Cardboard Roll
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4811512010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811512040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4805934010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4805934020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4810991060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π¦ Cardboard Roll (Paper & Paperboard Products)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Cardboard Rolls"?
Cardboard rolls, in the context of international trade, refer to semi-finished or finished paper products made primarily from paperboard. They are typically supplied in roll form (rolled), distinguishing them from sheet goods. The classification depends heavily on: 1. Material Composition: Is it coated, uncoated, or processed? 2. Physical Form: Rolled vs. Cut (though your input specifies "Roll"). 3. End Use: Packaging, industrial backing, or other specific applications.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the material is coated or processed (e.g., for printing or lamination) β It falls under Heading 4811.
- If the material is uncoated standard paperboard β It falls under Heading 4805.
- If it doesn't fit specific categories, it may fall under Heading 4810 as a residual category.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application/Inference | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
4811.51.20.10 |
Paperboard/Paper, Rolled, Coated/Processed Semi-finished | Materials suitable for further printing, coating, or laminating processes. Described as "semi-finished after coating or processing." | 35.0% |
4811.51.20.40 |
Paperboard, Rolled, Packaging Base Paper | Inferred as packaging base paper. Often used as a raw material for boxes, cartons, or protective packaging layers. | 35.0% |
4805.93.40.10 |
Paperboard, Rolled, Uncoated Paperboard | Inferred as uncoated paperboard category. Standard industrial paperboard without surface treatment. | 35.0% |
4805.93.40.20 |
Paperboard, Rolled, Other Category Reasonable Inference | Fits into other general paperboard categories not specifically listed elsewhere. A "catch-all" for uncoated rolls. | 35.0% |
4810.99.10.60 |
Paperboard/Paper, Rolled, Residual/Other Category | Based on the "residual category" principle for paper products that don't fit specific coated/uncoated definitions. Often used when product specs are ambiguous. | 35.0% |
π Critical Note:
- All listed HS codes for Cardboard Rolls from China to the US are subject to a total tariff of 35.0%.
- The breakdown is consistent: 0% Base Tariff + 25% Section 301 Tariff + 10% Section 122 Tariff.
- No de minimis exemption applies.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current tariffs apply (Section 301 & 122 measures are active)
π― 1. General Tariff Structure for All Listed HS Codes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (Ad Valorem) - Most paperboard imports have low base rates under GATT/WTO. |
| Section 301 Tariff (301 Footnote) | +25% - Imposed on Chinese goods under U.S. Trade Act Section 301. |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10% - Imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), specifically targeting certain Chinese imports. |
| Total Effective Tariff | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) - Small shipments are NOT exempt from these specific punitive tariffs. |
| Legal Pathway | USITC:HS_CODE β FOOTNOTE:301 (25%) + IEEPA:9903 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- The 25% is the standard "China Tariff" under Section 301.
- The 10% is an additional layer often applied to specific product lists or under broader emergency powers (Section 122).
- Total 35% is a fixed cost factor that must be included in your landed cost calculations.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail: Weight per roll, diameter, core size, material composition (e.g., kraft, test liner), and whether it is coated or uncoated. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Cardboard Roll," HS Code, Country of Origin (China), and CIF value. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail number of rolls, gross/net weight, and dimensions. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for proving origin. If not Chinese, tariffs may differ. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the roll, label, and cross-section (to show layers if multi-ply). |
| β Processing Details | βοΈ | If coated, provide details of the coating (e.g., clay, polymer) to justify HS Code 4811 vs 4805. |
β 2. Classification Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Coated is 4811, Uncoated is 4805, Otherwise 4810. All rolls from China face 35%!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code Range | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Coated/Processed Roll | 4811.51.20.10 |
Fits "coated or processed" description. |
| Packaging Base Paper (Roll) | 4811.51.20.40 |
Specific use inference for packaging. |
| Standard Uncoated Roll | 4805.93.40.10 / .20 |
Uncoated paperboard category. |
| Ambiguous/Other Roll | 4810.99.10.60 |
Residual category if specs are unclear. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Multi-layer Cardboard | Specify each layerβs material. If outer layer is coated, it may push classification to 4811. |
| Reinforced Cardboard | If embedded with mesh or wire, it might shift to other chapters. Ensure itβs pure paperboard. |
| Small Samples | Even small rolls are subject to the 35% tariff. Do not assume "sample" status exempts you. |
| Mixed Shipments | If shipping rolls of different types (coated/uncoated), declare separately to avoid misclassification penalties. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4811/4805/4810 |
35.0% | High tariff due to 301 + 122. No de minimis. |
| π¨π³ China | 4811/4805/4810 |
5-10% | Import duty applies, but no punitive surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4811/4805 |
6.5% | Standard WTO rate. No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4811/4805 |
6.5% | Post-Brexit tariff aligns with EU. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4811/4805 |
5-6% | Low tariffs under JETAs. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market for Chinese cardboard rolls due to the 35% combined tariff.
- For cost optimization, consider sourcing from Vietnam, Malaysia, or Mexico (if rules of origin are met) to avoid US punitive tariffs.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Cardboard" generically without specifying coated/uncoated.
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify to the highest taxable category or delay shipment.
Fix: Always specify "Coated Paperboard Roll" or "Uncoated Paperboard Roll."
β Mistake 2: Assuming small rolls are exempt from tariffs.
π Consequence: 35% tariff is still applied. No de minimis for these codes.
Fix: Include tariff costs in pricing for ALL shipment sizes.
β Mistake 3: Misidentifying the HS Code (e.g., using 4805 for coated paper).
π Consequence: Penalties for misdeclaration.
Fix: Verify coating process. Coated = 4811, Uncoated = 4805.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Paperboard Roll, Uncoated, Kraft Paper, Width 120cm, Diameter 1m, HS Code 4805.93.40.10, Origin China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Coated 4811, Uncoated 4805, Residual 4810. All 35% from China!"
πΉ "No De Minimis, No Excuses. Plan for 35% Landed Cost."
π Pro Tip:
If your cardboard rolls are sourced from Vietnam, Thailand, or Mexico, you may qualify for lower or zero tariffs due to trade agreements (e.g., ASEAN FTAs, USMCA).
Consider Advance Ruling from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to confirm the correct HS Code before shipping.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product specs + Verify HS Code
π Ensure smooth clearance, avoid delays, and optimize your supply chain costs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of tariff matters!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.