Find HS Code and trade information for pearl paper

Pearl Paper

Pearl paper is a specialty paper known for its iridescent, lustrous finish, resembling the sheen of a pearl. This effect is achieved through the incorporation of mica particles or other opalescent pigments into the paper pulp.

Material:

The base material is typically high-quality paper pulp, often wood pulp, though recycled options are available. The key component responsible for the pearl effect is the addition of:

• Mica: A mineral that provides a natural shimmer.
• Titanium Dioxide or other Opalescent Pigments: These create interference effects, causing light to reflect differently depending on the viewing angle.
• Coatings: A coating is frequently applied to enhance smoothness and printability, and to further intensify the pearl effect.

Purpose:

Pearl paper is primarily used for applications where a luxurious and sophisticated appearance is desired. It is not generally chosen for its functional properties like strength or durability, but rather for its aesthetic qualities.

Function:

The primary function of pearl paper is visual – to provide a distinctive, shimmering surface. The opalescent pigments create a play of light that adds depth and elegance to printed materials. It does not significantly alter the paper’s basic properties beyond a slight reduction in opacity due to the pigment content.

Usage Scenarios:

• Invitations: Wedding invitations, event invitations, and other formal announcements.
• Greeting Cards: High-end greeting cards and stationery.
• Business Cards: Creating a memorable and upscale impression.
• Brochures & Flyers: For premium marketing materials where visual impact is crucial.
• Packaging: Gift boxes, product packaging for luxury goods.
• Book Covers: Special edition book covers.
• Scrapbooking & Craft Projects: Adding a decorative element to handmade projects.

Common Types:

Pearl paper is categorized based on several factors:

• Weight: Available in a range of weights, typically from 80gsm to 300gsm (grams per square meter). Lighter weights are suitable for letterheads, while heavier weights are used for cards and covers.
• Color: While often white or off-white, pearl paper is available in a variety of colors, including pastel shades, metallics, and bolder hues. The color influences the overall appearance of the pearl effect.
• Finish:
  • Smooth: Most common finish, providing a clean, refined look.
  • Textured: Some pearl papers have a subtle texture, adding another dimension to the surface.
• Coating:
  • Uncoated: Offers a more natural, softer pearl effect, but may be less suitable for high-resolution printing.
  • Coated: Provides a smoother surface for better print quality and a more intense pearl effect. Coatings can be gloss, matte, or satin.
• Composition:
  • Wood Pulp: Most common, offering a balance of cost and quality.
  • Recycled: Environmentally friendly option, though may have a slightly less intense pearl effect.

Pearl paper, based on the provided information, refers to paper or paperboard with a special surface finish, often used for decorative purposes. Here are the relevant HS codes and explanations:

• 4823901000: This HS code covers "Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers: Other: Of paper pulp".

  • 48: Chapter 48 relates to "Paper or paperboard; cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers".
  • 23: Heading 4823 specifically covers "Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers".
  • 901000: This subheading indicates "Other: Of paper pulp". This could apply if the pearl paper is made primarily from paper pulp. The base tariff is 0.0%, with an additional 25.0% surcharge, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.

• 4823906000: This HS code covers "Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers: Other: Other: Of coated paper or paperboard: Gaskets, washers and other seals".

  • 48: Chapter 48 relates to "Paper or paperboard; cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers".
  • 23: Heading 4823 specifically covers "Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers".
  • 906000: This subheading indicates "Other: Other: Of coated paper or paperboard: Gaskets, washers and other seals". If the pearl paper has a coating, this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 0.0%, with an additional 25.0% surcharge, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.

• 4811902000: This HS code covers "Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size, other than goods of the kind described in heading 4803, 4809 or 4810: Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers: In strips or rolls of a width exceeding 15 cm or in rectangular (including square) sheets with one side exceeding 36 cm and the other side exceeding 15 cm in the unfolded state: Wholly or partly covered with flock, gelatin, metal or metal solutions".

  • 48: Chapter 48 relates to "Paper or paperboard; cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers".
  • 11: Heading 4811 specifically covers "Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets".
  • 902000: This subheading indicates "Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers: In strips or rolls of a width exceeding 15 cm or in rectangular (including square) sheets with one side exceeding 36 cm and the other side exceeding 15 cm in the unfolded state: Wholly or partly covered with flock, gelatin, metal or metal solutions". If the pearl paper is coated and meets the size requirements, this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 0.0%, with an additional 25.0% surcharge, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.

• 4811908050: This HS code covers "Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets, of any size, other than goods of the kind described in heading 4803, 4809 or 4810: Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers: In strips or rolls of a width exceeding 15 cm or in rectangular (including square) sheets with one side exceeding 36 cm and the other side exceeding 15 cm in the unfolded state: Other: Other: Other: Weighing over 30 g/m² Other".

  • 48: Chapter 48 relates to "Paper or paperboard; cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers".
  • 11: Heading 4811 specifically covers "Paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, coated, impregnated, covered, surface-colored, surface-decorated or printed, in rolls or rectangular (including square) sheets".
  • 908050: This subheading indicates "Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers: In strips or rolls of a width exceeding 15 cm or in rectangular (including square) sheets with one side exceeding 36 cm and the other side exceeding 15 cm in the unfolded state: Other: Other: Other: Weighing over 30 g/m² Other". If the pearl paper is coated, meets the size requirements, and weighs over 30 g/m², this code may be applicable. The base tariff is 0.0%, with an additional 25.0% surcharge, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.

It is important to determine the composition (pulp vs. coated paper), dimensions, and weight of the pearl paper to select the most accurate HS code.