Lightweight Coated Writing Paper
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4810221000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4810131900 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811904090 | 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 Writing Paper: HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Lightweight Coated Writing Paper"?
Lightweight Coated Writing Paper is a high-grade paper product characterized by a thin basis weight (typically 150g/mΒ² or less) and a coated surface to enhance printability, brightness, and smoothness. It is widely used for: - High-quality printing: Catalogs, magazines, brochures, and advertising materials. - Writing and drawing: Sketchbooks, professional drawing pads, and stationery. - Specialized uses: Postcards, lightweight books, and premium packaging inserts.
In international trade, classification hinges on grams per square meter (gsm), coating type, and specific end-use. Misclassification can lead to severe customs penalties due to varying tariff rates (especially for US-China trade).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the paper is β€150 g/mΒ² and used for writing/illustration β Often falls under 4810.13 or 4810.22.
- If it is >150 g/mΒ² or classified as postcards/printed matter β May fall under 4909 or 4811.
- If it is a general coated paper not specifically for writing/drawing β May fall under 4810.22 or 4811.59.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the 5 specific HS codes for lightweight coated paper, along with their summaries and tax details.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Total Tax Rate (China to US) | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4810.22.10.00 |
Lightweight coated paper for drawing | Drawing pads, illustration paper, graphic use | 35.0% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
4810.13.19.00 |
Lightweight coated paper, β€150 g/mΒ², for writing/printing | Standard coated writing paper, high-quality print stock | 35.0% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
4811.90.40.90 |
Lightweight coated paper, other paper products (not thin paper) | General coated paper, not specifically for writing/drawing | 35.0% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
4811.59.20.00 |
Lightweight coated paper, coated paper characteristics | Coated paper for printing/drawing, general category | 35.0% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 25%, Section 122: 10% |
4909.00.20.00 |
Lightweight coated postcard paper | Postcards, greeting cards, printed paper items | 17.5% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
π Critical Reminder:
- 4810 codes (Writing/Coated Paper) carry a 35% total tariff (0% base + 25% Section 301 + 10% Section 122).
- 4909 codes (Printed Postcards) carry a 17.5% total tariff (0% base + 7.5% Section 301 + 10% Section 122).
- Section 122 (10%) applies to all Chinese-origin paper products imported into the US, regardless of HS code.
- Section 301 rates vary: 25% for most coated paper, but only 7.5% for postcard paper (if correctly classified).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtax & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4810.22.10.00 / 4810.13.19.00 / 4811.90.40.90 / 4811.59.20.00 β Coated Writing/Printing Paper
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25% (for most coated paper) Note: If classified as postcard paper (4909), this is reduced to 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% (applies to all Chinese paper imports) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 8411.86.01 β Section 122: 9903.88.03 β USITC: 4810.22.10.00 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% Section 301 tariff is applied to most coated paper products under HS codes 4810 and 4811.
- The 10% Section 122 tariff is a separate surcharge on Chinese paper, cardboard, and fiberboard products.
- Total 35% is a high tariff rate. Proper classification is critical to avoid overpayment.
π― 2. 4909.00.20.00 β Coated Postcard Paper
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% (reduced rate for certain printed postcard items) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligible | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 8411.86.01 β Section 122: 9903.88.03 β USITC: 4909.00.20.00 |
π Note:
- This code is only for postcard-shaped coated paper items.
- If your product is not postcards (e.g., standard sheets, drawing pads), do not use this code, as it may be deemed misclassification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist (None Can Be Missing)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must include: gsm, coating type, dimensions, end-use (writing/drawing/postcard) |
| β Product Photos (with Label) | βοΈ | Clear images of the paper, packaging, and any branding |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Lightweight Coated Paper for Drawing/Writing" or "Coated Postcard Paper" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantities, weights, and packaging types |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove Chinese origin and apply correct tariff rates |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | Proof of gsm, coating quality, and paper composition |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Be Precise: Writing vs. Postcard, 150g Limit, 35% vs. 17.5%"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Coated paper for drawing/sketching | 4810.22.10.00 (35%) |
Misdeclare as postcard β 17.5% β Penalty & Back Taxes! |
| Coated paper β€150 g/mΒ² for writing | 4810.13.19.00 (35%) |
Misdeclare as general paper β 35% (same, but risk of audit) |
| Coated paper >150 g/mΒ² or general use | 4811.90.40.90 or 4811.59.20.00 (35%) |
Claim 150g limit falsely β Customs Rejection |
| Postcard-shaped coated paper | 4909.00.20.00 (17.5%) |
Declare as standard paper β 35% β Overpayment |
| OEM Custom Paper | Provide client order + design specs | No documentation β Classification Dispute |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Drawing Pads | Provide customer order + design drawings to prove "drawing use" |
| Coated Paper for Printing | Clearly state "for printing" in invoice; classify under 4810.22 or 4811.59 |
| Postcards vs. Sheets | If cut into postcard size, use 4909.00.20.00; if sheets, use 4810 codes |
| Mixed Shipments | Separate declaration for postcard paper (17.5%) and other coated paper (35%) |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4810.22.10.00 / 4909.00.20.00 |
35% / 17.5% | FSC, Prop 65 (if applicable) | Section 122 (10%) applies to all |
| π¨π³ China | 4810.22.10.00 |
5% | CCC (if required) | No additional surtaxes |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4810.22.10.00 |
0% (if GSP eligible) | CE, REACH | No Section 301/122 equivalents |
| π¬π§ UK | 4810.22.10.00 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit tariffs may vary |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4810.22.10.00 |
5% | None | Low tariffs, but verify FSC |
π Conclusion:
- The US has the highest tariffs due to Section 301 and Section 122.
- Correct classification can save 17.5% (e.g., postcards vs. general paper).
- Other markets (EU, UK, AU) have significantly lower or zero tariffs.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring all coated paper as "Postcard Paper" (4909)
π Consequence: Customs audit β Back taxes + 20% penalty for misclassification.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 (10%)
π Consequence: Underpayment of total tariff β Customs hold & interest.
β Mistake 3: Not specifying gsm (150g limit)
π Consequence: If paper is >150g, it may fall under a different subheading β Reclassification & Delays.
β Mistake 4: Vague Invoice Description ("Paper")
π Consequence: Customs cannot determine correct HS code β Inspection Delay.
β Correct Practice:
"Lightweight Coated Paper, 120g/mΒ², for Drawing, Model XYZ, 100% Wood Pulp, FSC Certified"
OR
"Coated Postcard Paper, 200g/mΒ², Pre-printed, Model ABC"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Writing/Drawing = 35% | Postcards = 17.5% | Section 122 Always 10%"
πΉ "HS Code Decides Tariff, 17.5% Difference, Wrong Code = Back Taxes!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your paper is not Chinese origin, check for preferential tariffs (e.g., RCEP, USMCA).
- For large volumes, consider applying for an Advance Ruling from US Customs to lock in the HS code.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your paper Clear Customs Smoothly, Reduce Costs, and Boost Profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent You Save is Calculated Precisely!
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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.