Lightly Coated Drawing Paper
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4811904090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4810221000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4810131900 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811592000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4909002000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¨ Lightly Coated Drawing Paper (Coated Paper for Drawing)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Lightly Coated Drawing Paper" Really?
"Lightly Coated Drawing Paper" is a specialized paper product primarily used for artistic drawing, drafting, and high-quality graphic reproduction. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the weight per square meter, surface treatment (coating), and intended use.
Key Distinctions: * Uncoated vs. Coated: If the paper surface has been treated with a coating (clay, silica, etc.) to improve smoothness and ink receptivity, it falls under Chapter 48 Sections related to "Coated Paper." * Weight Matters: Paper weighing β€ 150 g/mΒ² is generally treated differently from heavier papers. * End Use: Is it specifically for drawing/sketching (often linked to Chapter 48 or 49), or is it a general printing medium?
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If it is a standard coated paper for drawing/writing with β€ 150g/mΒ² β 4810.13.19.00 / 4810.22.10.00
- If it is a general coated paper without specific "drawing" exclusions or different weight β 4811.90.40.90 / 4811.59.20.00
- If it is postally prepared (postcards) β 4909.00.20.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
4810.13.19.00 |
Lightly coated paper, drawing use, weight β€ 150 g/mΒ² | High-quality sketching, technical drawing, lightweight artistic paper | β β€150g/mΒ², Coated |
4810.22.10.00 |
Lightly coated paper, for writing or graphic purposes | General artistic drawing, graphic arts, standard coated stock | β Coated, Specific Use |
4811.90.40.90 |
Lightly coated paper, drawing use, other coated paper products | General coated paper not specified in 4810/4811 subheads, other uses | β Coated, General |
4811.59.20.00 |
Lightly coated paper for printing or drawing | Industrial printing stock, coated paper for graphic reproduction | β Coated, Printing/Drawing |
4909.00.20.00 |
Lightly coated postcard paper, material is printing paper, form is postcard | Postcards, greeting cards, printed mailers | β Postcard Form |
π Key Reminder:
- Chapter 48 covers paper and paperboard.
- Subheading 4810 specifically targets "Coated with mineral substances or with plastic" or "Lightly coated."
- Chapter 49 (e.g.,4909) applies only if the paper has been further processed into a specific finished good like postcards. If it is just bulk paper rolls/sheets, it stays in Chapter 48.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. HS Codes: 4811.90.40.90, 4810.22.10.00, 4810.13.19.00, 4811.59.20.00
(General Lightly Coated Drawing Paper)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (USITC Footnote related to Chinese goods) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific countermeasure tariff) |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4810.xxxx/4811.xxxx β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 0%": Standard MFN rate for many paper products is zero.
- "301 Surcharge 25%": This is the primary Section 301 tariff applied to Chinese-origin goods in this category.
- "122 Clause Tariff 10%": An additional surcharge under specific trade measures.
- Total 35%: This is a high tariff burden. Importers must factor this into their landed cost calculations.
- No De Minimis: Packages under $800 cannot be exempted from these tariffs.
π― 2. HS Code: 4909.00.20.00
(Lightly Coated Postcard Paper)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (Reduced surcharge for specific end-use goods) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Available (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4909.00.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:301_REDUCTION β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- The tariff for postcards/final printed products (4909) is lower because it is considered a different class of goods compared to bulk paper (4810/4811).
- Base + 301 (7.5%) + 122 (10%) = 17.5%.
- Crucial Distinction: If you import blank postcard paper, it might still be4811. If you import printed postcards or specifically labeled postcard stock, it may fall under4909. Ensure your description matches the HS definition strictly.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (All Are Mandatory)
| Document | Must Provide | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must detail: Weight (g/mΒ²), Coating type, GSM, Width/Length, Color. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical for proving CN origin to apply 301/122 tariffs accurately. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Lightly Coated Paper for Drawing," HS Code, Value. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show total net/gross weight. Ensure no mixed goods (e.g., don't mix with non-coated paper unless declared correctly). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show packaging, labels, and a close-up of the paper surface (to prove coating). |
| β Bill of Lading (B/L) | βοΈ | Match invoice details exactly. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Weight Defines Chapter, Coating Defines Subheading, Postcard Changes It All!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Approach | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk Paper, β€150g/mΒ², Coated, for Drawing | 4810.13.19.00 |
Declare as 4811.90.40.90 |
Potential penalty for misclassification (though rates are same here, accuracy is key for audits). |
| Bulk Paper, >150g/mΒ², Coated, for Drawing | 4811.90.40.90 |
Declare as 4810... |
35% Rate. Misclassification could lead to underpayment if specific sub-heads have different base rates (rare here, but risky). |
| Printed Postcards | 4909.00.20.00 |
Declare as 4811... |
17.5% Rate. If you declare bulk paper code for postcards, you might be underpaying if the code differs, or overpaying if the reverse. Check if 4909 is truly applicable. |
| Mixed Paper (Coated + Uncoated) | Split Declaration | Lump sum declaration | Customs may seize the entire shipment or assign a punitive rate. |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Drawing Paper | Provide customer PO + design specs. Ensure description matches the "Drawing Use" claim to justify 4810 vs 4811. |
| "Lightly Coated" Ambiguity | Provide lab test results or manufacturer's technical sheet proving the coating is "light" (not heavy stock/cardboard). Heavy coating might move to 4810.31 or 4810.99. |
| Postcard Paper vs. Bulk Paper | If importing blank sheets to be printed later, use 4811 or 4810. If importing finished postcards, use 4909. Do not mix. |
| Transshipment via 3rd Country | Warning: US Customs tracks origin strictly. If paper is manufactured in China but shipped from Vietnam, and you declare CN origin to avoid tariffs, this is fraud. Use proper Certificate of Origin. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Req. | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4810.13.19.00 / 4811.90.40.90 |
35% (Coated Paper) 17.5% (Postcards) |
FDA (if contact food), no major tech cert | High tariff environment. |
| π¨π³ China | 4810.13.19.00 |
~0-13% (Import Duty) | GB Standard | Domestic production is high. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4810.13 |
0% (Most) | FSC Certification (Recommended) | Green paper trends. No 301/122. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4810.13 |
0-5% | FSC/PEFC | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4810.13 |
0-5% | No major barriers | Free Trade Agreement benefits may apply if from AUS/China not applicable directly. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with severe Section 301/122 tariffs (35%) for coated drawing paper.
- European Union and other markets are tariff-free or low-tariff.
- Strategy: If targeting the US, consider tariff engineering (e.g., ensuring correct sub-heading for postcards4909if applicable) or supply chain diversification if volume is high.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons from Experience)
β Error 1: Declaring "Coated Paper" generally without specifying weight.
π Consequence: Customs may default to a higher base rate or hold shipment for further inspection.
π Fix: Always state GSM (grams per square meter).
β Error 2: Using "Printing Paper" for all coated products.
π Consequence: Misclassification. "Printing Paper" is broad. "Drawing Paper" or "Graphic Paper" is more specific in 4810.
π Fix: Use precise terms like "Lightly Coated Paper for Graphic Purposes."
β Error 3: Confusing "Postcard Paper" (4811) with "Postcards" (4909).
π Consequence: If you ship blank paper but declare it as postcards, you risk customs fraud allegations. If you ship postcards but declare as blank paper, you may face underpayment of duties if rates differ.
π Fix: Match the physical product state to the HS code.
β Error 4: Ignoring the 122 Clause.
π Consequence: Underpaying by 10%.
π Fix: Ensure your broker applies the 10% IEEPA 122 tariff in addition to the 301 tariff.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Lightly Coated Paper, 120g/mΒ², for Technical Drawing, White, Roll Form, Chinese Origin, HS Code 4810.13.19.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision in Classification Saves Cost!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Coated Paper = 35% (US) / Postcard = 17.5% (US)"
πΉ "Weight β€150g β 4810 / Weight >150g or General β 4811"
πΉ "Never Mix De Minimis Exemptions for these HS Codes"
π Pro Tip:
If your volume is significant, consider applying for an Advance Ruling from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to lock in the HS Code and tariff rate before shipment. This provides legal certainty and avoids post-clearance audits.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your Freight Forwarder + Provide Technical Spec Sheet (GSM/Coating Type) + Apply for Pre-Arrival Review.
π Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance, Avoid Delays, and Protect Your Margins!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent of Tariff Counts in the Bottom Line!
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.