pigments from India
India exported $747 million of synthetic organic pigments (HS 3204.17) in FY2025-26, down 13% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 6.5% to 16.5% US import duty, depending on the tariff line, against 31.5% to 44% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 6.5%China 31.5%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $747MDown 13.1% on last year
- HS code
- 3204.17Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 25.0 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3204.17.04 | Pigments and preparations based thereon: Pigment black 1; Pigment blue 16, 18; Pigment brown 22, 23, 25, 32; Pigment green 8; Pigment orange 31, 34, 36, 51; Pigment red 9, 14, 34, 48:3, 52, 68, 112, 139, 144, 146, 151, 166, 169,170, 171, 175, 176, 177, 180, 185, 188, 192, 199, 208, 209, 216, 220, 221; Pigment violet 32; and Pigment yellow 16, 24, 49, 62:1, 81, 93, 95, 97, 108, 109, 110, 113, 117, 127, 153 | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 3204.17.08.00 | Pigments and preparations based thereon: Pigment red 178; Pigment yellow 101, 138 | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 3204.17.20.00 | Pigments and preparations based thereon: Copper phthalocyanine ([Phthalocyanato(2-)]- copper), not ready for use as a pigment | 6.5% | 6.5% | 31.5% |
| 3204.17.40 | Pigments and preparations based thereon: Isoindolenine red pigment; Pigment red 214, 242, 254; Pigment red 149 dry and pigment red 149 presscake; and Pigment yellow 155, 183 | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 3204.17.60 | Other: Products described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI | 6.5% | 16.5% | 44% |
| 3204.17.90 | 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 synthetic organic pigments
India's exports to all countries under HS 3204.17, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 3204.17 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 0.7% to 1% 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 synthetic organic pigments from India?
6.5% to 16.5% on the 6 US tariff lines under HS 3204.17, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 31.5% to 44%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for synthetic organic pigments?
3204.17, 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 synthetic organic pigments?
Yes. India exported $747 million under HS 3204.17 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.