3215.11.90.40 - Letterpress

This HTS category, 3215.11.90.40, specifically covers black printing inks designed for use in letterpress printing processes. Letterpress, a relief printing method where ink is applied to raised type or plates, requires inks with particular viscosity and drying properties to achieve clear impressions on various substrates. This classification distinguishes itself from other black printing inks by its intended application method, ensuring accurate duty assessment based on the printing technology employed.

The differentiation from sibling categories is crucial for precise classification. For instance, inks classified under 3215.11.90.20 are formulated for flexographic printing, 3215.11.90.30 for gravure printing, and 3215.11.90.50 for offset lithographic printing. Each of these printing methods has unique technical requirements that dictate the ink's formulation, including pigment dispersion, binder composition, and rheology. Therefore, while all fall under black printing inks, the letterpress designation signifies a specific technical characteristic and intended use that sets it apart.

As a leaf node within the HTS structure, this category does not have further subdivisions. Its purpose is to definitively classify black inks utilized exclusively for letterpress applications, ensuring that this specific type of printing ink is accurately identified for customs purposes. This level of detail allows for consistent import and export declarations, reflecting the specialized nature of inks used in distinct printing technologies.