What it is
Colours from plants and insects such as indigo, madder, pomegranate rind, catechu, turmeric, harda and lac dye, used in handloom, block printing and kalamkari.
Raw plant material and standardised extract powderNatural indigo (cake and powder)
Where India produces it
- Andhra PradeshKrishna
Machilipatnam (Pedana) kalamkari uses natural dyes.
- Andhra PradeshAnakapalli
Etikoppaka lacquered toys coloured with natural dyes.
Where imports come from
- China — US$ 3.69 million of imports under HS 3203 in 2025-26.
- United States — US$ 1.16 million of imports under HS 3203 in 2025-26.
- Turkey — US$ 1.1 million of imports under HS 3203 in 2025-26.
Storage and handling
Keep dry, sealed and away from light; extracts lose strength with moisture.
Businesses that use it
Hand Block Printing Unit (Printed Suits) →Natural Colour (Marigold-based) Unit →Herbal Colour (Gulal) Making →Dupatta Colouring and Dyeing Unit →Natural Ink from Local Herbs →