Mixed Waste Paper and Cardboard
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4707100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4707900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4805245000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4805247000 | 12.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Mixed Waste Paper and Cardboard (Recycled Paper & Cardboard)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Mixed Waste Paper"?
Mixed waste paper and cardboard refer to used, recycled, or waste paper products that are no longer fit for their original purpose. In international trade, these materials are primarily classified under Chapter 47 (Pulp of wood or of other fibrous cellulose material; waste and scrap of paper or paperboard).
Key Characteristics: * Material: Paper, cardboard, or paperboard. * State: Waste, scrap, or recycled (sorted or unsorted). * Common Types: Corrugated fiberboard (OCC), mixed office paper, newspapers, magazines, and cardboard containers.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the material is sorted by type (e.g., pure corrugated, pure office paper) β Often falls under 4707.10.00.00.
- If the material is mixed/unsorted (e.g., cardboard mixed with other paper types) β Falls under 4707.90.00.00.
- If it is newly manufactured recycled paper (not waste/scrap) β Falls under Chapter 48 (e.g., 4805.24.50.00 or 4805.24.70.00).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
Based on the provided data, here is the precise classification for "Mixed Waste Paper and Cardboard" and related recycled paper products.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|
4707.10.00.00 |
Sorted Waste Paper & Cardboard | Mixed waste paperboard (sorted); Recycled paper/cardboard matching "waste/scrap" definition | Paperboard/Paper (Waste/Recycled) |
4707.90.00.00 |
Other Waste Paper & Cardboard | Mixed waste paperboard (unsorted/mixed); Other recycled paper/cardboard categories | Paper & Paperboard (Waste/Recycled) |
4805.24.50.00 |
Recrated Linerboard (Recycled) | New recycled paper/cardboard; Specifically "Test Liner (Recycled)" | Recycled Paper |
4805.24.70.00 |
Other Recycled Linerboard | New recycled paper/cardboard; Meets material requirements for recycled linerboard | Recycled Paper |
π Key Reminder:
-4707.xxCodes apply to WASTE/SCRAP materials. These are subject to high additional tariffs due to trade restrictions.
-4805.24.xxCodes apply to MANUFACTURED RECYCLED PAPER (new products made from recycled content). Note that4805.24.50.00is taxed at 35%, while4805.24.70.00has a lower rate of 12%.
- Do NOT confuse "waste paper" (4707) with "recycled linerboard" (4805). The physical state and commercial intent differ significantly.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current applicable rates (Post-2025 policy adjustments)
π― 1. 4707.10.00.00 β Sorted Waste Paper & Cardboard
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis for waste/scrap goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β USITC: +25% (Section 301) β 122 Provision: +10% |
π Explanation:
- "Base Tariff 0%": The fundamental import duty for waste paper is waived.
- "Section 301 Additional Tariff 25%": Imposed under US Trade Law Section 301 on Chinese goods.
- "Section 122 Tariff 10%": A specific additional tariff provision often applied to certain recycled materials or under specific trade remedies.
- Total 35%: This is a high tariff, making the import of waste paper costly.
π― 2. 4707.90.00.00 β Other/Unsorted Waste Paper & Cardboard
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β USITC: +25% (Section 301) β 122 Provision: +10% |
π Note:
- Same tax structure as4707.10.00.00.
- Applies to mixed/unsorted waste paper/cardboard that doesn't fit the "sorted" definition of 4707.10.
- Warning: Customs may require strict sorting documentation to verify if goods truly fall here or into 4707.10.
π― 3. 4805.24.50.00 β Recycled Test Liner (New Recycled Paper)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β USITC: +25% (Section 301) β 122 Provision: +10% |
π Explanation:
- Despite being "recycled," if it is manufactured paper (not waste), it falls under Chapter 48.
- However, it still incurs the 35% total tax due to Section 301 and 122 provisions.
- Specifically applies to Recycled Test Liner.
π― 4. 4805.24.70.00 β Other Recycled Linerboard (New Recycled Paper)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +2.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 12.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β USITC: +2.0% β 122 Provision: +10% |
π Key Advantage:
- Much Lower Tax Rate (12%) compared to waste paper (35%) or recycled test liner (35%).
- Applies to other recycled linerboard that meets specific material requirements but is classified differently from "test liner."
- Strategy: If possible, ensure goods are classified as4805.24.70.00(new recycled paper) rather than waste (4707) to save 23% in tariffs.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential for Smooth Clearance)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Mixed Waste Paper," "Recycled Cardboard," or "Test Liner (Recycled)." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail weights, dimensions, and number of bundles/bales. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for claiming any potential exemptions (though Section 301/122 usually apply to CN origin). |
| β Product Specification | βοΈ | Describe material composition: % of OCC, % of mixed paper, moisture content. |
| β Sorting Report | βοΈ | For 4707.10.00.00, prove that paper is sorted. For 4707.90.00.00, confirm it is mixed. |
| β Third-Party Inspection | βοΈ | Optional but recommended to verify quality and contamination levels (no plastic, metal, etc.). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Classify by State: Waste vs. New! Sorted vs. Mixed!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tax Rate | Wrong Way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used, sorted cardboard | 4707.10.00.00 |
35% | Declare as "Recycled Paper" (4805) β Misclassification Risk |
| Used, mixed paper/cardboard | 4707.90.00.00 |
35% | Declare as "Recycled Linerboard" (4805) β High Penalty |
| New paper made from recycled content | 4805.24.50.00 |
35% | Declare as "Waste" (4707) β Unnecessary Tax Risk |
| New recycled linerboard (other) | 4805.24.70.00 |
12% | Declare as "Waste" β Overpay by 23% |
π Critical Advice:
- Do NOT declare "Waste Paper" for new recycled products.
- Do NOT declare "Recycled Linerboard" for actual waste/scrap.
- Verify Sorting: If you declare4707.10.00.00(Sorted), but Customs finds mixed materials, they may reclassify to4707.90.00.00or penalize you.
β 3. Special Cases & Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Contaminated Waste | If waste contains >5% non-paper materials (plastic, metal), Customs may reject it as "non-recyclable" or reclassify it. Ensure low contamination. |
| Moisture Content | High moisture can lead to reclassification or rejection. Declare moisture content on invoice. |
| Baled vs. Loose | Baled waste is easier to classify and inspect. Loose waste may require more detailed description. |
| Origin Declaration | Ensure Origin is correctly stated. Section 301 and 122 tariffs do not apply to goods from other countries (e.g., Vietnam, Malaysia). |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4707.10.00.00 / 4707.90.00.00 |
35% | None specific | High tariff due to Section 301 & 122. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4805.24.70.00 |
12% | None specific | Lower tariff for new recycled paper. |
| π¨π³ China | 4707.00.00.00 |
0% | None | China imports waste paper with strict environmental standards. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4707.10.00 / 4707.90.00 |
0% | ISO 14001 | EU has strict rules on plastic contamination in waste paper. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4707.10.00 / 4707.90.00 |
5% | None | Moderate tariff. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4707.10.00 / 4707.90.00 |
0% | JIS Standards | Strict quality control for moisture and contamination. |
π Conclusion:
- USA has the highest tariffs for waste paper (35%) due to Section 301 and 122.
- If you can classify goods as4805.24.70.00(new recycled paper), the tariff drops to 12%.
- For other markets, tariffs are lower or zero, but quality standards (contamination, moisture) are strict.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Mixed Waste Paper" as "Recycled Paperboard" (4805)
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify it as 4707 (35% tax) or reject it as "misdeclaration."
β Error 2: Declaring "Sorted Waste" (4707.10) but providing unsorted material
π Consequence: Reinspection, delays, and potential penalties.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Underpaying by 10%. Total tax is 35%, not just 25%.
β Error 4: Using "Recycled" loosely without specifying "Waste" vs. "Manufactured"
π Consequence: Confusion between Chapter 47 (Waste) and Chapter 48 (Manufactured).
β Correct Approach:
- For Waste: "Used Corrugated Cardboard, Mixed, Sorted, Baled, 95% Paper, 5% Contamination"
- For New Recycled Paper: "Test Liner Board, 100% Recycled Content, New Condition, 35 GSM"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Saving, Efficiency!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Waste is 35%, New Recycled is 12% (if 4805.24.70)!"
πΉ "Sorted vs. Mixed: 4707.10 vs. 4707.90, both 35%!"
πΉ "Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) = 35% Total!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your goods are NOT from China, Section 301 and 122 tariffs may not apply! Check origin carefully.
- If your goods are New Recycled Paper (not waste), try to classify under
4805.24.70.00to save 23% in taxes.- Consult a Customs Broker to confirm the exact classification based on your product's physical state and material composition.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product photos + Specify "Waste" or "New Recycled" clearly
π Ensure smooth clearance, avoid delays, and optimize your landed cost!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved in tariffs 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) 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.