Standard International Trade Classification
U.S. imports of Cellulose Nitrates (Including Collodions) in Primary Forms (SITC 57553) 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 classified by nitrogen content into grades ranging from low-nitrogen lacquer-grade material used in coatings and printing inks to higher-nitrogen propellant-grade material subject to strict explosives regulations. Collodions, a solution of low-nitrogen cellulose nitrate in ether-alcohol, are included in this heading and have historical use in medical and photographic applications. Because cellulose nitrate is a flammable solid and, at higher nitrogen levels, an explosive precursor, imports are subject to DOT hazardous materials transport rules and may require ATF permits depending on the nitrogen content and intended use; importers should verify regulatory requirements before shipment.
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134 import shipments a month
Lacquer-grade cellulose nitrate (typically below 12.6% nitrogen) is regulated primarily as a flammable solid under DOT rules and is widely used in coatings and inks. Higher nitrogen-content grades approach explosive classification and may require ATF licensing and additional import permits. Importers must confirm the nitrogen content from the manufacturer's certificate of analysis and consult a licensed customs broker and, where applicable, ATF before importing.
Cellulose nitrate in primary forms is typically traded as a dampened chip or flake (wetted with alcohol or water to reduce flammability risk), while collodion is a ready-to-use solution in ether-alcohol. Collodion is used in specialty medical applications such as wound sealants and in certain photographic processes, whereas chip-form nitrocellulose is the standard input for coatings, printing inks, and adhesives manufacturers.
Basic heading 242 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 57553 · $11.5M of $27.5B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Brazil and Czech Republic together supply 63% of it. Brazil pays 42.7% duty; South Korea 0.0%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
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.