SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of iron oxides & hydroxides; earth colors (≥70% fe₂o₃) (SITC 52254) totaled $15.1M in April 2026, traded with 21 countries.
Importers of Iron Oxides & Hydroxides; Earth Colors (≥70% Fe₂O₃) paid $1.8M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 12% on $14.8M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 2026 dataSynthetic and natural iron oxides — covering red, yellow, black, and brown pigment grades — are among the most widely traded inorganic colorants globally, used in construction materials, coatings, plastics, and cosmetics. This heading also captures earth colors where combined iron, evaluated as Fe₂O₃, constitutes 70% or more by weight, a threshold that distinguishes these natural mineral pigments from broader mineral preparations. Purity, particle size, and surface treatment specifications vary significantly between pigment-grade and technical-grade material, and importers should confirm these parameters to support accurate classification and meet end-user quality requirements.
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Earth colors qualify under this heading only when combined iron, evaluated as Fe₂O₃, represents 70% or more of the product's weight. Materials that fall below this threshold, or that are mixed with binders or other pigments into a formulated paint or coating, are typically classified elsewhere — making the iron content certificate a key document at entry.
Iron oxides used as colorants in cosmetics, including makeup and personal care products, are regulated by the FDA as color additives and must be listed and certified for their intended use. Importers supplying cosmetic manufacturers should ensure the product meets FDA purity specifications for color additives, which are distinct from industrial pigment standards.
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Monthly import values over time