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HSChapter 32
U.S. imports of synthetic organic fluorescent brightening agents (HS 320420) totaled $3.1M in April 2026, traded with 18 countries.
Last updated: April 2026 dataFluorescent brightening agents (FBAs) — also called optical brighteners or optical whitening agents — absorb UV light and re-emit it as visible blue-white fluorescence, and are widely used in detergents, paper, textiles, and plastics to enhance apparent whiteness. The US schedule subdivides this heading into Fluorescent Brightening Agent 32 (3204201000), benzoxazole-based compounds (3204204000), and a NESOI residual (3204208000), reflecting the chemical diversity of commercial FBA classes. India and Taiwan are the leading suppliers, with Switzerland and Germany representing major European specialty chemical producers in this space.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
FBAs used in detergents or industrial applications are generally regulated under TSCA and must appear on the EPA TSCA Chemical Substance Inventory; importers of new chemical substances not on the inventory may need to file a Pre-Manufacture Notice. FBAs intended for food-contact paper or packaging may also require FDA review. The applicable regulatory pathway depends on the specific compound and its end use.
Line 3204204000 covers benzoxazole-based FBAs — a specific chemical class widely used in textile and paper brightening — as a named provision. Products that are FBAs but do not fall within the benzoxazole class or the specific FBA 32 designation are captured by the NESOI residual at 3204208000. Importers should obtain a chemical structure confirmation from the supplier to determine which line applies.
Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| INDIA | $1.4M | $5K | -$1.4M |
| CANADA | -- | $712K | +$712K |
| SWITZERLAND | $643K | -- | -$643K |
| TAIWAN | $496K | -- | -$496K |
| HUNGARY | -- | $479K | +$479K |
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