Find HS Code and trade information for shredded paper

Shredded Paper

Shredded paper consists of paper strips or flakes produced by a device called a paper shredder. The process reduces the size of paper documents, typically for security or disposal purposes.

Material:

• Base Material: Primarily cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp, recycled paper, or other plant-based sources.
• Types of Paper: Any standard paper type can be shredded, including:
  • White paper
  • Colored paper
  • Cardstock (depending on shredder capacity)
  • Junk mail
  • Newspaper (though this often has lower security due to fiber length)

Purpose:

• Security: The primary function is to destroy sensitive information contained within documents, preventing identity theft, fraud, or breaches of confidentiality.
• Disposal: Reduces the volume of paper waste, making it easier to dispose of and potentially suitable for recycling.
• Packaging: Used as cushioning material in shipping or storage, offering a protective layer for fragile items.
• Composting: Can be added to compost piles as a carbon-rich "brown" material, though inks and coatings may affect compost quality.
• Animal Bedding: Sometimes used as bedding for small animals, offering absorbency and comfort.

Function:

Paper shredders use rotating blades to cut paper into smaller pieces. The size and shape of these pieces determine the security level.

Usage Scenarios:

• Home Offices: Disposing of bills, bank statements, and personal documents.
• Businesses: Protecting confidential client data, financial records, and employee information.
• Government Agencies: Securely destroying classified or sensitive documents.
• Recycling Facilities: Preparing paper for recycling (though not all facilities accept shredded paper).
• Shipping and Moving: Protecting delicate items during transport.

Common Types (based on cut style):

• Strip-Cut (or Ribbon-Cut): Paper is cut into long, narrow strips. This is the least secure type, as documents can often be reassembled.
• Cross-Cut (or Confetti-Cut): Paper is cut into small, diamond-shaped pieces. Offers higher security than strip-cut.
• Micro-Cut: Paper is cut into extremely small particles, providing the highest level of security. Often used for highly sensitive information.
• Particle-Cut: Similar to micro-cut, producing very small, irregular-shaped pieces.
• Matte Shred: Designed to shred paper with adhesive labels or glossy coatings, preventing jams.

Security Levels (DIN 66399 standard):

• P-1: Strip-cut, for general, non-sensitive documents.
• P-2: Cross-cut, for confidential documents.
• P-3: Cross-cut or micro-cut, for highly confidential documents.
• P-4: Micro-cut, for very highly confidential documents.
• P-5: Micro-cut, for top-secret documents.
• P-6: Micro-cut, for destruction of highly sensitive data requiring maximum security.

Shredded paper generally falls under the category of recovered (waste and scrap) paper and paperboard. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 4707900000: This HS code covers “Recovered (waste and scrap) paper and paperboard: Other, including unsorted waste and scrap”. This is a broad category and would likely be the most applicable if the shredded paper is not specifically sorted or classified further.

  • Chapter 47: Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. This chapter generally deals with materials derived from wood or fibrous materials, including waste and recovered products.
  • Heading 4707: Recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard. This heading specifically focuses on paper and paperboard that has been recovered from waste streams.
  • Subheading 4707900000: Other, including unsorted waste and scrap. This indicates that the paper or paperboard doesn't fall into more specific categories within heading 4707.

• 4707100000: This HS code covers “Recovered (waste and scrap) paper and paperboard: Unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper or paperboard”. If the shredded paper originates from unbleached kraft paper or corrugated paper, this code may be applicable.

  • Chapter 47: Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulosic material; recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard.
  • Heading 4707: Recovered (waste and scrap) paper or paperboard.
  • Subheading 4707100000: Unbleached kraft paper or paperboard or corrugated paper or paperboard. This specifies a particular type of recovered paper.

Tax Information (Applicable to both HS codes):

• Basic Tariff: 0.0%
• Additional Tariff: 25.0%
• Tariff after April 2, 2025: 30.0%
• Total Tariff: 55.0%

Important Note:

The total tariff rate is currently 55.0%, but will increase to 30.0% additional tariff (resulting in a 58.0% total tariff) after April 2, 2025.