Thermal Paper Roll
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4802202000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911996000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4802201000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811909030 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811908030 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¨οΈ Thermal Paper Roll (ηζηΊΈε·)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Thermal Paper"?
Thermal Paper is a specialized paper coated with a heat-sensitive layer that produces an image when exposed to heat, commonly used in receipt printers, fax machines, and labeling systems. In international trade, its classification hinges on material composition, coating purpose, and end-use.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Base Paper for Heat-Sensitive Applications: Raw or uncoated paper specifically designed for thermal sensitization β 4802.20
- Thermally Coated Paper: Paper already coated with thermal-sensitive chemicals β 4811.90
- Printed Thermal Paper: If the paper contains printed text/images (e.g., receipts with logos) β 4911.99
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Core Attribute |
|---|---|---|---|
4802.20.20.00 |
Base paper for photosensitive, thermosensitive, or electrosensitive paper/cardboard | Raw thermal paper base, pre-coating stage | β Base Paper for Sensing |
4911.99.60.00 |
Other printed matter, not elsewhere specified | Thermal paper with pre-printed logos/text | β Printed Matter |
4802.20.10.00 |
Base paper for thermal applications (size unspecified) | Uncoated thermal base paper, generic use | β Base Paper (Size Unknown) |
4811.90.90.30 |
Other paper coated for direct thermal transfer | Pre-coated thermal paper rolls | β Coated Paper |
4811.90.80.30 |
Other paper with thermal coating | Standard thermal receipt paper rolls | β Coated Paper (Standard) |
4911.99.80.00 |
Other printed matter (thermal paper with prints) | Thermal paper used as printed receipts | β Printed Paper |
π Key Reminder:
- Uncoated base paper intended for thermal use β 4802.20
- Pre-coated thermal paper β 4811.90
- Printed thermal paper (e.g., receipts with company info) β 4911.99
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards (including future imports)
π― 1. 4802.20.20.00 ββ Base Paper for Thermosensitive Applications
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | +0% (No specific surtax for this subheading) |
| Section 301 / 122 Clauses | +10% (China-specific surtax) |
| Total Tariff | 10% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4802.20.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Base paper for thermal use has 0% base tariff but faces a 10% Section 301 surtax due to China origin.
- Total cost impact: 10% β relatively lower than coated or printed variants.
π― 2. 4911.99.60.00 ββ Other Printed Matter (Thermal Paper with Prints)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surtax | +0% |
| Section 301 / 122 Clauses | +7.5% (USITC surcharge) + 10% (China surtax) |
| Total Tariff | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4911.99.60.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Printed thermal paper incurs higher surtax due to being classified as "printed matter".
- Total tariff: 17.5% β must be factored into pricing.
π― 3. 4811.90.90.30 & 4811.90.80.30 ββ Coated Thermal Paper
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surtax | +25% (USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Section 301 / 122 Clauses | +10% (China surtax) |
| Total Tariff | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4811.90.90.30 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Critical Warning:
- Coated thermal paper faces the highest tariff (35%) due to USITC surcharge.
- This includes most standard receipt paper rolls sold globally.
- Do NOT misdeclare as "base paper" to avoid penalties!
π― 4. 4911.99.80.00 β Other Printed Matter (Thermal Paper with Prints)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 301 / 122 Clauses | +10% |
| Total Tariff | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4911.99.80.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Same as 4911.99.60.00: Printed thermal paper = 17.5% total.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: coating type, dimensions, sensitivity range |
| β Coating Process Diagram | βοΈ | To prove if paper is "base" (4802) or "coated" (4811) |
| β Product Photos (including label) | βοΈ | Show roll size, branding, printed text |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | ISO 9001, RoHS, FDA compliance (if food contact) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Thermal Paper Roll" + HS Code |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For non-China origin,ε―η³θ―·δΌζ η¨η |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify roll dimensions, quantity, packaging type |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Coating Determines Rate: Base=10%, Coated=35%, Printed=17.5%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Uncoated base paper for thermal use | 4802.20.20.00 |
Misdeclare as "coated" β 35% |
| Pre-coated thermal paper | 4811.90.90.30 or 4811.90.80.30 |
Misdeclare as "base" β Penalties |
| Printed receipt paper | 4911.99.60.00 or 4911.99.80.00 |
Declare as "coated only" β 35% |
| Thermal paper for medical use | Same as above, add FDA docs | No special exemption for medical use |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Thermal Paper | Provide client order + coating specs, avoid "generic" label |
| Thermal Paper with Pre-Printed Barcodes | Still 4911.99, not "blank" paper |
| Thermal Paper for Food Contact | Provide FDA/CE certs, no tariff change |
| Thermal Paper for Military/Aerospace | No special tariff, but requires security clearance |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4811.90.90.30 |
35% (China origin) | RoHS + FDA | Highest surtax globally |
| π¨π³ China | 4811.90.90.30 |
5% | CCC + RoHS | No surtax |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4811.90.90.30 |
0% (if CE) | CE + REACH | No surtax |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4811.90.90.30 |
5% | RCM | No surtax |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4811.90.90.90 |
0% | PSE | No surtax |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with high surtax (up to 35%) for thermal paper from China.
- Consider supply chain diversification (Vietnam, Mexico) to avoid 301 surtax.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Avoidance (Blood & Tears)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "coated thermal paper" as "base paper"
π Consequence: 35% tariff instead of 10% β Massive overpayment!
β Mistake 2: Calling "printed thermal paper" as "blank paper"
π Consequence: 35% instead of 17.5% β Overpay 17.5%!
β Mistake 3: Missing coating process docs
π Consequence: Customs delays or reclassification β Additional 10-30% costs
β Mistake 4: Using "receipt paper" as generic name
π Consequence: Customs cannot verify β Hold at port
β Correct Practice:
"Thermal Paper Roll, 57mm x 30m, Direct Thermal Coating, ISO 9001 Certified, Model XYZ, FDA Compliant"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification, Save Time & Cost!
π― Remember the Rules:
πΉ "Base=10%, Coated=35%, Printed=17.5%"
πΉ "HS Code = Life or Death, 25% difference = Thousands in tax!"
π Pro Tip:
If your thermal paper is originated from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions, reducing tariff to 0%-5%.
Recommendation: Apply for Advance Ruling before shipment.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Specs + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your thermal paper clear customs smoothly, export efficiently, and double profits!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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.