SITCSection 8
U.S. imports of chemical preparations for photographic use (SITC 88210) totaled $42.5M in April 2026, traded with 19 countries.
Importers of Chemical Preparations for Photographic Use paid $3.9M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $39.1M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataPrepared photographic chemicals — including developers, fixers, stop baths, and toners — are traded as either ready-to-use retail packs or unmixed products measured into single-use portions, distinguishing them from bulk industrial chemicals classified elsewhere. The heading explicitly excludes varnishes, glues, and similar non-photographic preparations, so product labeling and intended use documentation are critical at entry. Demand is increasingly concentrated in specialty and professional film-processing segments as digital imaging has displaced mass-market analog consumption.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Product data sheets, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and commercial invoices that specify the photographic end-use — such as developer, fixer, or toner — and the retail or measured-portion packaging format are the primary supporting documents. These help establish that the preparation is purpose-formulated for photographic use rather than a general-purpose chemical.
Yes — the heading specifically covers unmixed products put up in measured portions or in retail packs ready for photographic use. Bulk chemical shipments not configured for direct photographic application may fall under a different chemical heading, so pack size and configuration should be confirmed before filing entry.
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAPAN | $37.1M | $3.9M | -$33.2M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $1.8M | $13.7M | +$11.9M |
| TAIWAN | $1.1M | $9.1M | +$8.0M |
| CHINA | $100K | $7.7M | +$7.6M |
| BELGIUM | $689K | $3.6M | +$2.9M |
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Monthly import values over time