Hamburger Paper
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4818900020 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4818900080 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
🍔 Hamburger Paper (Food-Grade Wrapping & Tissue Paper)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand “Hamburger Paper”?
Hamburger paper, commonly referred to in international trade as paper food wrapping, tissue paper for food service, or sanitary paper articles, is a specialized type of paper product designed to wrap hamburgers, sandwiches, and other food items. It is typically made from food-grade paper pulp, often treated for grease resistance or simply used as a clean barrier.
In international trade classification, it is categorized under Chapter 48 (Paper and paperboard), specifically under heading 4818 (Toilet paper, tissues, towels, tablecloths, etc.).
Key Distinction:
- Food-Grade Wrapping Paper: If the primary purpose is wrapping food (like burgers), it falls under “Other” sanitary/household paper articles.
- Not Cooking/Baking Paper: Do not confuse with silicone-coated baking paper (often classified under 4823 or 3920 if plastic-coated). Hamburger paper here refers to uncoated or lightly treated tissue/napkin-style paper used for handling food.
⚠️ Critical Classification Point:
- If it is cut to size (e.g., squares for burgers) or in rolls ≤ 36 cm, it falls under 4818.90.
- If it is not for sanitary/household use but purely industrial packaging, it might be classified elsewhere, but for standard food service “hamburger papers,” 4818.90 is the correct heading.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application | Tax Rate (China Origin to US) |
|---|---|---|---|
4818.90.00.20 |
Other Face Masks | Note: This description seems misaligned with typical hamburger paper. However, in some automated systems, “Other” subcategories may be mislabeled. For hamburger paper, the correct subcategory is usually “Other Other” or “Other Face Masks” if misclassified. | 7.5% |
4818.90.00.80 |
Other Other | Standard hamburger wrapping paper, food tissues, napkins, cleansing tissues | 7.5% |
🔍 Key Clarification:
- The HS Code 4818.90.00.80 is the correct classification for hamburger paper (as “Other” sanitary/household paper articles).
-4818.90.00.20is labeled “Other Face Masks” in the provided data, which is likely a data error or system mislabeling for this specific product. However, since both codes have the same tax rate of 7.5%, the financial impact is identical.
- Recommendation: Always declare as “Hamburger Wrapping Paper” or “Paper Food Tissues” under 4818.90.00.80 to avoid customs ambiguity.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Duties)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025–2026 (subject to ongoing trade policies)
🎯 1. HS Code 4818.90.00.80 – Other Other (Hamburger Paper)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ❌ Not Applicable (For shipments ≥ $800, full duty applies; for < $800, may be exempt under Section 321, but professional importers should confirm) |
| Legal Basis | USITC Tariff Schedule, Section 301 Trade Actions |
📌 Explanation:
- The base tariff for most paper articles under 4818 is 0%.
- The 7.5% additional tariff is imposed under Section 301 on certain Chinese-origin goods, including some paper products.
- No base tax, but 7.5% additional duty applies.
- Total cost impact: 7.5% of the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must state “Food-Grade Paper,” “Grease-Resistant” (if applicable), “For Food Wrapping” |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly describe as “Hamburger Wrapping Paper” or “Paper Food Tissues,” not just “Paper” |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Include weight, dimensions, number of rolls/sheets |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Required for tariff preference claims if applicable (though China origin here) |
| ✅ FDA Food Contact Material Compliance | ✔️ | Critical! Must provide proof that paper meets FDA 21 CFR requirements for food contact |
| ✅ Third-Party Test Report | ✔️ | FDA compliance report, migration test results |
📌 Key Reminder:
- Do NOT declare as “Copy Paper” or “Printer Paper” → This leads to misclassification and penalties.
- Do NOT omit FDA compliance → Without it, goods may be detained or refused entry.
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
🔥 “Food-Grade, Not Copy Paper! FDA Compliant, Clear Description!”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard hamburger paper | 4818.90.00.80 – “Hamburger Wrapping Paper, Food-Grade” |
“Paper Rolls” → Ambiguous, high risk |
| Grease-resistant paper | Specify “Grease-Resistant” in description | “Standard Paper” → Misleading |
| Bulk rolls ≤ 36 cm width | 4818.90.00.80 |
“Industrial Paper” → Wrong chapter |
| Cut-to-size napkins | 4818.90.00.80 |
“Textiles” → Wrong chapter |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Print | Provide print design specs; still classified under 4818.90.00.80 |
| Scented/Flavored Paper | May require additional FDA approval for additives; declare additives explicitly |
| Recycled Paper | Must disclose % recycled content; still under 4818.90.00.80 |
| Shipment < $800 | May qualify for de minimis exemption (Section 321), but verify with customs broker |
🌍 V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 US | 4818.90.00.80 |
7.5% | FDA 21 CFR | 7.5% additional duty applies |
| 🇨🇳 China | 4818.90.00.80 |
5–8% | GB 4806.7-2016 | Basic import duty |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 4818.90.90 |
0–6.5% | EU 10/2011 | Low risk, standard clearance |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 4818.90.00.00 |
5% | FSANZ Standards | No additional duties |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 4818.90.00.90 |
0–3% | Japan Food Safety Law | Minimal barriers |
📌 Conclusion:
- The US has the highest tariff at 7.5% due to Section 301.
- FDA compliance is non-negotiable for US entry.
- Other markets have lower or zero tariffs but still require food-contact material certification.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring as “Printer Paper” or “Copy Paper”
👉 Consequence: Misclassification → 25% duty + penalties instead of 7.5%.
❌ Mistake 2: Omitting FDA Compliance Documentation
👉 Consequence: Detention, destruction, or return of goods at US border.
❌ Mistake 3: Using vague descriptions like “Paper Products”
👉 Consequence: Customs exam → Delays, additional inspections, potential fines.
❌ Mistake 4: Not specifying width/roll size for rolls
👉 Consequence: If >36 cm, may fall under different subheading → Different tariff.
✅ Correct Practice:
“Hamburger Wrapping Paper, Food-Grade, Uncoated, Rolls 30 cm Width, FDA Compliant, Model XYZ, 100% Recycled Paper”
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 “Food-Grade, Not Copy Paper! FDA Compliant, Clear Description!”
🔹 “HS Code 4818.90.00.80, 7.5% Duty, Zero Base Tax!”
📌 Pro Tip:
If your hamburger paper is originating from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may avoid the 7.5% Section 301 duty by obtaining a Certificate of Origin under USMCA or ASEAN Trade Agreements.
👉 Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) before shipment to confirm classification.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide FDA Compliance Docs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure smooth clearance, minimize costs, and accelerate time-to-market!
✨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
💼 Every cent saved is pure profit!
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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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.