Disposable Facial Towel
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4818200020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4818900020 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4818900020 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4818200020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4818900020 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§» Disposable Facial Towels (Dispersible Wet Wipes / Facial Tissues)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Disposable Facial Towels"?
Disposable Facial Towels are single-use hygiene products primarily used for personal care, makeup removal, or facial cleansing. In international trade, these products are strictly distinguished from reusable cloth towels and other paper products based on their material composition, packaging format, and intended use.
In the context of the provided data, these products fall under two main categories depending on the fiber type: 1. Cellulose-Based (Paper/Tissue): If made from paper pulp, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers (e.g., standard facial tissues or wet wipes made of paper). 2. Man-Made Fiber-Based (Non-Woven): If made from synthetic materials like polyester, polypropylene, or viscose (common in high-end reusable-but-disposable microfiber towels or non-woven wipes).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is paper/cellulose-based (soft, absorbent, often in packs of 10-100 sheets) β It falls under HS 4818.20.00.
- If the product is man-made fiber non-woven (textile-like feel, durable when wet, often marketed as "microfiber" or "cloth-like") β It falls under HS 6307.90.98.84.
- Note: Disposable masks are excluded (HS 6307.90.98.70), so ensure your product is clearly described as a "towel" or "wipe," not a face mask.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the <DATA> provided, here are the precise classifications for "Disposable Facial Towels" and related sanitary paper products:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Type | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4818.20.00.20 |
Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels: Towels | Paper-based facial towels, wet wipes made of paper, toilet-paper-like sanitary towels | Cellulose / Paper | 25.0% |
4818.20.00.40 |
Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels: Other | Other paper-based cleansing tissues or facial tissues not specified as "towels" | Cellulose / Paper | 25.0% |
6307.90.98.84 |
Other made up articles: Other Other towels of man-made fibers | Non-woven facial towels, microfiber disposable towels, synthetic cloth-like wipes | Man-Made Fibers (Synthetic) | 14.5% |
6307.90.98.70 |
Other face masks: Disposable | NOT APPLICABLE to towels. Reserved for face masks. | Various | 0.0% |
π Critical Reminder:
- Paper/Cotton-Based Towels: Must be declared as 4818.20.00.20 ("Towels") or 4818.20.00.40 ("Other"). Do not confuse with textile towels. - Synthetic/Non-Woven Towels: Must be declared as 6307.90.98.84. This is a crucial distinction. If you declare a synthetic towel as paper (4818), customs may reject it for misclassification. If you declare a paper towel as textile (6307), you risk lower duty evasion penalties. - Zero Tax Item:6307.90.98.70is for Face Masks. Do NOT use this HS code for facial towels, even if they are disposable. This is a common error that leads to shipment delays.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Duties)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025 onwards (Refer to latest USITC/USCBP updates)
π― 1. 4818.20.00.20 & 4818.20.00.40 ββ Paper/Cellulose-Based Facial Towels
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis | USITC Heading 4818, Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- Paper products of this type generally have a 0% base duty, but are heavily impacted by Section 301 trade remedy duties due to being sourced from China. - The 25% additional tariff is non-negotiable for standard commercial imports. - Cost Impact: A $10,000 shipment incurs $2,500 in duties alone.
π― 2. 6307.90.98.84 ββ Man-Made Fiber (Non-Woven) Disposable Towels
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% (Specific to this subheading in provided data) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 14.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 14.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Based on provided data implying commercial import) |
| Legal Basis | USITC Heading 6307 |
π Explanation:
- Unlike paper products, man-made fiber towels have a 7.0% base duty. - The provided data shows an additional 7.5%, bringing the total to 14.5%. - Cost Impact: A $10,000 shipment incurs $1,450 in duties. - Savings Opportunity: This is 10.5 percentage points cheaper than the paper-based equivalent (25.0% vs 14.5%).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Composition Statement | βοΈ | Must explicitly state: "100% Viscose/PP" (for 6307) or "100% Wood Pulp" (for 4818). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show texture (non-woven vs. paper), packaging, and usage instructions. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code. Avoid generic terms like "Tissue"; use "Non-Woven Facial Towel" or "Paper Facial Towel". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net weight vs. gross weight. Paper towels are often sold by weight; non-wovens by piece count. |
| β Labeling | βοΈ | Ensure labels comply with US consumer safety standards (if applicable) and clearly state material. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Material First, HS Second, Don't Mask as Towel!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Paper/Cotton Facial Towel | 4818.20.00.20 |
Misdeclaring as textile (6307) β Underpayment of duty + Penalty. |
| Non-Woven/Synthetic Towel | 6307.90.98.84 |
Misdeclaring as paper (4818) β Overpayment of duty (lose 10.5% margin). |
| Disposable Face Mask | 6307.90.98.70 |
Using this for towels β 0% duty claimed wrongly β Customs Audit, Seizure, Fraud Charges. |
β 3. Special Handling & Optimization
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Product is a Blend | If 50% paper, 50% synthetic, customs may classify based on essential character. Usually, the majority component dictates the HS code. Provide a detailed breakdown. |
| Wet Wipes vs. Dry Towels | If the product is pre-moistened, it may still fall under 4818 or 6307 depending on material, but ensure liquid content is declared. Some wet wipes are classified under different chapters if heavily impregnated with chemicals. |
| Bundle Packaging | If sold in a box of 50 sheets, declare the sheet count and total weight. Avoid declaring as "1 box" without details. |
| Brand/Labeling | Ensure no "Medical Device" claims if it's just a cosmetic towel. Medical claims trigger FDA review, delaying clearance. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)
| Market | Recommended HS Code (Example) | Approx. Duty Rate | Key Certification |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4818.20.00.20 (Paper) or 6307.90.98.84 (Synthetic) |
14.5% - 25.0% | No special cert required for basic hygiene, but FTC labeling applies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4818.20 (Paper) or 6307 (Textile) | 0% - 6.5% | CE Marking may apply if sold as medical/dental; otherwise standard consumer goods. |
| π¨π³ China | 4818.20 or 6307 | 7% - 12% | NMPA filing if marketed for medical use; otherwise standard inspection. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4818.20 or 6307 | 0% - 8% | JIS Standard compliance recommended for quality trust. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for these goods due to high Section 301 tariffs. - Material Choice is Critical: Switching from paper (4818) to synthetic non-woven (6307) can save 10.5% in duties for US imports. - Never use the face mask HS code (6307.90.98.70) for towels.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Facial Tissue" (Paper) as "Face Mask" to get 0% duty.
π Consequence: Customs flags for misclassification. Shipment held, fines imposed, potential fraud investigation.
β Mistake 2: Using a generic term like "Towel" without specifying material.
π Consequence: CBP (Customs and Border Protection) will investigate. If they determine it's paper, you owe the difference between 14.5% and 25%, plus interest.
β Mistake 3: Confusing "Non-Woven" with "Paper".
π Consequence: Non-woven is textile-like. If declared as paper (4818), you overpay duty. If declared as textile (6307) but it's paper, you underpay. Always specify "Non-Woven Polypropylene" or "Wood Pulp".
β Correct Approach:
"Non-Woven Facial Towel, Disposable, 100% Polypropylene, Pack of 100 pcs, For Cosmetic Use Only."
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ Paper Towels = 4818 = 25% Duty
πΉ Synthetic Towels = 6307 = 14.5% Duty
πΉ Face Masks = 6307.98.70 = 0% Duty (DO NOT USE FOR TOWELS)πΉ HS Code determines your profit margin. A 10.5% difference is huge for low-margin retail goods!
π Pro Tip:
If you are sourcing from China, calculate the landed cost for both 4818.20.00.20 and 6307.90.98.84 before finalizing your product design. A switch from paper to non-woven could significantly improve your US market competitiveness.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker with material composition sheets.
π Declare exact material (Wood Pulp vs. Viscose/PP).
π Clear Goods Faster, Pay Less Duty, Maximize Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Bottom Line Depends on the Last 4 Digits of the HS Code!
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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.