Paper 70gsm or less
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4810131900 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4805919000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4802567090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4805917000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4804314020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4818200040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Paper & Paperboard: β€70gsm Classification Guide (US Import Strategy)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Tariff Landscape | Professional Compliance Guide
π I. Product Definition: Understanding "Paper β€70gsm"
"Paper with a weight of 70 grams per square meter (gsm) or less" is a broad category in international trade. In customs classification (Harmonized System), it is not a single HS code but a spectrum depending on material type, coating status, manufacturing process, and specific use.
The provided data highlights five distinct HS codes for this weight class, each governed by specific physical and chemical characteristics.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Is it Coated (Painted/Embossed)? β Look at 4810
- Is it Uncoated (Standard)? β Look at 4804, 4805, 4802
- Is it a Finished Product (e.g., tissues, napkins)? β Look at 4818
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
The following HS codes represent the possible classifications for paper β€70gsm, derived from the input dataset. Note that all listed codes carry the same total tariff rate due to identical trade policy application, but the legal basis for classification differs.
| HS Code | Product Description & Classification Logic | Key Determining Factor |
|---|---|---|
4810.13.19.00 |
Coated Paper: Matches coated paper/board material requirements; weight index matches β€70gsm. | Coating Status: Must be coated (e.g., clay-coated, painted). |
4805.91.90.00 |
Uncoated Kraft/Other Paper: Weight interval β€70gsm falls within the 30β150gsm classification range. | Material Type: Often kraft paper or specific uncoated grades in the 30-150gsm bracket. |
4802.56.70.90 |
Uncoated Writing/Printing Paper: 70gsm is within the 40β150gsm range; classified under "Other" based on catch-all principles. | Use Case: Typically office paper, printing paper, or writing paper not elsewhere specified. |
4805.91.70.00 |
Uncoated Paper (<150gsm): Weight is below 150gsm; no conflict with material/form, though 15-30gsm specificity is unclear. | General Uncoated: A broader category for uncoated paper under 150gsm where specific sub-categories don't apply. |
4804.31.40.20 |
Uncoated Newsprint/Other: 70gsm meets <150gsm requirement; form is uncoated paper. | Newsprint/Linerboard: Often used for newsprint or containerboard substrates. |
4818.20.00.40 |
Paper Products (Finished): Matches characteristics of 4818.20.00.40; classified as a catch-all for unspecified use. | End-Use: If the paper is already cut, folded, or processed into specific products (e.g., wipes, tissues) rather than rolls/sheets. |
π Key Insight:
- All 6 HS Codes in the dataset result in the same total tax burden (35%).
- However, misclassification can lead to customs delays, audits, or penalties if the physical product does not match the technical description of the HS code (e.g., declaring coated paper as4804uncoated).
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (US-China Trade Context)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Total Tax Rate: 35.0% (for all listed codes)
π― Tariff Structure for All Listed HS Codes
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | Normal Trade Relations (NTR) / MFN Rate |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% | USITC Footnote / Section 301 Action against China |
| IEEPA Clause 122 | +10.0% | Executive Order 14032 / "122 Clause" Tariffs |
| TOTAL EFFECTIVE RATE | 35.0% | Sum of Base + 301 + IEEPA |
π Explanation:
- Base Duty (0%): Most paper products have a low or zero base duty under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS).
- 301 Tariff (25%): The primary trade war tariff on Chinese goods. Paper products (Chapter 48) are heavily affected.
- IEEPA 10%: Additional tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, targeting specific Chinese imports.
- De Minimis Exemption: β NOT APPLICABLE. These high-value commercial shipments do not qualify for the $800 de minimis exemption.
- Calculation:CIF Value Γ 35% = Total Duty Payable.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential for Clearance)
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Must specify Grammage (gsm) and Coating Status | Crucial for determining the correct HS Code (e.g., 4810 vs 4804). |
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ Include material composition, manufacturing process, and end-use | Helps customs differentiate between "paper" (4804/4805) and "paper products" (4818). |
| Certificate of Origin | βοΈ Original or Electronic CO | Required for trade policy verification; does not reduce duty rate for China origin. |
| Packing List | βοΈ Detail roll length, width, and weight | Verifies that the weight is consistent with β€70gsm claim. |
| Bill of Lading (B/L) | βοΈ Clean on board | Standard shipping document. |
β 2. Classification Strategy: How to Choose the Right Code?
Since the tax rate is identical (35%) for all codes in the dataset, the goal is compliance accuracy to avoid audits.
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Copy/Print Paper | 4802.56.70.90 |
Falls under "Writing/Printing paper," 40-150gsm range. Most common for office supplies. |
| Newsprint or Newspaper Stock | 4804.31.40.20 |
Specifically for uncoated paper β€150gsm, often newsprint. |
| Coated Magazine Paper | 4810.13.19.00 |
If the paper has a clay, paint, or polymer coating on one or both sides. |
| Kraft Paper or Bag Paper | 4805.91.90.00 |
If it falls into the 30-150gsm range and is of the "kraft" or specific uncoated type. |
| Finished Paper Goods (e.g., Wipes) | 4818.20.00.40 |
If the paper is cut, folded, or shaped into a final product, not just raw sheets/rolls. |
π₯ Pro Tip:
"Don't just guess the code based on price. Define the product physically."
- Ask your supplier: "Is this paper coated?"
- Ask: "What is the specific GSM? Is it exactly 70g or 'up to 70g'?"
- Ask: "Is it sold as rolls, sheets, or finished items?"
β 3. Common Errors & Consequences
| Error | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Misdeclaring Coated Paper as Uncoated | Customs may reclassify to 4810 or impose penalties for misdeclaration. While tax is same, the legal description must match. |
| Incorrect GSM Claim | If declared as 70gsm but tested as 80gsm, it may fall into a different sub-heading (e.g., 80-150gsm), potentially triggering different regulatory requirements (e.g., FSC certification, FDA contact safety). |
| Ignoring "Catch-All" Clauses | Using 4818.20.00.40 (catch-all) when a more specific code applies can trigger an audit for "insufficient description." |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | HS Code (Typical) | Base Duty | Additional Tariffs (China) | Total Effective Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4802.56.70.90 etc. |
0% | +25% (301) + 10% (IEEPA) | 35% | Highly Sensitive to US-China trade policy. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4802.56 |
~0-10% | No general tariffs | ~0-10% | Lower barrier, but strict REACH/FSC regulations. |
| π¨π³ China | 4802.56 |
5-10% | None (Import) | ~5-10% | Lower cost for domestic consumption. |
| π²π½ Mexico | 4802.56 |
0% (USMCA) | None (if US-origin) | 0% | Strategy: Source from US or Mexico to avoid 35% US tariff. |
π Conclusion:
- The 35% tariff burden makes China-sourced paper uncompetitive in the US market unless absorbed by the supplier.
- Supply Chain Shift: Many importers are sourcing paper from Vietnam, Thailand, or Mexico to avoid Section 301 tariffs.
π VI. Final Recommendations for Importers
- Pre-Import Classification:
- Request a Binding Ruling from US CBP if the product type is ambiguous (e.g., "Is this specific coated paper '4810' or '4804'?").
-
Since tax rates are identical, the main risk is compliance, not cost.
-
Supplier Negotiation:
- Due to the 35% tariff, incoterms matter.
-
If buying FOB China, you pay the duty. If buying DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), ensure the supplier has a plan for the 35% cost.
-
Documentation Precision:
- Clearly state: "Paper, Uncoated, 70gsm, Offset Printing Paper, HS 4802.56.70.90" on all commercial documents.
-
Avoid vague terms like "Paper" or "Cardboard."
-
Alternative Sourcing:
- If volume is high, consider China+1 strategy: Shift production to countries not subject to Section 301 tariffs (e.g., Vietnam, India, Mexico).
π― VII. Quick Reference: Tax Calculation Example
Scenario: Importing 10,000 kg of 70gsm Office Paper from China to the US.
Value: $5,000 (CIF)
HS Code:4802.56.70.90(Example)
| Step | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Base Duty | $5,000 Γ 0% | $0 |
| 2. 301 Tariff | $5,000 Γ 25% | $1,250 |
| 3. IEEPA Tariff | $5,000 Γ 10% | $500 |
| Total Duty | $5,000 Γ 35% | $1,750 |
π‘ Takeaway:
Every $1,000 of paper imports from China costs an additional $350 in duties.
This significantly impacts profit margins. Strategic sourcing is key.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Bottom Line Depends on It!
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.