Carmine Lake Pigment from Canada
Carmine lake is a bright red coloring matter derived from cochineal insects, precipitated onto an aluminum substrate to form a stable lake pigment. It falls under HTS 3205.00.40.55 as a color lake preparation based on natural colorants, used in cosmetics, food, and artistic paints. This classification applies to high-purity lakes meeting additional U.S. note 3 criteria for section VI.
Duty Rate — Canada → United States
16.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.2910%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 10% ad valorem on products of Canada
Import Tips
• Verify Certificate of Analysis confirming lake structure and purity per note 3; ensure no dispersion in nonaqueous media to avoid reclassification to 3212
• Label origin of natural colorant source to comply with FDA if for food/cosmetic use