Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin, including dyeing extracts not animal black, whether or not chemically defined; preparations based on colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin

HS code 320300 encompasses a diverse range of colouring matter and preparations derived from vegetable or animal sources. These natural pigments and dyes play a crucial role in various industries, from textiles and cosmetics to food and pharmaceuticals. The global market for these natural colorants has been steadily growing, driven by increasing consumer demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. This industry's importance extends beyond its direct economic impact, as it contributes to the preservation of traditional knowledge and the promotion of biodiversity.

The production of colouring matter under HS code 320300 typically involves the extraction and purification of pigments from various plant and animal sources. Common techniques include maceration, decoction, and solvent extraction, which allow for the isolation of the desired colorants. In some cases, chemical modifications may be applied to enhance the stability, solubility, or specific properties of the extracted pigments. Preparations based on these natural colouring agents often involve formulation and blending processes to create consistent and user-friendly products.

The main inputs required for the production of HS code 320300 items include a variety of plant and animal materials, such as flowers, leaves, roots, berries, insects, and marine organisms. Depending on the specific product, additional inputs may include solvents, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and other processing aids. Specialized equipment, such as extraction vessels, filtration systems, and drying units, are also essential for the efficient and high-quality production of these natural colouring agents.

The outputs of HS code 320300 include a wide range of natural colouring matter and preparations, which find applications in numerous industries. These products may be used as dyes and pigments in the textile, paper, and plastic industries 320100 Colour lakes and preparations based thereon, as food and cosmetic colorants 320500 Colour lakes and preparations based thereon, and as active ingredients in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations 300490 Medicaments consisting of mixed or unmixed products for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale. The versatility of these natural colorants makes them valuable in the global market.