Crepe Paper, Embossed Paper, Perforated Paper
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908620 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811909010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Crepe, Embossed & Perforated Paper (Decorative & Specialty Paper Products)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for US Imports
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are We Importing?
Crepe paper, embossed paper, and perforated paper are not merely "paper." In international trade, they fall under Chapter 48: Paper and Paperboard. The key to correct classification lies in their physical form (rolls, sheets, finished articles) and surface treatment (crinkling, pressing, punching).
- Crepe Paper: Paper with a distinct crinkled or wrinkled surface texture, often used for decorations, crafts, or industrial packing.
- Embossed Paper: Paper with a raised pattern pressed into the surface, used for greeting cards, stationery, or decorative coverings.
- Perforated Paper: Paper with a series of small holes or cuts, used for tickets, stamps, or easy-tearing stationery.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the paper is in rolls or sheets with decorative/texture treatment β It is likely 4811 or 4823.90.
- If the paper is a finished article (e.g., a cut-out shape, a specific package) β It falls under 4823.90.
- Crucial: Are they "raw material" for manufacturing, or "finished goods"? This determines the HS code path.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on your specific inputs (Crepe paper, embossed paper, perforated paper), here are the three most relevant HS Codes from your dataset, explained by their matching logic.
| HS Code | Product Description | Matching Logic | Applicable Form |
|---|---|---|---|
4823.90.86.80 |
Other paper articles, including paper crepe/embossed/perforated | Matches Material & Form: Specifically covers crepe/embossed/perforated papers that are finished articles or non-specific paper items. | Finished goods, cut shapes, specific paper products |
4823.90.86.20 |
Other paper articles, matched by raw material/semi-finished features | Matches Raw Material/Semi-finished: Covers embossed/perforated paper that retains semi-finished characteristics or is used as a component. | Semi-finished paper products, rolls for further processing |
4811.90.90.10 |
Paper treated or coated (decorative/texture), in rolls or sheets | Matches Roll/Sheet Form: Specifically for paper in rolls or sheets that has undergone decorative or texture processing (embossing/creping). | Rolls, large sheets, untreated for final use |
π Critical Reminder:
- 4823.90 codes are for Articles (finished items or specific forms like crepe/embossed/perforated sheets).
- 4811 codes are for Paper in Rolls/Sheets with specific treatments (coating, creping, embossing) intended for further conversion.
- Do not mix: If you import pre-printed, embossed gift boxes, use 4823. If you import rolls of embossed paper for a printer, use 4811.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4823.90.86.80 & 4823.90.86.20 ββ Paper Articles (Crepe/Embossed/Perforated)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 applies to many paper articles) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% (ιε―ΉδΈε½δΊ§εοΌθͺ2025εΉ΄11ζ10ζ₯θ΅·ηζ) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4823.90.86.80 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 0%": Paper articles generally have a low base duty.
- "301 Surtax 25%": This is the major penalty under Section 301 for Chinese origin paper products.
- "IEEPA 10%": Additional tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total 35%: This is a high-cost classification. You must calculate this into your landed cost immediately.
π― 2. 4811.90.90.10 ββ Decorative/Textured Paper in Rolls/Sheets
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4811.90.90.10 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Even if the paper is in rolls (which might seem like raw material), if it is decoratively treated (embossed/creped), it often attracts the same 301 surtax as finished articles.
- No advantage in shifting from 4823 to 4811 to avoid the 25% surtax.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail: Crepe count, embossing pattern, perforation type, paper weight (gsm), roll width/length. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing texture, perforations, and any packaging. Customs needs to verify "embossed" vs "printed". |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Embossed Paper", "Crepe Paper", or "Perforated Paper". Do not just say "Paper". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail roll dimensions, weight, and whether items are cut (finished) or in rolls. |
| β Country of Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Essential for proving Chinese origin (triggers the 35% tax). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Mnemonic)
π₯ "Texture Defines Code, Rolls vs. Articles, 35% Tax is Key!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Embossed Paper Rolls | 4811.90.90.10 "Embossed Paper Rolls, 50cm wide, 20kg" |
Declare as "Plain Paper" β Risk of penalty + wrong tax |
| Perforated Ticket Paper (Cut) | 4823.90.86.80 "Perforated Paper Tickets" |
Declare as "Paper" β Misclassification risk |
| Crepe Paper (Decorative) | 4823.90.86.80 or 4823.90.86.20 |
Under-declare value β Audit flag |
| Mixed Bulk (Rolls + Sheets) | Split declaration | Mix in one line β Customs rejection |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Decorative Paper | Provide design files to prove "embossed/creped" nature. If itβs just plain paper with ink, tax may differ (but often still 301). |
| Perforated Paper for Self-Service | Clearly state use case (e.g., "for ticket printers"). If itβs raw stock, consider 4811. |
| Small Samples (De Minimis) | β Not Eligible. Paper articles from China do not qualify for the $800 de minimis exemption if they fall under these HS codes with 301 surtaxes. Always declare fully. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4823.90.86.80 / 4811.90.90.10 |
35% (0% Base + 25% 301 + 10% IEEPA) | None specific | High tariff impact on cost. |
| π¨π³ China | 4811.90 / 4823.90 |
0%~5% | None | No extra surtaxes. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4811.90 / 4823.90 |
6.5%~7.5% | None | No 301 equivalent surtax. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4811.90 |
5% | None | Competitive market. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4811.90 |
3%~4% | None | Low duty, strict quality checks. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market for Chinese paper products due to the 35% effective rate.
- EU and Asia offer significantly lower barriers. Consider supply chain diversification if targeting the US market heavily.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Embosed Paper" as "Plain Paper"
π Consequence: Customs will inspect, find the texture, apply 35% tax + fines + penalty.
π Fix: Be transparent. Use exact terms like "Embossed Decorative Paper".
β Error 2: Ignoring the "IEEPA 10%" on top of "301 25%"
π Consequence: Under-budgeting by 10%. Profit margins evaporate.
π Fix: Always calculate Base + 25% + 10% = 35%.
β Error 3: Confusing "Crepe Paper" (industrial) with "Crepe Paper" (craft)
π Consequence: Misclassification. Craft crepe paper might be seen as a "toy" or "craft item" (higher duty), while industrial is paper.
π Fix: Specify use. If for crafts, ensure itβs clearly "paper-based".
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Embossed Decorative Paper Rolls, 50cm Width, 20kg, Chinese Origin, HS 4811.90.90.10"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control, Smooth Clearance
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Texture Matters, Code 48 Rules, 35% Tax is the Price!"
πΉ "Donβt Hide the Emboss, Declare the Perforation, Avoid the Audit!"
π Pro Tip:
If your paper is not from China (e.g., Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand), you may avoid the 25% Section 301 surtax.
π Strategy: Consider sourcing embossed/creped paper from non-China countries to save 25% in duty.
π Action: Request a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) certificate if available.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with high-res photos of the paper texture.
π Apply for Advance Ruling if importing large volumes to lock in the HS code and tax rate.
π Optimize your supply chain: China = 35% Cost, Vietnam = ~0% Cost (for US import).
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your margin depends on the digits in the HS Code!
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.