HS 320415 Vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon

Quick Answer: Vat dyes and preparations based thereon imported under HS 320415 enter the UK at 6.00%, the EU at 6.50%, and the US at 6.5% or 6.6¢/kg + 29% depending on the specific product and origin. This classification covers synthetic organic colorants belonging to the vat dye class, which are known for their excellent fastness properties, particularly to light and washing, making them suitable for textiles like cotton. These dyes are typically insoluble in water and require a reduction process to become soluble for application. Importers should consult specific tariff schedules for precise duty rates and potential preferential treatment. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of accurate classification for compliance.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3204150000 6.00 % — —
3204150025 6.00 % — —
3204150090 6.00 % — —
3204150015 6.00 % — —
3204150070 6.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3204150000 6.50 % — —
3204150015 6.50 % — —
3204150025 6.50 % — —
3204150070 6.50 % — —
3204150090 6.50 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
3204151000 6.5% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]
3204152500 Free — ["kg"]
3204153500 6.5% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]
3204154000 6.5% Free (17 programs) ["kg"]
320415 — — —

Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.

Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).

Data compiled and presented by HSRates.

Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 3204.15?

Imports of Vat dyes (including those usable in that state as pigments) and preparations based thereon may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.

United States (HTSUS)

Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs

European Union (TARIC)

Preferential rate data not yet available.

United Kingdom

Preferential rate data not yet available.

Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.

Data compiled by HSRates.

Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?

Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.

Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.

How to Classify This HS Code?

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What products does HS 320415 cover?

This subheading covers vat dyes, which are synthetic organic colorants characterized by their ability to be reduced to a soluble leuco form for application to textile fibers, and then oxidized back to their insoluble colored form within the fiber. This includes vat dyes in their dry state, as well as preparations based on vat dyes, such as mixtures with dispersing agents or other additives, intended for use as dyes or pigments. The WCO Harmonized System Nomenclature and official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the chemical nature and application of these colorants.

What falls outside HS 320415?

The following products are excluded from HS 320415: pigments that are not vat dyes, even if they are organic and used for coloring. This includes organic pigments classified under HS 320417 or other relevant subheadings based on their chemical class and properties. Preparations that are not primarily based on vat dyes, or that are intended for uses other than dyeing or pigment application, are also excluded. For instance, finished inks or paints containing vat dyes would be classified based on the final product, not solely on the dye component.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 320415?

A common error is misclassifying organic pigments that are not vat dyes under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System dictates that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. If a product meets the definition of a vat dye, it falls here; otherwise, it must be classified under a more specific heading based on its chemical identity or intended use, such as HS 320417 for other synthetic organic colorants.

How should importers classify products under HS 320415?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 320415 involves a thorough examination of the product's chemical composition and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the product's technical data sheet and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to confirm it meets the definition of a vat dye. Cross-referencing with official tariff databases like the USITC HTS or EU TARIC is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties or delays.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 320415?

A shipment of 100 kilograms of C.I. Vat Blue 4, declared at a customs value of $5,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem (0.03 × $5,000 USD = $150.00). This calculation is based on the MFN rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 320415.00.00.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 320415?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 320415, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, originating goods may enter the United States duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required, detailing the product's origin and compliance with the agreement's rules of origin. Countries like Mexico and Canada would benefit from this preferential treatment.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 320413 HS 320414 HS 320417 HS 320412 HS 320416 HS 320411

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 320415 (Vat dyes)?

The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 320415 typically ranges from 6.00% to 6.50% ad valorem. For example, the U.S. tariff rate is 6.50% ad valorem. However, preferential duty rates are available under various trade agreements. For instance, under certain agreements (indicated by codes like A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG), the duty rate can be Free. Always verify the specific rate applicable to your country of origin and the relevant trade agreement.

How is the import duty for HS 320415 calculated, especially when a compound duty applies?

The duty calculation for HS 320415 can be ad valorem (a percentage of the value), specific (a fixed amount per unit of quantity), or a combination of both (compound duty). For example, if a rate is 6.6¢/kg + 29% ad valorem, and you import 100 kg of Vat dyes valued at $1,000 USD: The specific duty would be 100 kg * $0.066/kg = $6.60. The ad valorem duty would be 29% of $1,000 = $290.00. The total duty would be $6.60 + $290.00 = $296.60. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact calculation method.

What are the key classification criteria for goods falling under HS code 320415?

HS code 320415 covers Vat dyes, which are a specific class of synthetic organic colorants known for their excellent fastness properties, particularly to light and washing. These dyes are typically insoluble in water and require a reduction process (vatting) to become soluble before application. The classification hinges on the chemical nature of the colorant and its intended use as a vat dye. Preparations based on Vat dyes, which are mixtures containing Vat dyes as the essential coloring component, also fall under this code. Exclusions might include pigments that are not primarily intended for dyeing applications or dyes classified under other specific HS headings.

What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS 320415?

Standard import documentation for HS code 320415 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the specific product, additional documents may be required. These can include a certificate of origin to claim preferential duty rates, a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for chemical safety information, and potentially laboratory analysis reports to confirm the chemical composition and classification. Importers and customs brokers should always verify the specific requirements with the customs authorities of the destination country.

Which common trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 320415?

Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates, often including Free trade, for goods classified under HS code 320415. Examples include agreements between the U.S. and countries like Australia (AU), South Korea (KR), and Chile (CL), as well as agreements within blocs like the EU (indicated by 'E' for European Economic Area) and ASEAN (indicated by 'S' for Singapore, 'MY' for Malaysia, etc., depending on the specific agreement). The 'Free (A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG)' notation in some tariff schedules indicates a broad range of countries benefiting from zero duty. To benefit, a valid Certificate of Origin is typically mandatory.