Carmine Lake Pigment from China
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 — China → United States
44%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.0325%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.13, 9903.88.18, 9903.88.33, 9903.88.34, 9903.88.35, 9903.88.36, 9903.88.37, 9903.88.38, 9903.88.40, 9903.88.41, 9903.88.43, 9903.88.45, 9903.88.46, 9903.88.48, 9903.88.56, 9903.88.64, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(e) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(f)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
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