Carmine Lake Pigment from Japan
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 — Japan → United States
12.5%
Rate breakdown
9903.05.4912.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — Japan (col1 rate < 12.5 percent): MFN < 12.5% → total duty capped at 12.5%
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