U.S. imports of Cellulose Nitrates (Including Collodions) in Primary Forms (HS 391220) totaled $11.5M in August 2026, imported from 15 countries.
Importers of Cellulose Nitrates (Including Collodions) in Primary Forms paid $2.8M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 24.66% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataCellulose nitrates — also known as nitrocellulose — are energetic polymers used in lacquers, printing inks, leather finishes, and propellant formulations, and their import is subject to hazardous-materials transport regulations that add compliance complexity beyond standard customs clearance. Brazil is the leading US supplier under this heading, followed by the Czech Republic and China; Brazilian producers have built significant nitrocellulose capacity serving the coatings and ink industries. Importers must coordinate with carriers on UN hazard classification and packaging requirements, as nitrocellulose is regulated as a flammable solid under DOT and IATA rules regardless of its end use.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
134 import shipments a month
Cellulose nitrate is classified as a flammable solid under DOT regulations (49 CFR) and must be shipped in UN-approved packaging with proper hazard labels and a compliant shipping declaration. The nitrogen content and moisture/plasticizer level determine the specific UN number and packing group, so the supplier's safety data sheet and certificate of analysis are essential for preparing accurate shipping documents.
For HTS purposes, all cellulose nitrates in primary forms — regardless of nitrogen content — are classified under the single line 3912200000. However, nitrogen content is critical for DOT hazard classification and for determining whether the product qualifies as a propellant-grade material subject to additional ATF or export-control review by the country of origin.
ImportsExports
Imports
$11.5MYoY · free account
Exports
$1.4MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $146.3M of Cellulose Nitrates (Including Collodions) in Primary Forms and exported $21.9M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Brazil and Czech Republic together supply 63% of it. Brazil pays 42.7% duty; South Korea 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
9.2% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 24.66% of imports for consumption.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3912200000 | Cellulose Nitrates (Including Collodions) | $11.5M | 24.66% | 90.82% | $2.8M |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3912200000 | Cellulose Nitrates (Including Collodions) | $1.4M |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
Subheading 2 of 6 in heading 3912
Subheading 391220 · $11.5M of $52.3M
Trade Directory
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