U.S. exports of Paints, Varnishes & Leather-Finishing Water Pigments (NES) (SITC 53343) totaled $5.2M in August 2026.
Importers of Paints, Varnishes & Leather-Finishing Water Pigments (NES) paid $71K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 6.01% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataResidual paints, varnishes, enamels, lacquers, and distempers not elsewhere specified—along with prepared water pigments used in leather finishing—are grouped under SITC 53343, making it a catch-all for formulations that do not fit the synthetic-polymer or other defined headings. Leather-finishing pigments are a commercially distinct sub-segment, used by tanneries and footwear manufacturers to achieve consistent color and surface texture on finished hides. Importers classifying products here should document the binder chemistry and end-use carefully, as misclassification into or out of this NES heading is a common audit finding.
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82 import shipments a month
A coating is classified as NES when its binder is neither a synthetic polymer nor a chemically modified natural polymer—for example, linseed-oil-based paints, shellac-based lacquers, or lime-wash distempers. If the binder chemistry is ambiguous, a laboratory analysis or manufacturer's formulation disclosure is the most reliable basis for classification.
These pigments are industrial chemical preparations and do not trigger FSIS or APHIS review. However, importers should confirm TSCA compliance for any chemical substances in the formulation and review whether any colorants are subject to EPA or state restrictions. Standard CBP entry documentation applies, with the SDS recommended as supporting evidence of the product's industrial end-use.
Basic heading 295 of 465 in section 5
Basic heading 53343 · $5.2M of $26.2B
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Exports · August 2026
destination
Canada and Mexico together take 49% of it.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
origin
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$1.2MYoY · free account
Exports
$5.2MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $15.9M of Paints, Varnishes & Leather-Finishing Water Pigments (NES) and exported $62.0M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.