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HSChapter 32
U.S. imports of black printing ink (HS 321511) totaled $9.5M in April 2026, traded with 36 countries.
Importers of Black Printing Ink paid $978K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 11% on $8.6M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataBlack printing inks are among the most granularly subdivided chemical products in the US tariff schedule, with 10-digit lines distinguishing newsprint ink, flexographic, gravure, letterpress, and offset lithographic formulations, as well as solid-form inks engineered for specific printer cartridge formats (3215111000 for cartridge-compatible solid black inks under HTS 8443.31/32/39). Japan is the leading US import source, reflecting its dominance in precision ink chemistry for commercial and digital printing, with the United Kingdom and Germany also significant suppliers. The process-specific classification — flexographic vs. gravure vs. offset — is determined by the ink's rheological properties and intended press type, not simply its color. Importers should obtain technical data sheets confirming the printing process for which the ink is formulated.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Solid printing inks are those formulated in a solid physical state — typically sticks, pellets, or blocks — designed for use in specific printer mechanisms such as solid-ink printers classified under HTS 8443.31, 8443.32, or 8443.39. Liquid or paste-form inks, regardless of their printing process, classify under the corresponding liquid-form lines. The physical state and the printer type for which the ink is engineered are the determining factors.
When a black ink is marketed or technically suitable for more than one printing process, classification should follow the process for which it is primarily designed, as indicated by the manufacturer's technical specifications and labeling. If the primary use cannot be determined, GRI 3(c) and CBP binding ruling guidance should be consulted. Working with a licensed customs broker and obtaining a binding ruling from CBP is advisable for multi-use formulations.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| MALAYSIA | $232K | $4.4M | +$4.2M |
| CANADA | $88K | $3.7M | +$3.7M |
| JAPAN | $2.6M | $737K | -$1.8M |
| MEXICO | $5K | $2.8M | +$2.8M |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $2.1M | $370K | -$1.8M |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3215119060 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, NESOI | $7.2M | 11.18% | $747K |
| 3215113000 | PRINTING INK, SOLID BLACK, NESOI | $825K | 11.58% | $93K |
| 3215119050 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, OFFSET LITHOGRAPHIC | $669K | 11.71% | $78K |
| 3215111000 | PRNTNG INK,SLD BLACK,ENGINRD SHPES SH8443.31/32/39 | $368K | 12.44% | $40K |
| 3215119040 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, LETTERPRESS | $179K | 11.79% | $1K |
| 3215119020 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, FLEXOGRAPHIC | $145K | 11.80% | $15K |
| 3215119030 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, GRAVURE | $32K | 11.80% | $3K |
| 3215119010 | PRINTING INK,BLACK, NEWS | $22K | -- | -- |
PRINTING INK, BLACK, NESOI
PRINTING INK, SOLID BLACK, NESOI
PRINTING INK, BLACK, OFFSET LITHOGRAPHIC
PRNTNG INK,SLD BLACK,ENGINRD SHPES SH8443.31/32/39
PRINTING INK, BLACK, LETTERPRESS
PRINTING INK, BLACK, FLEXOGRAPHIC
PRINTING INK, BLACK, GRAVURE
PRINTING INK,BLACK, NEWS
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 3215110060 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, NESOI | $15.7M |
| 3215110010 | PRINTING INK,BLACK, NEWS | $4.0M |
| 3215110020 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, FLEXOGRAPHIC | $809K |
| 3215110030 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, GRAVURE | $286K |
| 3215110050 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, OFFSET LITHOGRAPHIC | $209K |
| 3215110040 | PRINTING INK, BLACK, LETTERPRESS | $43K |
PRINTING INK, BLACK, NESOI
957.4K kg
PRINTING INK,BLACK, NEWS
374.0K kg
PRINTING INK, BLACK, FLEXOGRAPHIC
34.5K kg
PRINTING INK, BLACK, GRAVURE
23.7K kg
PRINTING INK, BLACK, OFFSET LITHOGRAPHIC
42.5K kg
PRINTING INK, BLACK, LETTERPRESS
2.2K 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
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWARK, NJ | $1.5M | $4.5M | +$3.1M |
| MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, FL | $188K | $2.6M | +$2.4M |
| NORFOLK-NEWPORT NEWS, VA | $1.5M | $441K | -$1.1M |