Soy-Based Letterpress Black Ink
A vegetable oil-based black printing ink formulated specifically for letterpress printing machines, providing high opacity and quick drying on absorbent paper stocks. It falls under HTS 3215.11.90.40 as a black letterpress printing ink, distinct from offset or flexographic inks due to its tack and transfer properties suited for relief printing plates.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If used in offset lithographic printing
Offset inks have different viscosity and drying mechanisms, classified separately from letterpress under subheading 3215.19 for other black printing inks.
If in solid concentrate form
Solid or paste inks for reconstitution fall under 3215.90, excluding liquid ready-to-use letterpress formulations.
If primarily solvent-based with over 70% petroleum distillates
High-solvent content shifts classification from inks to light oils per Chapter 27 notes, regardless of printing application.
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Import Tips & Compliance
• Verify ink composition meets Chapter 32 exclusions for chemically defined compounds; provide lab analysis if solvent content exceeds 50%
• Include printing press compatibility certification to confirm letterpress use and prevent reclassification to general black inks
• Label containers with 'Letterpress Printing Ink - Black' and VOC content to comply with EPA import regulations and avoid delays
Related Products under HTS 3215.11.90.40
UV-Curable Letterpress Black Ink
A radiation-curable black ink designed for high-speed letterpress operations, curing instantly under UV light for non-porous substrates like plastics. Classified in HTS 3215.11.90.40 as it is a specialized black letterpress printing ink, not a general drawing or writing ink.
High-Tack Letterpress Black Ink for Newsprint
A high-tack black ink optimized for letterpress printing on uncoated newsprint, offering excellent ink transfer from raised plates without smearing. It is covered by HTS 3215.11.90.40 as a black printing ink specifically for letterpress processes, excluding packaging or writing inks.
Mineral Oil Letterpress Black Ink
Black printing ink using refined mineral oils as the vehicle, ideal for letterpress on book paper with controlled drying. HTS 3215.11.90.40 applies to this non-aromatic hydrocarbon-based letterpress ink, separate from synthetic or vegetable oil variants.
Low-VOC Letterpress Black Ink
An environmentally friendly black ink for letterpress with reduced volatile organic compounds, suitable for indoor printing operations. It qualifies under HTS 3215.11.90.40 as a compliant black letterpress printing ink, not a paint or general preparation.
Carbon Black Pigmented Letterpress Ink
High-strength black ink using furnace carbon black pigment for letterpress, delivering deep color on matte stocks. Classified in HTS 3215.11.90.40 for its letterpress-specific rheology and pigmentation optimized for relief printing.
Sheetfed Letterpress Black Ink
Black ink engineered for sheetfed letterpress presses, with anti-set-off properties for stack handling. HTS 3215.11.90.40 covers this process-specific printing ink, excluding web-fed or rotary variants.