Find HS Code and trade information for whitewash

Whitewash

Whitewash refers to both a physical coating and a metaphorical practice.

Physical Coating

Whitewash is a water-based paint used to coat wood, masonry, and other surfaces. Traditionally, it is composed of lime or chalk mixed with water, and sometimes other additives.

Material Composition:

• Lime Whitewash: Primarily calcium hydroxide (slaked lime) suspended in water. Often includes additives like salt (to increase durability), casein (for binding), and pigments for color.
• Chalk Whitewash: Uses chalk powder (calcium carbonate) instead of lime. Generally less durable than lime whitewash.
• Distemper: A term often used interchangeably with whitewash, particularly for chalk-based formulations.

Purpose:

• Protection: Provides a breathable protective layer, allowing moisture to escape, reducing rot and mildew in wood and masonry.
• Sanitation: Lime has disinfectant properties, making it historically used in barns, stables, and other agricultural buildings.
• Aesthetic: Offers a bright, opaque finish, often used for decorative purposes, both interior and exterior. Reflects light, making spaces appear brighter.

Function:

• Permeability: Allows water vapor to pass through, preventing blistering and peeling.
• Alkalinity: The high pH inhibits the growth of mold, fungi, and bacteria.
• Adhesion: Bonds mechanically to porous surfaces.

Usage Scenarios:

• Barns and agricultural buildings: Traditional use for sanitation and protection.
• Interior walls and ceilings: Creates a rustic or historical aesthetic.
• Exterior masonry: Protects and brightens brick, stone, and concrete.
• Fences and garden structures: Provides a protective and decorative coating.

Common Types:

• Lime Putty Whitewash: Made with aged lime putty, offering superior adhesion and durability.
• Commercial Whitewash: Pre-mixed formulations available in various colors and finishes.
• Milk Paint: A similar coating using milk casein as a binder, often considered more durable than traditional whitewash.

Metaphorical Practice

The term "whitewash" is also used figuratively to describe concealing or glossing over faults or wrongdoing.

Meaning:

• Cover-up: To deliberately hide or disguise errors, scandals, or unpleasant truths.
• Exculpation: To attempt to clear someone of blame or responsibility.
• Misrepresentation: To present a false or misleading account of events.

Usage:

• Political scandals: Accusations of a "whitewash inquiry" suggest a lack of thorough investigation.
• Corporate cover-ups: Referring to attempts to conceal financial irregularities or safety violations.
• Historical revisionism: Altering or suppressing historical facts to present a more favorable narrative.

Whitewash, based on its composition and use, falls under the category of paints and varnishes.

Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 3210000000: This HS code covers “Other paints and varnishes (including enamels, lacquers and distempers); prepared water pigments of a kind used for finishing leather”.
  • 32: Chapter 32 pertains to paints, varnishes, and related materials.
  • 10: Heading 3210 specifically includes other paints and varnishes, encompassing enamels, lacquers, distempers, and water pigments for leather finishing.
  • 000000: This further specifies all items within this category. The tax rate details indicate a base tariff of 1.8%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 56.8%.

It is important to note that the total tariff for this HS code is 56.8% currently, and will increase to 56.8% after April 2, 2025.