Lightweight Coated Kraft 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 Lightweight Coated Kraft Paper (Lightweight Coated Paper for Drawing/Printing)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Lightweight Coated Paper"?
Lightweight Coated Paper (LC Paper) is a high-quality paper product characterized by a thin coating layer applied to both sides of a paper base. In international trade, it is primarily used for drawing, graphic design, high-end printing, and packaging.
The classification depends heavily on: 1. Base Material: Is it "Kraft" or generic "Wood pulp"? 2. Weight: Grammage per square meter (gsm). 3. Specific Use: Is it specifically for "drawing" (artistic) or general "printing/writing"? 4. Form: Is it a flat sheet, or pre-formed into cards/postcards?
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If it is coated wood pulp paper with a weight β€150g/mΒ² and used for drawing β Likely 4810.13.19.00 or 4811.90.40.90.
- If it is Kraft paper coated for writing/graphic purposes β Likely 4810.22.10.00.
- If it is pre-formed into postcards β It changes category entirely to 4909.00.20.00.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
4811.90.40.90 |
Lightly coated paper for drawing; material: paper; form: coated | Generic drawing paper, artistic sketching | Coated, generic paper base |
4810.22.10.00 |
Lightweight coated paper; material matches Kraft characteristics; use: writing/graphic | Kraft-based coated paper for business graphics | Kraft base, coated, graphic use |
4810.13.19.00 |
Coated paper; weight β€150g/mΒ²; use: drawing | High-quality lightweight coated paper (LC) | Weight β€150g/mΒ², coated |
4811.59.20.00 |
Coated paper; for printing or drawing; material/form matches paper category | General coated paper for industrial/commercial printing | Coated, broad printing use |
4909.00.20.00 |
Lightweight coated postcard paper; form: postcard; use: printing | Pre-formed postcards, greeting cards | Finished form (postcard), not raw paper |
π Critical Reminder:
- If the product is raw paper rolls/sheets, it falls under Chapter 48.
- If the product is printed postcards (with images/text), it falls under Chapter 49.
- Misclassification between4810(Coated Paper) and4909(Postcards) is a common error that leads to significant duty differences.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4811.90.40.90 / 4810.22.10.00 / 4810.13.19.00 / 4811.59.20.00
(Coated Paper / Lightweight Coated Paper for Drawing/Printing)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Under Section 301 Duties) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Against China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NO (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4810.xxxx.xxxx / 4811.xxxx.xxxx β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- "USITC Surcharge 25%": Comes from the "Additional Duties" under Section 301 of the US Trade Act.
- "IEEPA 10%": Additional duty under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
- Total 35%: This is a high tariff rate for paper products. Must be predicted in advance!
- Note: All four codes (4811.90.40.90,4810.22.10.00,4810.13.19.00,4811.59.20.00) share the same 35% total rate because they are all classified as "Coated Paper" under Section 301/IEEPA rules.
π― 2. 4909.00.20.00
(Lightweight Coated Postcard Paper / Pre-formed Postcards)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% (Lower rate for certain printed goods/postcards under specific exemptions/sub-categories) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NO (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4909.00.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Although it is also from China, the total rate is lower (17.5%) compared to raw coated paper (35%).
- This is because postcards (4909) are considered "Printed Goods" rather than just "Paper Products," and may benefit from different footnote interpretations or lower surcharge caps under specific trade agreements.
- Crucial: This only applies if the item is already a postcard. If you ship raw paper sheets and print them in the US, you cannot use this code.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Missing Items = Delay/Rejection)
| Material | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must include: Grammage (gsm), Coating Type (Clay/Polymer), Base Material (Kraft/Pulp), Dimensions. |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Detail the % of Kraft fiber vs. Pulp. Critical for distinguishing 4810.22 (Kraft) from 4810.13 (Pulp). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the surface texture (gloss/matte) and any branding. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Lightweight Coated Paper, [Grammage] gsm, for [Drawing/Printing], Not Postcards" OR "Pre-formed Postcards". |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, applicable for preference. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Clearly separate raw paper rolls/sheets from finished postcards if mixed. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Paper vs. Postcard, Rate Divides in Two! 35% for Sheets, 17.5% for Cards!"
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Coated Paper Rolls/Sheets | 4810.13.19.00 or 4810.22.10.00 |
Claiming it's a "Postcard" β Fraud Risk |
| Pre-formed Postcards | 4909.00.20.00 |
Declaring as "Paper" β Overpaying 17.5% |
| Mixed Container (Paper + Postcards) | Split Declaration | Single HS Code β Seizure/Rejection |
| Coated Paper for Industrial Packaging | 4811.59.20.00 |
Mislabeling as "Drawing Paper" β Audit Trigger |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Kraft vs. Pulp | If base is >50% Kraft fibers, use 4810.22.10.00. If wood pulp, use 4810.13.19.00. Both are 35%. |
| Grammage >150g/mΒ² | If weight exceeds 150g/mΒ², it may move to 4811 categories. Still 35%. |
| Custom Printing | If you print images on paper before shipping to the US, it becomes 4909.00.20.00 (if postcard) or 4811.90 (if not). Confirm with broker. |
| Sample Shipments | No De Minimis exemption for China origin. Even samples attract 17.5%-35%. |
π V. Global Main Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4810.13.19.00 (Paper)4909.00.20.00 (Postcard) |
35% (Paper) 17.5% (Postcard) |
None specific | High Tariff. Critical to split declaration. |
| π¨π³ China | 4810.13.19.00 |
0-5% (Import) | None | Low import duty, but focus on domestic sales tax. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4810.22.00 |
0-6.5% | REACH (if coated with chemicals) | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4810.22.00 |
0-3% | None | Competitive rate. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4810.22.00 |
0-5% | None | Low tariff. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest cost market due to 301/IEEPA tariffs.
- Postcards (4909) are significantly cheaper to import into the US than raw paper (4810).
- Strategy: If feasible, consider finished postcard production in origin country to benefit from the 17.5% rate vs. 35%.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Pre-formed Postcards" as "Coated Paper" (4810)
π Consequence: You overpay 17.5% unnecessarily.
π Fix: Use 4909.00.20.00.
β Error 2: Declaring "Raw Paper Sheets" as "Postcards" (4909)
π Consequence: Customs Seizure & Penalty for misdeclaration. Postcards are finished goods; paper is raw material.
π Fix: Accurately describe form factor.
β Error 3: Ignoring the "122 Clause" / IEEPA 10%
π Consequence: Unexpected 10% surcharge added to total duties, eroding margins.
π Fix: Factor 35% or 17.5% into landed cost calculations.
β Error 4: Mixing Raw Paper and Printed Cards in One HS Code
π Consequence: Audit Flag. CBP may hold shipment for inspection.
π Fix: Split Invoice & Declaration.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"1. Lightweight Coated Wood Pulp Paper, 120gsm, Roll, For High-End Printing, HS 4810.13.19.00"
"2. Pre-formed Coated Postcards, Full Color Printed, 150gsm, HS 4909.00.20.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Time-Saving, Cost-Effective!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Raw Paper 35%, Postcard 17.5%!"
πΉ "Form Factor is King! Don't mix sheets and cards!"
πΉ "IEEPA 10% + 301 25% = 35% Pain!"
π Pro Tip:
If your postcards are produced in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemption or lower rates.
Recommendation: Apply for Customs Ruling (Advance Ruling) before shipment to confirm the distinction between 4810 and 4909 for your specific product line.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact a Professional Broker + Provide Product Samples + File for Advance Ruling
π Let your paper products clear customs smoothly, save costs, and boost profits!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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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.