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HSChapter 32
U.S. imports of inks other than printing ink (HS 321590) totaled $5.5M in April 2026, traded with 34 countries.
Importers of Inks Other Than Printing Ink paid $641K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 12% on $5.3M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataDrawing inks and other non-printing inks — including writing inks, stamp-pad inks, and specialty marking fluids — split at the 10-digit level into drawing ink (3215901000) and all other inks not elsewhere specified (3215905000). Japan leads US import supply, with France and Costa Rica also notable sources. Drawing ink, traditionally used in technical drafting and fine-art illustration, is distinguished from writing or marking inks by its intended application and formulation for use with ruling pens or technical drawing instruments. The NESOI line (3215905000) captures a wide range of specialty inks, including those for stamp pads, stencils, and industrial marking, making precise product description on entry documentation important.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Drawing ink is specifically formulated for use with technical drawing instruments such as ruling pens, rapidographs, or drafting tools, and is typically characterized by high pigment concentration and waterproof properties. Writing ink, designed for ballpoint, fountain, or rollerball pens, would classify under 3215905000 (ink NESOI) rather than the drawing ink line. The intended instrument and application method are the primary classification criteria.
Costa Rica hosts manufacturing operations for several multinational pen and writing-instrument companies, and inks produced there for use in those products — such as ballpoint or rollerball ink refills — can enter US trade data under this heading. Its presence reflects regional manufacturing investment rather than a domestic ink-chemistry industry.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPAN | $2.6M | $476K | -$2.1M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $272K | $2.5M | +$2.2M |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $514K | $1.2M | +$736K |
| MEXICO | $5K | $1.6M | +$1.6M |
| BELGIUM | $45K | $1.4M | +$1.3M |
Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3215905000 | INK,NESOI | $5.2M | 12.02% | $601K |
| 3215901000 | DRAWING INK | $293K | 14.34% | $40K |
INK,NESOI
DRAWING INK
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3215905000 | INK,NESOI | $9.5M |
| 3215901000 | DRAWING INK | $3.5M |
INK,NESOI
451.3K kg
DRAWING INK
73.2K kg
MASTICS; PAINTERS' FILLINGS
HS 321410
PIGMNTS/PREPS CONT =>80% TITANIUM DIOXIDE, DRY WT
HS 320611
PRINTING INK, OTHER THAN BLACK
HS 321519
COLORING MATTER OF VEGETABLE OR ANIMAL ORIGIN
HS 320300
PIGMENTS & PREPARATIONS BASED THEREON
HS 320417
PAINTS & VARNISHES,IN NONAQUEUS MEDIUM,NESOI
HS 320890
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | $296K | $4.0M | +$3.7M |
| Massachusetts | $1.2M | $1.4M | +$190K |
| California | $505K | $656K | +$150K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANCHORAGE, AK | $77K | $2.9M | +$2.8M |
| LOS ANGELES, CA | $1.9M | -- | -$1.9M |
| ATLANTA, GA | $143K | $1.4M | +$1.2M |