Cardboard Tube (Round)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3917290090 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3917290050 | 38.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823906700 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦ Cardboard Tube (Round) - Global HS Code & Duty Analysis 2026
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Strategy for Paper Products
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know "Cardboard Tubes"?
Cardboard tubes (round) are versatile packaging and structural components widely used in logistics, retail, construction, and industrial applications. They consist of paper pulp, paperboard, or cellulose fibers, often cut to specific lengths and formed into cylinders.
In international trade, they fall under Chapter 48 (Paper and Paperboard), but the exact HS Code depends on whether they are "cut to size/shape" and if they are "coated".
β οΈ Critical Distinction for Customs:
- Uncut/General Sheets/Non-coated β Often classified under broader waste/recycled paper codes (not applicable here based on provided data).
- Cut to Size/Shape & Coated β 4823.90.67.00 (Higher duty due to "coated" status).
- Cut to Size/Shape & Uncoated (Other) β 4823.90.86.80 (Standard "Other" category).Note: Based on the provided data, the relevant codes are 4823.90.86.80 and 4823.90.67.00. The key differentiator is the coating. If the tube has a wax, plastic, or other coating for water resistance, it falls under 67.00. If it is plain brown kraft paper, it falls under 86.80.
π II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariffε―Ήη §)
Based on the specific dataset provided for Cardboard Tubes:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
4823.90.86.80 |
Other paper articles, cut to size/shape; Other: Other: Other: Other | Plain kraft tubes, core tubes for textiles, uncoated mailing tubes, industrial spacers. | β No Coating (Raw paperboard) |
4823.90.67.00 |
Other paper articles, cut to size/shape; Of coated paper or paperboard | Water-resistant tubes, printed branding tubes, plastic-laminated core tubes, food-grade lined tubes. | β Has Coating |
π Key Insight:
- The term "Other paper, paperboard... cut to size or shape" defines the tube as a finished article, not raw paper rolls.
- The distinction lies entirely in the surface treatment. A simple brown tube is 86.80, while a tube with a protective or decorative coating is 67.00.
- Do not confuse with plastic tubes (Chapter 39) unless the tube is made of synthetic polymers (which is not "Cardboard").
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Destination: USA (US) - Based on the "Additional Duty" (ε εΎε ³η¨) structure in the data.
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Regime
π― 1. HS Code 4823.90.86.80 β Plain Cardboard Tubes (Uncoated)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff (εΊη‘ε ³η¨) | 0.0% | Standard MFN rate for paper products. |
| Additional Duty (ε εΎε ³η¨) | 25.0% | Section 301 / USITC Additional Tariffs (China-specific trade war measures). |
| Total Duty (ζ»η¨η) | 25.0% | Base + Additional |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% | Applied on the customs value. |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No | High value thresholds for Section 301 goods usually exclude small shipments. |
π Interpretation:
- Even though the base tariff is 0%, the 25% "Additional Duty" (ε εΎε ³η¨) is triggered because this is a Chinese-origin product subject to trade sanctions.
- This applies to uncoated paper tubes used in general packaging or logistics.
π― 2. HS Code 4823.90.67.00 β Coated Cardboard Tubes
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff (εΊη‘ε ³η¨) | 0.0% | Standard MFN rate. |
| Additional Duty (ε εΎε ³η¨) | 25.0% | Section 301 / USITC Additional Tariffs (Same as above). |
| Total Duty (ζ»η¨η) | 25.0% | Base + Additional |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% | Applied on the customs value. |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No | No exemption for coated paper products from China. |
π Interpretation:
- The 25% Additional Duty applies equally here.
- The "Coated" status does not lower the tariff; in fact, it might increase scrutiny as coatings often imply added value or chemical treatment.
- Critical: Ensure the coating is declared accurately. If a tube is "waterproofed" or "lacquered," it must be4823.90.67.00to avoid customs penalties for misclassification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Cardboard Tube" and "Round". Do not use vague terms like "Paper Roll" or "Pipe". |
| Packing List | βοΈ | Specify dimensions (Diameter, Length, Wall Thickness). |
| Material Composition | βοΈ | Confirm % of Paper Pulp vs. Coating/Plastic. If >51% is plastic, it might move to Chapter 39 (Plastics)! |
| Coating Specification | βοΈ | Crucial! Prove if it is coated. Provide MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) if the coating contains chemicals. |
| HS Code Ruling | βοΈ | If unsure between 86.80 and 67.00, apply for a Pre-Ruling from US Customs (CBP). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (The "Coating" Trap)
π₯ "Plain is 0% Base, Coated is Still 25% Add-on!"
The trap is assuming "Coated" changes the tariff structure. It does not. Both are 25% total.However, Misclassification Risk: - Error: Declaring a plastic-laminated tube as
4823(Paper).
- Consequence: If the coating is thick enough, CBP may reclassify it as Chapter 39 (Plastics) (e.g.,3917.29...).
- Risk: Plastic tubes sometimes have different duties (e.g., 3917.29.00.90 has 0% total tax in the provided data, but 3917.29.00.50 is also 0%).
- Wait! The data shows Plastic tubes have 0% tax, while Paper tubes have 25%.
- Strategic Insight: If your tube is plastic-coated or plastic-reinforced, ensure it still qualifies as "Paper" (Chapter 48). If it is primarily plastic, you might qualify for the 0% Plastic duty (3917.29) instead of the 25% Paper duty!β οΈ CRITICAL STRATEGY:
- If your "Cardboard Tube" is actually plastic-wrapped or plastic-lined, check if it meets the "Plastic" definition (HS Code 3917.29).
- Plastic Tubes (3917.29): 0% Total Tax (Base 0% + Additional 0%).
- Paper Tubes (4823): 25% Total Tax (Base 0% + Additional 25%).
- Action: If feasible, design or source tubes that are Plastic (if durability allows) to save 25%. If they must be paper, prepare for the 25% hit.
β 3. Common Mistakes & Solutions
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Calling it "Pipe" or "Tube" without material | CBP may suspect plastics (Chapter 39) and demand re-testing. | Explicitly state "Paper Pulp" or "Paperboard" in description. |
| Ignoring the "Coating" | Misdeclaring coated tubes as 86.80 (Uncoated) leads to fines. |
Always declare 67.00 if coated. The tax rate is the same (25%), but accuracy prevents delays. |
| Confusing Plastic vs. Paper | Paying 25% when eligible for 0% (Plastic tubes). | Analyze material composition. If >50% plastic by weight/volume, switch to 3917.29. |
| Using "Other Articles of Paper" | Too vague; leads to manual examination. | Use specific phrase: "Round Cardboard Tube, Cut to Size, [Coated/Uncoated]". |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Destination | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4823.90.86.80 / 4823.90.67.00 |
25% (Additional) | High Duty due to Section 301. Consider Plastic alternative (0%). |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4823 |
0% - 5% | Generally lower; no US-style Section 301. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4823 |
~3% - 5% | Standard tariff, no punitive add-ons. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 4823 |
0% | CUSMA/Freep Trade often 0%. |
π Conclusion: The US is the most expensive market for cardboard tubes from China due to the 25% Additional Duty.
Pro Tip: If the product can be manufactured as Plastic (Chapter 39), you can leverage the 0% duty shown in the data for3917.29.00.90and3917.29.00.50.
π― VI. Expert Strategy: Save 25% by Switching Materials!
π The "Plastic vs. Paper" Arbitrage:
Looking at the provided data: - Plastic Tubes (3917.29.00.90 / 50): 0% Total Tax (Base 0% + Add-on 0%). - Paper Tubes (4823.90.86.80 / 67): 25% Total Tax (Base 0% + Add-on 25%).Actionable Advice:
If your application (e.g., shipping, construction) allows for plastic tubes, switch your supply chain immediately. The 25% savings on a high-volume item like tubes can be significant. - If you must use Paper: Ensure the declaration is 100% accurate regarding "Coated" vs. "Uncoated" to avoid audits, but accept the 25% cost. - If you can use Plastic: Verify it falls under 3917.29 (Rigid tubes/hoses). This is the golden path to 0% duty.
π VII. Final Checklist for Shippers
- Material Check: Is it Paper or Plastic?
- Plastic? β Target 3917.29 (0% Duty).
- Paper? β Target 4823 (25% Duty).
- Coating Check: Is it coated?
- Yes? β Use
4823.90.67.00. - No? β Use
4823.90.86.80.
- Yes? β Use
- Documentation: Prepare Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and Composition Report.
- Labeling: Clear "Made in China" + "Paper" or "Plastic" on the product.
π£ Immediate Action Required:
π Contact your supplier: Ask, "Can we switch to Plastic Tubes (3917.29) to avoid the 25% US Additional Tariff?"
π Re-evaluate your BOM: If the function allows, Plastic is the cheapest path to the US.
π‘οΈ Paper is safe but expensive: If you stick to Paper, budget for 25% extra cost.
β¨ Smart Shipping Starts with the Right HS Code!
πΌ Don't let a 25% duty eat your margins β choose Plastic over Paper if possible!
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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.