Lightweight Coated Report Paper
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4811904090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4810131900 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4810221000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811592000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4909004000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Lightweight Coated Report Paper
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Breakdown | Professional Compliance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Lightweight Coated Report Paper"?
"Lightweight Coated Paper" refers to paper that has been coated with a mineral pigment mixture (such as calcium carbonate, clay, or titanium dioxide) to improve surface smoothness, brightness, and printability. In the context of "Report Paper," this typically implies high-quality white copy paper, presentation paper, or documents intended for professional printing, drafting, or presentation.
In international trade, this product is primarily categorized under Chapter 48 (Paper and Paperboard). The specific HS Code depends heavily on: 1. Weight: Is it β€150 g/mΒ² (standard) or heavier? 2. Form/Finish: Is it a flat sheet, a roll, or a specialized product (like postcards)? 3. Intended Use: General office use vs. specific artistic or advertising purposes.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it is standard office/copy paper (<150g/mΒ²), it usually falls under 4810 (Paper coated with mineral substances).
- If it is drawing paper or has specific artistic finishes, it may fall under 4811 (Paper treated, coated, covered, cut to size, etc.).
- If it is specifically postcards, it falls under 4909 (Printed postcards).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
Based on the <DATA> provided, here are the precise HS Codes applicable to "Lightweight Coated Report Paper" and their logical justification.
| HS Code | Product Description Summary | Key Classification Criteria | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4810.13.19.00 | Lightweight coated paper for drawing/writing; Weight β€150 g/mΒ². | β’ Material: Coated paper β’ Form: Sheet β’ Weight: Crucial Factor (β€150g/mΒ²) β’ Use: Writing/Printing/Drawing |
35.0% |
| 4810.22.10.00 | Lightweight coated paper for writing/graphics; standard sheet form. | β’ Material: Coated paper β’ Form: Sheet β’ Use: Writing/Printing/Graphics |
35.0% |
| 4811.59.20.00 | Lightweight coated paper for printing/drawing. | β’ Material: Coated paper β’ Form: Sheet/Roll β’ Use: Printing/Drawing (General) |
35.0% |
| 4811.90.40.90 | Lightweight coated paper for drawing; other paper products. | β’ Material: Paper/Cardboard β’ Form: Coated β’ Use: Other paper products (Broad category) |
35.0% |
| 4909.00.40.00 | Lightweight Coated Postcard Paper. | β’ Material: Coated paper β’ Form: Postcard β’ Use: Specifically for Postcards |
10.0% |
π Key Insight:
- The 35% rate applies to general coated paper sheets (4810/4811).
- The 10% rate applies ONLY if the paper is specifically manufactured and sold as postcards (4909).
- Weight Matters: For HS4810.13.19.00, the weight must be β€150 g/mΒ². If heavier, a different subheading might apply (outside this dataset).
π° 3. Detailed Tariff Breakdown (2026 Current Duties)
β Applicable Market: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025+ (Current Trade Policy)
π― A. General Coated Paper (HS Codes: 4810.13.19.00, 4810.22.10.00, 4811.59.20.00, 4811.90.40.90)
| Tax Component | Rate | Source/Clause | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | Most Favored Nation (MFN) | Standard duty for paper products is often low or zero. |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% | US Trade Law (301) | Additional duty imposed on Chinese goods due to trade tensions. |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% | IEEPA / Section 122 | Specific additional duty applied to certain Chinese imports. |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% | Sum of above | This is the final duty rate you must pay. |
π Calculation Example:
If you import $10,000 worth of standard coated report paper:
- Duty = $10,000 Γ 35% = $3,500.
- This significantly impacts profit margins. Cost-saving strategies are essential.
π― B. Coated Postcard Paper (HS Code: 4909.00.40.00)
| Tax Component | Rate | Source/Clause | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | MFN | Standard duty for printed postcards. |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% | Exempt/Not Applied | Note: Postcards may be excluded from the 301 list in some contexts, or handled differently. |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% | IEEPA / Section 122 | Specific additional duty applies. |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% | Sum of above | Significantly lower than general paper. |
π Strategic Implication:
If your "report paper" can be marketed or used as postcards or greeting cards, you might qualify for the lower 10% rate. However, strict customs definitions apply. Misclassification is a high-risk error.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance & Compliance Advice
β 1. Documentation Requirements (Mandatory)
| Document | Purpose | Tips for Success |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Declare value and HS Code. | Clearly state: "Lightweight Coated Paper, Used for Office/Printing." Avoid vague terms like "Office Supplies." |
| Packing List | Verify quantity and weight. | Ensure total weight matches shipment records. |
| Product Specification Sheet | Prove weight and composition. | Critical for 4810.13.19.00: Must explicitly state "Weight: XX g/mΒ²" and confirm it is β€150 g/mΒ². |
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | Proof of shipment. | Ensure container numbers match invoice. |
| Certificate of Origin | Verify country of origin. | Must confirm China (CN) origin to apply the correct 301/122 tariffs. |
β 2. Classification Strategy & Pitfalls
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Office Copy Paper (β€150g/mΒ²) | 4810.13.19.00 | Low risk if weight is documented. |
| Heavy Coated Paper (>150g/mΒ²) | Not in Data | HIGH RISK: Misclassifying heavy paper as light paper leads to seizure. |
| Artistic Drawing Paper | 4811.90.40.90 | Must prove it is for "drawing" not general writing. |
| Postcards/Card Stock | 4909.00.40.00 | HIGH RISK: Only use if product is finished postcards. Raw sheets are not postcards. |
β οΈ Warning:
- Do not use4909.00.40.00(10% tax) for raw sheets of coated paper unless they are pre-cut and printed as postcards. Customs will reclassify them to4810/4811(35% tax) and impose penalties.
- Do not ignore the Section 122 (10%) and Section 301 (25%) surcharges. They are automatic for Chinese-origin goods.
β 3. Cost Optimization Tips
- Weight Verification: Ensure your product spec sheet clearly states β€150 g/mΒ² to qualify for
4810.13.19.00if applicable. - Product Form: If you have a dual-use product, consider if marketing it as postcards (
4909.00.40.00) is viable for your target market. The 25% tax difference (35% vs 10%) is substantial. - Pre-Ruling: If uncertain, file for a Customs Ruling (CBP Ruling) before shipment to get a binding determination on the HS Code.
π 5. Global Market Context (2026)
| Market | Typical HS Code | Est. Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4810.13.19.00 |
35.0% | High tariffs due to 301/122 clauses. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4810.22.00 |
~6.5% | No Section 301. Lower base duty. |
| π¨π³ China | 4810.13.19.00 |
~8.0% | Import duty for foreign paper into China. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4810.22.00 |
~6.5% | Post-Brexit tariff schedule. |
π Conclusion for US Importers:
The 35% total tariff for standard coated paper is a major cost driver.
- Action: Verify if your product can be classified as postcards (10%) or if there are any exclusion codes available for your specific paper type (check USTR Exclusions List).
- Alternative: Consider sourcing from non-China countries (e.g., Vietnam, Malaysia) to avoid Section 301 tariffs, if feasible.
π 6. Summary Checklist for Importers
- [ ] Confirm Weight: Is it β€150 g/mΒ²? β Use
4810.13.19.00. - [ ] Confirm Form: Are they finished postcards? β Use
4909.00.40.00. - [ ] Confirm Origin: Is it made in China? β Expect 35% tax (or 10% for postcards).
- [ ] Prepare Docs: Include spec sheet proving weight and coating details.
- [ ] Calculate Cost: Budget for 35% duty on CIF value.
π Pro Tip:
"Classification is not just a number; itβs a financial decision. A 25% difference (35% vs 10%) can make or break your margin. When in doubt, consult a licensed customs broker and request a binding ruling."
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate HS Coding!
πΌ Don't let tariffs erase your profits. Get it right the first time.
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.