carmine extract
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1302199140 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3203008000 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 1302194140 | 18.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3301901050 | 21.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3301905000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🐛 Carmine Extract (Carminic Acid) – The Red Gold of Nature
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know “Carmine Extract”?
Carmine Extract, also known as Carminic Acid, is a high-value natural dye derived from the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), specifically from crushed female insects. It is widely used in: - Food & Beverages: Colorant (E120), juices, candies, dairy; - Cosmetics & Personal Care: Lipsticks, blushes, skincare; - Pharmaceuticals & Textiles: Natural coloring agents.
In international trade, it is classified differently depending on its source (animal vs. plant), processing method, and intended use. Below are the 5 most common HS Codes used for Carmine Extract, along with detailed tariff breakdowns.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application | Tax Rate (Total) | Tax Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1302.19.91.40 | Plant & other biological extracts – other (Carmine classified as “other extract”) | General use, non-specific | 17.5% | Base: 0%, 301 Clause: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
| 3203.00.80.00 | Animal-derived coloring substances – specific composition | Food/cosmetic dye, precise identity | 38.1% | Base: 3.1%, 301 Clause: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
| 1302.19.41.40 | Plant/animal extracts – specific use attribute | Targeted industrial use | 18.5% | Base: 1%, 301 Clause: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
| 3301.90.10.50 | Natural extracts – oil resins/extracts “other” | Cosmetic/fragrance use | 21.3% | Base: 3.8%, 301 Clause: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
| 3301.90.50.00 | Natural pigments/concentrates – “other extracts” | Cosmetic dye, concentrate | 17.5% | Base: 0%, 301 Clause: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
🔍 Key Distinction:
- If Carmine is classified as a plant/biological extract → 1302.xxxx series (lower tax);
- If classified as an animal-derived dye/coloring agent → 3203.00 series (higher tax);
- If used in cosmetics/fragrances → 3301.90 series (medium tax).
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onward)
🎯 1. 1302.19.91.40 – Plant & Other Biological Extracts (Other)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Duty | +7.5% (Section 301) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% (targeting China) |
| Total Duty | 17.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Pathway | USITC:1302.19.91.40 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 → Section 122 |
📌 Explanation:
- “USITC 7.5%” is part of the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese goods;
- “Section 122 10%” is a new add-on targeting specific Chinese-origin products;
- Total 17.5% is moderate but still significant for high-value cosmetics.
🎯 2. 3203.00.80.00 – Animal-Derived Coloring Substances
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.1% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +25% (Section 301) |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Duty | 38.1% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 38.1% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 → USITC:3203.00.80.00 → Section 122 |
📌 Note:
- This is the highest tax bracket for Carmine;
- Applies when Carmine is explicitly declared as an animal-derived dye;
- 38.1% can severely impact profit margins in food/cosmetic industries.
🎯 3. 1302.19.41.40 – Plant/Animal Extracts (Specific Use)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 1.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Duty | 18.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 18.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Pathway | USITC:1302.19.41.40 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 → Section 122 |
📌 Note:
- Slightly higher than1302.19.91.40due to “specific use” classification;
- Useful when Carmine is marketed for targeted industrial applications.
🎯 4. 3301.90.10.50 – Natural Extracts (Oil Resins/Extracts, Other)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.8% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Duty | 21.3% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 21.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Pathway | USITC:3301.90.10.50 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 → Section 122 |
📌 Note:
- Commonly used for cosmetic/fragrance-grade Carmine;
- 21.3% is mid-range, suitable for premium beauty products.
🎯 5. 3301.90.50.00 – Natural Pigments/Concentrates (Other Extracts)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Additional Duty | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Duty | +10% |
| Total Duty | 17.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value × 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ No |
| Legal Pathway | USITC:3301.90.50.00 → Section 301: Footnote 9903.88.01 → Section 122 |
📌 Note:
- Same total rate as1302.19.91.40but under Chapter 33 (Essential Oils/Cosmetics);
- Ideal for cosmetic-grade Carmine exports.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Field Avoidance Guide)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (All Must Be Provided)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Include concentration, source (cochineal insect), purity, application |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | To prove origin; if not China, may qualify for exemption |
| ✅ Third-Party Test Report | ✔️ | FDA, EU, or ISO certification for food/cosmetic safety |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly state “Carmine Extract, Natural Dye, E120” |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Specify net/gross weight, units, packaging type |
| ✅ Usage Declaration | ✔️ | Specify end-use: food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, etc. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
🔥 “Declare By Use, Don’t Guess By Name! ‘Plant’ or ‘Animal’? Choose Wisely!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Carmine for cosmetics | 3301.90.50.00 or 3301.90.10.50 |
Misdeclare as “plant extract” → 17.5% |
| Carmine for food dye | 3203.00.80.00 |
Misdeclare as “other extract” → 18.5% |
| Carmine for pharmaceuticals | 1302.19.41.40 |
Misdeclare as “cosmetic” → 21.3% |
| Generic “natural dye” | 1302.19.91.40 |
Vague description → Customs holds shipment |
✅ 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Cosmetic Carmine | Provide client order + formulation chart to avoid misclassification |
| Food-Grade Carmine | Must declare as 3203.00.80.00; FDA compliance required |
| Pharmaceutical Carmine | Declare as 1302.19.41.40; provide GMP certificate |
| Carmine from Non-China Origin | Apply for IEEPA exemption; tax may drop to 0–5% |
🌍 V. Global Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3301.90.50.00 |
17.5% (China) | FDA + ISO | 38.1% if misclassified as dye |
| 🇨🇳 China | 3203.00.80.00 |
5% | CCC + ISO | No additional surcharges |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 3203.00.80.00 |
0% (if REACH compliant) | REACH + CosIng | No add-ons |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 3301.90.50.00 |
5% | TGA + APVMA | No surcharges |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 3301.90.50.00 |
0% | MHLW + JIS | No surcharges |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA has the highest effective tariff due to Section 301 & Section 122;
- EU, Japan, Australia offer 0–5% if compliant with local standards;
- China origin + USA destination = high cost; consider origin diversification.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood-Tear Lessons)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring Carmine as “plant extract” when it’s animal-derived
👉 Consequence: Misclassification → 38.1% vs. 17.5% → Extra $20,000+ tax on $50k shipment
❌ Mistake 2: Using vague term “natural dye” without specifying use
👉 Consequence: Customs holds shipment → Delay + storage fees
❌ Mistake 3: Not providing third-party certification
👉 Consequence: Rejection by FDA/EU → Return or destruction
❌ Mistake 4: Splitting shipment into “raw insect” + “extract”
👉 Consequence: Each item taxed separately → Total tax > 50%
✅ Correct Practice:
“Carmine Extract (Carminic Acid), Natural Dye E120, 40% Purity, For Cosmetic Use, Certified by ISO 22716, Model XYZ, FDA Compliant”
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Cut Costs!
🎯 Remember This Mantra:
🔹 “Animal dye = 38%, Cosmetic extract = 17.5%, Plant-like = 18.5%”
🔹 “HS Code decides tax, declare wrong, pay double!”
📌 Pro Tip:
If your Carmine Extract is originating from Vietnam, Peru, or Madagascar, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions, reducing tax to 0–5%;
Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) before shipment to avoid customs disputes.
📣 Take Action Now:
📞 Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product specs + Request HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure smooth clearance, efficient export, and maximized profit margin!
✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every cent of cost deserves precise calculation!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.