---
title: "3205 HSN Code | HSN Code for Colour preparations in India"
description: "Know more about 3205 HSN Code with BUSY Accounting - HSN Tariff, GST Rates and case laws related to chapter 3205 covering Colour preparations."
canonical: "https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3205/"
---

# HSN Sub-chapter 3205: Colour preparations

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

Part of [Chapter 32: Tanning or Dyeing Extracts; Dyes, Pigments and Other Colouring Matter](https://busy.in/hsn/chapter-32/).

- Current GST rate: 18%
- Earlier GST rate: 18%

## HSN codes

| Code | Title |
| --- | --- |
| 32050000 | [Colour lakes; preparations based on them](https://busy.in/hsn/hsn-32050000/) |

## Frequently asked questions

### What products are classified under HSN 3205

It includes Colour preparations

### Any special steps when selling Colour preparations through an e‑commerce platform?

Ensure registration requirements are met and reconcile the operator’s TCS statements with your GSTR‑2B/3B. Map SKU descriptions to HSN to reduce mismatches and returns.

### Does packaging or branding change how GST applies to Colour preparations?

Yes. Many food/agri goods are treated differently when sold as pre‑packaged & labelled retail packs versus loose/open packs. If Colour preparations is sold in small pouches (e.g., 500 g) with an MRP and label, record that on the invoice. Loose bulk bags often follow a different treatment.

### What are the e‑way bill and e‑invoice points while moving Colour preparations?

Generate an e‑way bill when the consignment value exceeds ₹50,000, unless exempted for the transaction. E‑invoicing depends on turnover (AATO threshold as notified) for B2B supplies, not on the item itself.

### What should my invoice and records include for Colour preparations?

Include HSN, exact description, pack size/grade, quantity, and if pre‑packaged & labelled. Maintain purchase specs, test reports (where relevant), and job‑work challans for audit trail.

### Does MRP, weight or pack size change GST treatment for Colour preparations?

Some entries use MRP/weight‑based conditions for classification. Keep pack size, retail marking and brand status on records and invoice to support the chosen HSN.

### Any import/export nuance for Colour preparations?

Exports are zero‑rated (with or without payment of IGST) subject to LUT/refund conditions. Imports may attract customs duties in addition to GST. Keep HSN‑wise description consistent across invoice, shipping bill and BOE.

## India's trade performance: HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 (FY 2024-25)

Source: TradeStat EIDB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Values in ₹ Crore (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25).

- Exports: ₹628 Cr (+1.73% YoY) — 0.0169% of India's total exports
- Imports: ₹74 Cr (+70.77% YoY) — 0.0012% of India's total imports
- Trade balance: ₹554 Cr (Surplus); surplus rank #251 of 1233 sub-chapters
- Share of Chapter 32: 2.08% of its exports; import side 0.30%
- Rank within Chapter 32: #5 of 15 by export value; import-side #13

### Key metrics

- Export CAGR: 9.99% (FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, 7 fiscal years)
- National export rank: #486 of 1233 sub-chapters by export value (FY 2024-25)
- Peak growth year: +36.87% in FY 2022-23
- Contribution to Ch. 32: 2.08% of its exports (FY 2024-25)

## India export-import trade statistics: HSN Sub-Chapter 3205

7-year export and import data, FY 2018-19 to FY 2024-25, in ₹ Crore. Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, TradeStat EIDB.

| FY | Exports (₹ Cr) | Exp share | Exp YoY | Exp % of Ch. 32 | Imports (₹ Cr) | Imp share | Imp YoY | Imp % of Ch. 32 | Trade balance | Exp rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| FY 2018-19 | 354.43 | 0.0154% | — | 1.53% | 23.40 | 0.0007% | — | 0.15% | +331.03 | #487 |
| FY 2019-20 | 367.46 | 0.0166% | +3.68% | 1.51% | 17.33 | 0.0005% | −25.94% | 0.12% | +350.13 | #480 |
| FY 2020-21 | 363.71 | 0.0169% | −1.02% | 1.61% | 24.52 | 0.0008% | +41.49% | 0.17% | +339.19 | #483 |
| FY 2021-22 | 441.04 | 0.0141% | +21.26% | 1.49% | 23.39 | 0.0005% | −4.61% | 0.12% | +417.65 | #506 |
| FY 2022-23 | 603.66 | 0.0167% | +36.87% | 2.28% | 31.38 | 0.0005% | +34.16% | 0.15% | +572.28 | #466 |
| FY 2023-24 | 616.91 | 0.0171% | +2.19% | 1.87% | 43.18 | 0.0008% | +37.60% | 0.14% | +573.73 | #474 |
| FY 2024-25 | 627.56 | 0.0169% | +1.73% | 2.08% | 73.74 | 0.0012% | +70.77% | 0.30% | +553.82 | #486 |

- CAGR (7-year): exports 9.99%/yr, imports 21.08%/yr (consistently Surplus)

## Key trade insights: HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 export-import analysis

### Consistent export growth: 9.99% CAGR over 7 years

India's exports under HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 have grown at a compound annual rate of 9.99% over 7 fiscal years, rising from ₹354.43 Crore in FY 2018-19 to ₹627.56 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 ranked #486 among all 1233 sub-chapters by export value

In FY 2024-25, HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 ranks #486 out of 1233 sub-chapters by total export value. Within Chapter 32, it ranks #5 of 15. By trade surplus, it ranks #251 of 1233.

### FY 2022-23 was the strongest growth year for HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 exports

The strongest single-year export movement for HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 was recorded in FY 2022-23, when exports surged by 36.87% over the prior year.

### India maintains a trade surplus of ₹553.82 Crore in HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 goods

In FY 2024-25, India's exports of ₹627.56 Cr exceeded imports of ₹73.74 Cr, resulting in a trade surplus of ₹553.82 Crore — ranking #251 of 1233 by surplus magnitude.

### Import growth of 21.08% CAGR signals rising demand for Colour preparations

India's imports under HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 have grown at 21.08% CAGR, reaching ₹73.74 Crore in FY 2024-25.

### HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 contributes 2.08% of Chapter 32 exports — ranked #5

Among the 15 sub-chapters under Chapter 32, HSN Sub-Chapter 3205 ranks #5 by export value — accounting for 2.08% of the chapter's total exports in FY 2024-25. On the import side, it holds 0.30% share (rank #13).

## Related Sub-Chapters in Chapter 32

Ranked by export value (FY 2024-25).

| Rank | HSN Sub-Chapter | Exports (FY 2024-25) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| #1 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3204: Synthetic organic colouring matter](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3204/) | ₹20,454 Cr |
| #2 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3215: Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3215/) | ₹3,338 Cr |
| #3 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3206: Colouring matter for luminophores](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3206/) | ₹2,389 Cr |
| #4 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3208: Synthetic polymer paints & varnishes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3208/) | ₹841 Cr |
| #5 | HSN Sub-Chapter 3205: Colour preparations (this hsn sub-chapter) | ₹628 Cr |
| #6 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3212: Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3212/) | ₹596 Cr |
| #7 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3207: Prepared pigments & ceramic colours](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3207/) | ₹400 Cr |
| #8 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3202: Synthetic tanning substances](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3202/) | ₹286 Cr |
| #9 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3214: Putty and caulking compounds](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3214/) | ₹277 Cr |
| #10 | [HSN Sub-Chapter 3203: Vegetable or animal dye extracts](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3203/) | ₹237 Cr |

## Other sub-chapters

| Code | Title |
| --- | --- |
| 3201 | [Tannins & extracts](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3201/) |
| 3202 | [Synthetic tanning substances](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3202/) |
| 3203 | [Vegetable or animal dye extracts](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3203/) |
| 3204 | [Synthetic organic colouring matter](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3204/) |
| 3206 | [Colouring matter for luminophores](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3206/) |
| 3207 | [Prepared pigments & ceramic colours](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3207/) |
| 3208 | [Synthetic polymer paints & varnishes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3208/) |
| 3209 | [Synthetic paints](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3209/) |
| 3210 | [Paints & Varnishes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3210/) |
| 3211 | [Prepared driers](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3211/) |
| 3212 | [Pigments, Metallic Powders, Dyes](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3212/) |
| 3213 | [Artists’ colors and paints](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3213/) |
| 3214 | [Putty and caulking compounds](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3214/) |
| 3215 | [Printing Ink, Writing Or Drawing Ink](https://busy.in/hsn/sub-chapter-3215/) |