Loading...
SITCSection 5
U.S. imports of paints, varnishes & leather-finishing water pigments (nes) (SITC 53343) totaled $1.1M in April 2026, traded with 23 countries.
Importers of Paints, Varnishes & Leather-Finishing Water Pigments (NES) paid $95K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 13% on $761K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 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.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
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.
Supplier Network
Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 53343 — Paints, Varnishes & Leather-Finishing Water Pigments (NES). Be the first supplier listed.
Monthly import values over time