oil blotting paper
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4818200040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921904010 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3921904090 | 39.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Oil Blotting Paper (Absorbent Paper for Grease & Oil)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Regime | Professional Strategy for Grease-Resistant Papers
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Oil Blotting Paper"?
Oil Blotting Paper refers to functional paper products specifically engineered to absorb, retain, and neutralize oils and greases. It is widely used in: - Industrial applications: Engine maintenance, machinery cleaning, automotive workshops. - Food industry: Absorbing excess oil from fried foods (e.g., French fries, donuts). - Laboratory & medical: Cleaning tools, absorbing chemical spills. - Packaging: Separating oily products to prevent transfer.
In international trade, its classification hinges on material composition (paper vs. plastic-coated), structure (unreinforced, paper-reinforced, or composite), and specific function (absorption, gasket, filtration).
β οΈ Key Classification Factors: - Pure paper with high absorbency β Likely falls under Chapter 48 (Paper & Paperboard). - Paper + Plastic film/coating β May fall under Chapter 39 (Plastics) due to composite structure. - Reinforced with paper fibers β Still Chapter 48, but depends on specific subheadings. - Specific use (gasket, sealant) β May require functional descriptors in customs declaration.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Customs Regime)
Based on the provided data, here are the four relevant HS Codes for oil blotting paper, categorized by material and function:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Structure | Primary Function | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4818.90.00.80 |
Paper products, sheet/consumable, hygiene/cleaning class | Pure paper or paper-based | General cleaning, hygiene, absorbent | 17.5% |
4823.90.80.00 |
Paper material, cut to shape, functional consumable (gasket, sealant) | Pure paper, shaped for function | Oil absorption, gasket, sealant | 35.0% |
4823.90.86.80 |
Paper material, cut to size/shape, general paper product | Pure paper, custom shape | General absorbent paper, non-specific use | 35.0% |
3921.90.40.10 |
Paper-reinforced category, paper-plastic composite structure | Paper + Plastic film/coating | Composite absorbent, reinforced | 39.2% |
3921.90.40.90 |
Paper/Film class, plastic film or plastic-coated, other category | Plastic-based or coated paper | Composite absorbent, non-specific | 39.2% |
π Critical Distinction: - If the blotting paper is pure paper with high absorbency β 4818.90.00.80 (17.5%). - If it is cut into specific shapes (e.g., gaskets, seals) β 4823.90.80.00 (35.0%). - If it contains plastic film, coating, or is a composite β 3921.90.40.10/90 (39.2%).
π° III. 2026 Tariff Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025β2026 (Including all future imports)
π― 1. 4818.90.00.80 ββ Pure Paper Blotting (Hygiene/Cleaning)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (China-specific) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% (China-specific, 2025+) |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not applicable (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | 301:4818.90.00.80 β 122:4818.90.00.80 |
π Explanation:
- This is the lowest tax category for pure paper blotting paper. - Critical for cost-saving: Ensure the product contains no plastic coating or film.
π― 2. 4823.90.80.00 ββ Functional Paper (Gasket/Sealant)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | 301:4823.90.80.00 β 122:4823.90.80.00 |
π Explanation:
- Applies if the paper is cut into specific shapes for gaskets or seals. - Higher tax due to functional specificity (301 + 122).
π― 3. 3921.90.40.10 & 3921.90.40.90 ββ Paper-Plastic Composite
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.2% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 39.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not applicable |
| Legal Basis Path | 301:3921.90.40.x β 122:3921.90.40.x |
π Explanation:
- Applies if the paper is coated with plastic or has a plastic film layer. - Highest tax rate among all categories. - Avoid misclassification: If you declare "paper" but it's actually "plastic-coated," you risk penalties + retroactive tax.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Document Preparation (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: material (pure paper vs. plastic), dimensions, absorbency rate |
| Material Composition Report | βοΈ | Lab test proving % of paper vs. plastic (critical for HS Code 3921 vs. 4823) |
| Product Photos (Clear Label) | βοΈ | Show surface texture, edges, any coating |
| Usage Description | βοΈ | "Oil blotting paper" vs. "Gasket" vs. "Cleaning wipe" |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must match HS Code & tax rate exactly |
| Packing List | βοΈ | Show if items are cut into shapes (affects HS Code) |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Pure Paper = Low Tax, Plastic = High Tax, Shape = Function Tax!"
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Pure paper blotting | 4818.90.00.80 (17.5%) |
Declare as 4823.90.80.00 β 35% |
| Paper cut into gasket shape | 4823.90.80.00 (35%) |
Declare as 4818.90.00.80 β Penalty |
| Plastic-coated paper | 3921.90.40.10/90 (39.2%) |
Declare as 4823.90.80.00 β Audit risk |
| Unspecified composite | 3921.90.40.90 (39.2%) |
Declare as 4818.90.00.80 β Seizure |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Case | Solution |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Blotting Paper | Provide client's design specs + material breakdown to justify HS Code |
| Paper with Thin Plastic Coating | Declare as 3921.90.40.90 (not 4823) β even 5% plastic changes tax |
| Blotting Paper for Food vs. Industry | Same HS Code, but add "Food Grade" or "Industrial Use" to invoice |
| Pre-Cut Sheets (Gaskets) | Use 4823.90.80.00 β do not declare as "sheet" (4818) |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4818.90.00.80 (Pure) |
17.5% | No special cert | Highest risk for misclassification |
| π¨π³ China | 4818.90.00.80 |
0% | CCC + RoHS | No extra surcharges |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4818.90.00.80 |
0% | CE + REACH | No surcharges |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4818.90.00.80 |
5% | RCM | No surcharges |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4818.90.00.80 |
0% | PSE | No surcharges |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the ONLY market with high surcharges (301 + 122) for oil blotting paper. - Pure paper is your best bet for lowest tax (17.5% vs. 39.2%). - Avoid plastic coating unless necessary β it doubles tax.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Declaring "plastic-coated blotting paper" as "pure paper" (4818.90.00.80)
π Result: 17.5% vs. 39.2% β Back-tax + fines.
β Mistake 2: Calling "cut gaskets" "sheets" (4818.90.00.80)
π Result: 17.5% vs. 35% β Penalty for misclassification.
β Mistake 3: No material breakdown in spec sheet
π Result: Customs asks for lab test β Delay + storage fees.
β Mistake 4: Using vague terms like "oil paper" without function
π Result: Customs assigns default HS Code (likely 3921) β High tax.
β Correct Approach:
"Oil Blotting Paper, Pure Paper, 200gsm, 100% Cellulose, No Plastic Coating, For Industrial Use"
π― VII. Final Takeaway: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Pure Paper = 17.5%, Plastic = 39.2%, Gasket = 35%!"
πΉ "One word changes your tax rate β 'plastic' or 'coated' is the killer!"
πΉ "Declare function + material + shape = avoid audit!"
π Pro Tip:
If your blotting paper is 100% paper and not cut, declare as 4818.90.00.80 β Save 21.7% tax vs. plastic or gasket versions!
π£ Act Now:
π Contact customs broker + Provide material report + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Your oil blotting paper, cleared fast, taxed right, profit maximized!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved on tax is a dollar earned in 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.