Wallpaper and similar wall coverings
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4814900200 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4814200000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921901100 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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π¨ Wallpaper & Similar Wallcoverings: The Ultimate HS Code & Tariff Guide (2026)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Guide
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Wallpaper"?
Wallpaper and similar wallcoverings are decorative materials used to cover interior walls. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the base material (paper vs. plastics/textiles) and the surface treatment (plastic-coated, embossed, printed).
Key Distinction:
- Paper-based Wallpapers: Traditional or modern paper backs, possibly coated with plastics for durability or decoration.
- Plastic-Composite Panels: Thin plastic sheets combined with textiles (often used as heavy-duty wallcoverings).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the base is paper and the face is decorated with plastics β Chapter 48
- If the base is plastics combined with textiles (weighing β€ 1.492 kg/mΒ²) β Chapter 39
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the relevant HS Codes and their specific descriptions:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Composition |
|---|---|---|---|
4814.20.00.00 |
Paper-based Wallpaper: Paper coated/covered on the face with a grained, embossed, colored, design-printed, or otherwise decorated layer of plastics. | Traditional decorative wallpaper, vinyl-coated paper wallpaper, embossed paper wallcoverings. | Base: Paper Surface: Plastic layer |
4814.90.02.00 |
Other Wallpapers/Wallcoverings: Other wallpaper and similar wallcoverings of paper not specified elsewhere. | Non-coated paper wallpapers, decorative paper sheets, window transparencies of paper. | Base: Paper Surface: No significant plastic coating (or other types) |
3921.90.11.00 |
Plastic-Textile Composite: Plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics combined with textile materials, weighing β€ 1.492 kg/mΒ². Textile components where man-made fibers predominate by weight. | Heavy-duty synthetic wallcoverings, non-woven fabric-backed plastic films, synthetic textile-plastic composites. | Base: Plastics + Textile Fiber: Man-made > Other |
3921.90.19.10 |
Plastic-Textile Composite: Other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip of plastics combined with textile materials, weighing β€ 1.492 kg/mΒ². Textile components where vegetable fibers predominate by weight. | Natural fiber-backed plastic films (e.g., jute, sisal, cotton blends with plastic), eco-friendly composite wallcoverings. | Base: Plastics + Textile Fiber: Vegetable > Other |
π Key Reminder:
- Paper-based products fall under Chapter 48.
- Plastic-textile composites (lightweight β€ 1.492 kg/mΒ²) fall under Chapter 39.
- The presence of a plastic layer on the face of paper wallpaper is the key differentiator between4814.20.00.00and4814.90.02.00.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rates Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current tariffs apply (No additional 25% or 10% IEEPA surcharges listed for these specific HS codes in the provided data)
π― 1. 4814.20.00.00 β Paper-Based Plastic-Coated Wallpaper
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/Other) | 7.5% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not specified as exempt; standard rules apply |
| Legal Basis | Directly from provided tariff data |
π Explanation:
- This category includes most common decorative wallpapers found in retail stores (vinyl-coated paper).
- The 7.5% additional tariff is likely due to US-China trade measures (Section 301 list).
- No base tariff makes it relatively cost-effective compared to other manufactured goods.
π― 2. 4814.90.02.00 β Other Paper-Based Wallcoverings
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301/Other) | 7.5% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not specified as exempt |
| Legal Basis | Directly from provided tariff data |
π Explanation:
- Covers paper wallcoverings that do not have a decorative plastic layer on the face (e.g., printed but uncoated paper).
- Same tariff rate as plastic-coated paper wallpaper (7.5%).
π― 3. 3921.90.11.00 β Plastic-Textile Composite (Man-Made Fibers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Likely eligible if under $800 (de minimis threshold) |
| Legal Basis | Directly from provided tariff data |
π Explanation:
- This category includes plastic films backed by synthetic textiles (e.g., polyester, nylon).
- Zero tariffs make this highly competitive for importers.
- Common in industrial or heavy-duty wallcoverings.
π― 4. 3921.90.19.10 β Plastic-Textile Composite (Vegetable Fibers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Likely eligible if under $800 (de minimis threshold) |
| Legal Basis | Directly from provided tariff data |
π Explanation:
- Includes plastic-backed natural fiber textiles (e.g., jute, hemp, cotton).
- Zero tariffs apply.
- Often marketed as "eco-friendly" or "natural" wallcoverings.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Include material composition (e.g., % plastic, % textile), weight per mΒ², coating type. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the face side (coated vs. uncoated) and cross-section if possible. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Wallpaper" or "Wallcoverings" and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include rolls per carton, dimensions, gross/net weight. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Specify if fibers are man-made or vegetable for Chapter 39 codes. |
| β Coating Information | βοΈ | For Chapter 48, specify if face is coated with plastic. |
β 2. Classification Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Paper + Plastic Coat = 4814.20 (7.5%)"
"Paper No Coat = 4814.90 (7.5%)"
"Plastic + Textile β€1.5kg/mΒ² = 3921.90 (0%)"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tariff | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl-coated paper wallpaper | 4814.20.00.00 |
7.5% | Misclassify as plastic sheet β 0% (but may be audited) |
| Printed paper wallpaper (no plastic coat) | 4814.90.02.00 |
7.5% | Misclassify as textile β 0% (incorrect material) |
| Synthetic fabric-backed plastic film | 3921.90.11.00 |
0.0% | Misclassify as paper β 7.5% |
| Natural fiber (jute) backed plastic film | 3921.90.19.10 |
0.0% | Misclassify as synthetic β 0.0% (same rate, but correct declaration needed) |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If product is not clearly paper or plastic-textile, provide detailed material breakdown to avoid misclassification. |
| Weight Check | For Chapter 39, ensure weight is β€ 1.492 kg/mΒ². Heavier products may fall under different HS codes. |
| De Minimis Shipments | For Chapter 39 (0% tariff), small shipments may qualify for de minimis entry (no duty if under $800). |
| Labeling | Ensure product labels clearly indicate material type (e.g., "PVC-Coated Paper" or "Polyester-Backed Film"). |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4814.20.00.00 / 3921.90.11.00 |
7.5% (Paper) / 0% (Plastic-Textile) | Section 301 surcharges apply to paper products. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4814.20.00 / 3921.90 |
Varies by country | Generally lower tariffs; check local VAT. |
| π¨π³ China | 4814.20.00 / 3921.90 |
Import Duty varies | Export tax rebates may apply. |
π Conclusion:
- Paper-based wallpapers face a 7.5% additional tariff in the US.
- Plastic-textile composites enjoy 0% tariffs, making them more cost-effective for US imports.
- Accurate material declaration is critical to avoid customs delays and penalties.
π 6. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying all wallpaper under one HS code.
π Consequence: Misclassification penalties, back taxes, and shipment delays.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the weight limit for Chapter 39.
π Consequence: If weight > 1.492 kg/mΒ², it may not qualify for 3921.90.11.00/3921.90.19.10.
β Mistake 3: Failing to specify coating type for paper wallpaper.
π Consequence: Customs may reject the declaration or apply a higher default tariff.
β Mistake 4: Assuming all composites are 0% tariff.
π Consequence: Paper-based products are not eligible for the 0% rate.
β Best Practice:
"Declare materials precisely, check weight limits, and verify coating type. Paper = 7.5%, Plastic-Textile = 0%!"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Smooth Clearance
π― Remember the Key:
πΉ "Paper Coated = 4814.20 (7.5%)"
πΉ "Paper Plain = 4814.90 (7.5%)"
πΉ "Plastic + Textile = 3921.90 (0%)"
πΉ "Check Weight β€ 1.492 kg/mΒ² for Chapter 39!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing paper-based wallpapers, budget for the 7.5% additional tariff. If you can switch to plastic-textile composites (man-made or vegetable fiber), you can save 7.5% in duties. Always provide detailed material specifications to ensure correct classification.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product specs + Apply for HS Code Ruling if uncertain.
π Ensure smooth customs clearance, avoid penalties, and optimize your supply chain costs.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Every percentage point of duty matters!
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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.