Carmine Lake Pigment from Mexico
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 — Mexico → United States
16.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.5510%Except for products described in headings 9903.05.85–9903.05.92 and 9903.05.94, articles the product of Mexico, as provided for in U.S. note 52 to this subchapter
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