Carmine Lake Pigment from Mexico
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.
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 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