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 as a color lake specified in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI, used in food, cosmetics, and artistic applications. This classification covers preparations based on such lakes for coloring materials.
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 compliance with FDA color additive regulations for food/cosmetic use; provide certificates of analysis confirming lake composition
• Avoid misclassification as synthetic dyes under 3204