Colour lakes; preparations based on colour lakes as specified in note 3 to this chapter

HS code 320500 covers a diverse range of color pigments and preparations known as 'color lakes'. These are essential materials used in a wide variety of industries, from paints and coatings to cosmetics and textiles. Color lakes play a crucial role in imparting vibrant, long-lasting colors to a multitude of products that are integral to modern life. As a key component of the broader chemical industry, the production and trade of color lakes is of significant economic importance globally.

The production of color lakes typically involves a multi-step process. First, a soluble dye or pigment is combined with a metallic salt or other insoluble compound, causing the dye to precipitate and form an insoluble 'lake' pigment. This lake pigment is then filtered, washed, and dried to produce the final color lake product. Depending on the specific dye and metallic compound used, a wide range of color shades can be achieved through this process.

The main inputs required for the production of color lakes include soluble dyes or pigments, such as 320100 Colour lakes and preparations based thereon as specified in Note 3 to this Chapter, metallic salts or other inorganic compounds, and various solvents and processing aids. Specialized production equipment, such as reactors, filtration systems, and drying units, are also essential for the manufacture of color lakes at scale.

The primary output of HS code 320500 is the color lake pigment itself, which is then consumed by a variety of downstream industries. These include the 320100 Colour lakes and preparations based thereon as specified in Note 3 to this Chapter, 320300 (Colouring matter of vegetable or animal origin (including dyeing extracts but excluding animal black), whether or not chemically modified), and 320400 Synthetic organic colouring matter, whether or not chemically modified; synthetic organic products of a kind used as fluorescent brightening agents or as luminophores, whether or not chemically modified sectors, as well as the paint, coating, ink, and cosmetics industries.