Compressed Towel
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6307908945 | 17.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 6307102028 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4818200020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4818200040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π§ββοΈ Compressed Towel (Compressed Facial/Household Towel)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What Exactly is a "Compressed Towel"?
A Compressed Towel is a highly compact, dry sheet of tissue or non-woven fabric that expands upon contact with water. In international trade, it is not classified as a standard textile (cotton/synthetic) towel, but rather as a paper or cellulose-based household article.
Key Distinction: * Standard Cloth Towel (Cotton/Synthetic): Soft, woven pile construction. β Classified under Chapter 63. * Compressed Towel: Dry, compacted, made of paper pulp, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers. β Classified under Chapter 48.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
If the product is described as "towel" but is physically compressed, dry, and expands with water, customs authorities strictly classify it under Chapter 48 (Paper), NOT Chapter 63 (Textiles). Misclassification leads to severe penalties.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided <DATA>, Compressed Towels fall under Heading 4818. The specific HS Codes depend on the exact physical form and marketing description, but they generally map to the following:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability for Compressed Towels | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
4818.20.00.20 |
Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels Towels | Best Fit: If marketed as "Facial Towels" or "Cleansing Towels" that expand. This is the primary code for paper-based towels. | 25.0% |
4818.20.00.40 |
Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels Other | Alternative: If the product does not fit the specific "Towels" sub-category above, or is considered a "general cleansing tissue" in compressed form. | 25.0% |
π Why NOT other codes? *
6307.90.89.45(Cotton Pillow Shells/Towels): Incorrect. Compressed towels are not made of cotton pile/tufted construction. They are paper/cellulose. *6307.10.20.28(Dishcloths/Dusters): Incorrect. Compressed towels are for personal hygiene (face/body), not for cleaning dishes or dusting.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current tariffs apply as per the provided data.
π― 1. 4818.20.00.20 & 4818.20.00.40 ββ Compressed Towels / Paper Towels
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 / Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| Total Tariff | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β NOT Eligible (For goods from China under Section 301, the $800 de minimis threshold is often restricted or the tariff applies regardless of value if specifically listed). Note: Always verify current US CBP de minimis policies for Chinese origin goods. |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 4818.20 β USITC Footnote 301 β 25% Additional Duty |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate 0%: Paper products often have low base duties in the US. - Additional 25%: This is the Section 301 tariff imposed on specific Chinese imports. Paper-based hygiene products like compressed towels are frequently included in the tariff list. - Total Impact: Even though the base duty is 0%, the 25% surcharge significantly impacts the landed cost.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Must clearly show the compressed disc/cube shape and the expanded texture. Proves it is "paper/cellulose," not cotton. |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Must state: "100% Wood Pulp" or "100% Cellulose Fiber." DO NOT say "Cotton." |
| β Instruction Sheet | βοΈ | Shows "Add water to expand." This supports the "paper tissue" classification under 4818. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must be precise: "Compressed Facial Towel, Paper-based, 100% Cellulose, Expandable with Water." |
| β HS Code Declaration | βοΈ | Must declare 4818.20.00.20 or 4818.20.00.40. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ βDonβt Say Cotton, Say Cellulose!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing | "Compressed Paper Towel" | "Cotton Compressed Towel" | Customs may reject or reclassify, leading to delays. |
| HS Code | 4818.20.00.20 |
6302.40.00 (Cotton Sheets) |
25% Tariff vs. Potential 0-12%? Actually, 4818 has 25% additional tariff. Misclassification can lead to audits. |
| Material | "Paper Pulp / Cellulose Web" | "Textile Fabric" | Correctly falls under Chapter 48, not Chapter 63. |
β 3. Special Handling Notes
- Packaging: Ensure the individual units are sealed in waterproof plastic to prevent premature expansion during shipping.
- Weight Calculation: Declare the compressed weight. Do not estimate expanded weight.
- Origin Marking: Clearly mark "Made in China" on the packaging to avoid origin disputes.
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | Additional Duty (China) | Total Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4818.20.00.20 |
0% | 25% | 25% | High tariff due to Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4818.20.00 |
5-6% | 0% | ~5-6% | No Section 301 equivalent. Lower cost. |
| π¨π³ China (Import) | 4818.20.00 |
5-8% | 0% | ~5-8% | Standard import duty for paper products. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4818.20.00 |
5-6% | 0% | ~5-6% | Post-Brexit tariffs similar to EU. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4818.20.00 |
3-4% | 0% | ~3-4% | Low duty, favorable for paper goods. |
π Conclusion:
The US market is the most expensive for Compressed Towels from China due to the 25% additional tariff.
If targeting the US, consider supply chain adjustments (e.g., final assembly in a third country) or pricing strategies to absorb the 25% cost.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying as Cotton Towel (6307.90.89.45)
π Reason: Using the word "Towel" alone.
π Consequence: Customs rejects it because itβs not cotton. Must re-classify, causing delays.
β Mistake 2: Claiming "De Minimis" ($800 exemption) for B2B Shipments
π Reason: Section 301 tariffs often cannot be bypassed via de minimis if the goods are of Chinese origin.
π Consequence: Unexpected 25% bill upon arrival.
β Mistake 3: Vague Description "Towel"
π Consequence: Customs officer has to guess. May classify as "Other Paper Goods" with higher scrutiny or different rates.
β Correct Practice:
"Compressed Facial Towel, 100% Wood Pulp, Expandable with Water, Paper-Based Household Article, HS 4818.20.00.20"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Clear Customs!
π― Remember:
πΉ βIf it expands with water, itβs Paper (4818), not Cotton (6307).β
πΉ ββTowelβ is a misleading word; use βPaper Towelβ or βFacial Tissueβ in declarations.β
πΉ βExpect 25% Additional Tariff in the US. Plan your margins accordingly.β
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping to the US, always include a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) or a Certificate of Composition proving the item is 100% Cellulose/Paper. This is your strongest evidence to support the 4818 classification and avoid being taxed as textiles.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Verify your productβs material with your supplier.
π Update your Commercial Invoice to read: "Compressed Paper Towel, 100% Cellulose."
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Avoid 25% Surprise Costs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Efficiency Depends on Accurate HS Codes!
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.