Carmine Lake Pigment from Germany
Carmine lake is a bright red pigment derived from cochineal insects, precipitated onto an aluminum hydroxide base to form a stable color lake. It falls under HTS 3205.00.50.50 as a color lake preparation used in cosmetics, food coloring, and artists' paints. This classification covers synthetic organic coloring matter fixed on a substrate, excluding retail-packaged dyes.
Duty Rate — Germany → United States
10%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.3910%Section 301 (forced labor) — European Union member state (col1 rate < 10 percent): MFN < 10% → total duty capped at 10%
Import Tips
• Verify lake formation through lab analysis to confirm classification under heading 3205, as unfixed dyes may shift to 3204
• Provide Certificates of Analysis detailing substrate and colorant composition to avoid misclassification as Chapter 28 inorganics
• Ensure preparations are not dispersed in nonaqueous media, which could reclassify to heading 3212