Analysis
HTS 3205.00.40 covers products described in additional U.S. note 3 to section VI under heading 3205 (color lakes; preparations as specified in note 3 to this chapter based on color lakes). US Customs collects import statistics for it under 4 ten-digit suffixes, reported in kilograms.
Neighbouring lines carry rates from duty-free to 6.5%, so the exact line matters. The widest gap is with 3205.00.05 (food coloring solutions, containing cochineal carmine lake and…), at duty-free: a product that belongs there but is entered here, or the reverse, changes the duty by 6.5 percentage points.
The general duty rate is 6.5% of the customs value, which is above most the rates in chapter 32 (77th percentile of 106 lines with an ad valorem rate). On a shipment valued at $10,000 that is $650 in duty before any Chapter 99 additions or preference claims.
Goods that qualify under GSP, the Australia FTA, the Bahrain FTA, the Chile FTA, the Colombia TPA, and 12 others can enter duty-free instead of paying 6.5%. It is also eligible under GSP, the developing-country programme, which Congress has to renew; check whether GSP is in force on the entry date.
The column 2 rate, for countries without normal trade relations, is 72%, 11.1 times the general rate.
Statistical suffixes
Neighbouring lines
| Line | Description | General rate |
|---|---|---|
| 3205.00.05 | Food coloring solutions, containing cochineal carmine lake and paprika oleo resins, but not including any synthetic organic coloring matter | Free |
| 3205.00.15 | Carmine: other | 6.5% |
| 3205.00.50 | Other: other | 6.5% |