To import pigments to the USA from India, you must confirm that each pigment is listed on the TSCA Inventory, classify it for customs, and make sure packages and safety data sheets meet US requirements. The importer of record is normally the party responsible at entry, so do these checks before you order.
Pigments such as phthalocyanine blues and greens are widely traded, but the right entry for one product is not automatically right for another. Check each one by its CAS number.
How do you check TSCA status?
The Toxic Substances Control Act requires chemical substances manufactured or imported into the US to be on the TSCA Inventory, unless an exemption applies. Look up the CAS number of your pigment in the EPA's inventory search, and check whether it is marked active. TSCA substance listing explains the basics. Importers also make a certification at entry that the shipment complies with TSCA, and the broker normally handles that on your behalf. If a pigment is not listed, you cannot simply bring it in, so ask the EPA or a regulatory consultant what route applies.
What does customs classification involve?
Pigments are classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule by chemistry and form, and the heading affects the duty and any trade measures. Your broker will assign the code, and you can check it against the official tariff schedule published by the US International Trade Commission. We do not quote duty rates on this page, because they depend on the code and on current trade measures. Ask your broker to confirm the rate for Indian origin as of the date of your order.
What about labels and safety data sheets?
Chemical packages shipped to workplaces in the US need hazard communication information under OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, which follows the GHS. Many pigments are not hazardous in the pure form, but they still need a safety data sheet, and some carry hazard statements. Ask the supplier for an SDS in English that follows the 16-section format, and check that the label shows the product identity, supplier details and any required hazard elements.
Which quality limits do US buyers ask for?
Many US customers in plastics, inks and coatings ask for limits on heavy metals and other restricted substances, and the limits are usually set by the end product rather than the pigment rule. Ask your customer which limits apply, then see heavy metal limits for dyes and pigments. For plastics use, request evidence of processing stability at your temperature, as in pigment heat stability in plastics.
What documents should the supplier prepare?
Ask for a commercial invoice that names the product with its CAS number, a packing list, a safety data sheet in English, a certificate of analysis for the lot and, if your customer needs them, restricted-substance test results. Your broker will also ask for the country of origin and the manufacturer's name and address on the entry. Agree in advance who supplies the TSCA information. If anything is missing, the shipment can be held at the port while you collect it.
Next step
We find pigment makers, collect the CAS numbers, safety data sheets and certificates that your broker will need, check samples and have each lot tested. We cannot give legal advice on TSCA, so use a qualified broker or consultant for that. We work only for the buyer, for one written fee agreed in advance. Book a free sourcing review, or read about the document pack your broker will ask for.