Carmine Lake Pigment
Carmine lake is a synthetic color lake derived from cochineal carmine, where the water-soluble dye is precipitated onto an aluminum hydroxide substrate to create an insoluble pigment. It falls under HTS 3205.00.50 as a color lake preparation used in cosmetics, food coloring, and artists' paints. This classification applies to lakes based on natural or synthetic dyes as specified in chapter note 3.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If basic synthetic organic dye without laking
Unlaked dyes (water-soluble) classify under 3203 as synthetic coloring matter, not lakes which require insolubilization on substrate.
If put up in retail packaging for artists
Dye preparations in retail forms (e.g., tubes for direct use) fall under 3212, excluding bulk industrial color lakes.
If based on synthetic azo dye lakes only
Heading 3204 specifically covers azo pigment lakes; non-azo lakes like carmine go to 3205 'other'.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify the lake's insolubility and substrate (e.g
• aluminum hydrate) through lab analysis to confirm classification under 3205, avoiding misclassification as synthetic dyes in 3204
• Provide Certificates of Analysis (COA) detailing dye source, purity, and heavy metal content to meet FDA regulations for color additives in food/cosmetics
Related Products under HTS 3205.00.50
Phthalocyanine Blue Lake
Phthalocyanine blue lake adsorbs the dye onto a substrate for superior tinting strength in printing inks and coatings. Classified HTS 3205.00.50 for color lake preparations based on note 3. Provides weather-resistant pigmentation.
Allura Red AC Lake
Allura Red AC Lake (FD&C Red 40 Lake) is used in beverages, cereals, and mouthwashes, laked for fat solubility. HTS 3205.00.50 covers this other color lake preparation.
Indigo Carmine Lake
Indigo carmine lake for confectionery and pharma coatings. HTS 3205.00.50 as color lake.
Erythrosine Lake (FD&C Red 3)
Erythrosine lake for cherries and cosmetics. 3205.00.50 classification.
Brilliant Black BN Lake
Brilliant Black lake for olives and soft drinks.
Green S Lake
Green S lake pigment for soaps and toothpaste.