pad board
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823908000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4817202000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4817204000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811512020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811512040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Pad Board & Paper-Based Seals/Packaging (Paper, Paperboard, Cellulose Wadding)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Pad Board"?
In international trade, the term "Pad Board" is ambiguous and highly dependent on material composition, thickness, coating, and end-use. It generally refers to: 1. Paper/Cardboard Base for Sticky Notes or Pads: Uncoated or lightly coated paperboard used as the backing for writing pads, notepads, or memo pads. 2. Paper-Based Gaskets/Seals: Cut-to-shape paper pulp or paperboard components used for sealing (e.g., in engines, pipelines, or packaging). 3. Packaging Paperboard: Thicker, often coated or impregnated paperboard used for boxes, folding cartons, or base stock for packaging.
β οΈ Key Classification Criteria:
- If it is thin paper (e.g., for notepads) β Consider 4817.20 (Correspondence Cards/Letter Cards).
- If it is coated/thick paperboard (>150 g/mΒ², plastic-coated/impregnated) β Consider 4811.51 (Coated Paper/Paperboard).
- If it is cut-to-shape articles like gaskets, washers, or seals β Consider 4823.90 (Other Articles of Paper).
- If it is papier-mΓ’chΓ© articles β Consider 4823.90.20.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the possible HS Codes for "Pad Board" depending on its specific characteristics:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Coating/Thickness? |
|---|---|---|---|
4817.20.20.00 |
Letter cards, plain postcards, correspondence cards: Sheets of writing paper with border gummed/perforated, with/without inserts, prepared as combination sheets/envelopes | Thin paper pads, notepads, sticky note backs (if classified as "correspondence cards") | β No plastic coating mentioned |
4817.20.40.00 |
Letter cards, plain postcards, correspondence cards: Other | Other paper-based stationery pads not fitting the above | β No plastic coating mentioned |
4811.51.20.20 |
Paper/Paperboard coated/impregnated with plastics: Bleached, >150 g/mΒ², strips/rolls >15cm or sheets >36x15cm, β₯0.3mm thick: Folding carton stock | Thicker, plastic-coated paperboard used for packaging or rigid pads | β Yes (Plastic-coated/impregnated) |
4811.51.20.40 |
Paper/Paperboard coated/impregnated with plastics: Bleached, >150 g/mΒ², strips/rolls >15cm or sheets >36x15cm, β₯0.3mm thick: Base stock for packaging | Base paperboard for packaging boxes, rigid pads | β Yes (Plastic-coated/impregnated) |
4823.90.80.00 |
Other paper, paperboard, etc.: Other: Other: Gaskets, washers, and other seals | Paper-based gaskets, seals, or cut-to-shape padding used for sealing | β No plastic coating (usually paper pulp/board) |
4823.90.20.00 |
Other paper, paperboard, etc.: Other: Of papier-mΓ’chΓ© | Articles made from papier-mΓ’chΓ© (e.g., decorative pads, molded paper bases) | β Yes (Papier-mΓ’chΓ© process) |
π Critical Reminder:
- "Pad Board" is not a single HS Code. You must determine if it is stationery (4817), coated packaging material (4811), or industrial/other paper articles (4823).
- Coating Matters: If the pad board is coated with plastic (>0.3mm thick, >150 g/mΒ²), it falls under 4811.51.
- Shape Matters: If it is cut into specific shapes (like gaskets), it may fall under 4823.90.80.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharge, Policy Surcharge)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025εΉ΄11ζ10ζ₯θ΅· (Including subsequent imports)
All HS Codes listed in <DATA> have the same tariff structure under the provided data.
π― 1. General Tariff Structure for All Listed HS Codes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301 / USITC) | +25.0% (Applicable to Chinese-origin goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Deny de minimis for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC: [HS Code] β FOOTNOTE: [Relevant Footnote for 301 Tariff] |
π Explanation:
- Base Tariff: 0% for most paper products is common under HTSUS.
- 25% Surcharge: This is the Section 301 Additional Duty imposed on Chinese imports. It applies to all the HS codes provided in<DATA>.
- Total Cost: Importers must budget for a 25% tariff on top of the CIF value. No exemptions are mentioned in<DATA>for these codes.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Required Documents)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (paper/cardboard/papier-mΓ’chΓ©), Coating (yes/no), Thickness (>0.3mm?), Weight per mΒ² (>150g?), Dimensions. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing: Surface texture (coated/uncoated), Cut shapes (gaskets vs. flat sheets), Packaging. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the product (e.g., "Coated Paperboard for Packaging" vs. "Paper Gaskets") to match HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail contents: Flat sheets vs. cut pieces. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Essential for confirming Chinese origin (triggers 25% surcharge). |
| β Third-Party Test Report | βοΈ | If claiming specific thickness or coating properties, provide lab reports. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βCheck Coating, Check Shape, Declare Right, Avoid Delays!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat, thick, plastic-coated paperboard (>150 g/mΒ², β₯0.3mm) | 4811.51.20.20 or 4811.51.20.40 |
Declared as "Paper" (4817) |
β οΈ Audit Risk: Misclassification. If audited, may face penalties or reassessment. |
| Paper Gaskets/Seals (Cut-to-shape) | 4823.90.80.00 |
Declared as "Packaging Material" | β οΈ Risk: Incorrect HS. Customs may reclassify and apply different duties. |
| Papier-mΓ’chΓ© Articles | 4823.90.20.00 |
Declared as "General Paper" | β οΈ Risk: Misdescription. |
| Thin Paper Pads/Notepads | 4817.20.20.00 or 4817.20.40.00 |
Declared as "Coated Paperboard" | β οΈ Risk: Over-declaration of coating. |
π Tip:
- If the "Pad Board" is uncoated and used for writing/notepads, classify under 4817.20.
- If it is coated and used for packaging, classify under 4811.51.
- If it is cut into shapes like seals/gaskets, classify under 4823.90.80.
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Coated vs. Uncoated | Provide a material composition certificate to prove coating status. Uncoated paperboard may fall under different subheadings if not specified as coated. |
| Thickness Dispute | If thickness is close to 0.3mm, provide laboratory test results to confirm it meets the ">0.3mm" threshold for 4811.51. |
| Multiple Uses | If the pad board can be used for both packaging and stationery, declare based on principal use or commercial intent. Provide invoices showing end-use. |
| Papier-mΓ’chΓ© Claim | Ensure the product is truly papier-mΓ’chΓ© (molded paper pulp). If it is just cardboard, do not declare as papier-mΓ’chΓ© to avoid fraud penalties. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4811.51.20.20 / 4823.90.80.00 etc. |
25% (All listed) | None specific for paper | High tariff due to Section 301. No de minimis exemption. |
| π¨π³ China | Same HS Codes | Varies (usually 0-6%) | None | Importing back into China may have different duties. |
| πͺπΊ EU | Same HS Codes | 0% (Most paper products) | REACH (if chemicals in coating) | No Section 301 surcharge. Generally lower duty burden. |
| π¬π§ UK | Same HS Codes | 0% | UKCA (if applicable) | Post-Brexit rules apply. No US-style surcharge. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | Same HS Codes | 0% | None | Generally free trade for paper products. |
π Conclusion:
- USA: Highest cost due to 25% additional tariff.
- EU/UK/Canada: Typically 0% base duty, no US-style surcharge.
- Strategic Advice: If targeting the US market, consider supply chain diversification (e.g., producing in Vietnam or Mexico) to avoid the 25% tariff, if feasible.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Pad Board" as generic "Paper" without specifying coating or shape.
π Consequence: Customs may assign the highest duty rate or request additional documentation, causing delays.
β Mistake 2: Misclassifying coated paperboard (>0.3mm) as uncoated paper.
π Consequence: Incorrect HS Code. If discovered, may result in back-tariff assessments and penalties.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the 25% Section 301 Surcharge.
π Consequence: Underestimating landed cost. Budget 25% more for US imports from China.
β Mistake 4: Declaring gaskets as packaging material.
π Consequence: Misclassification. Gaskets (4823.90.80.00) and packaging base stock (4811.51.20.40) have different regulatory histories.
β Correct Practice:
"Coated Paperboard, Bleached, 180 g/mΒ², 0.35mm Thick, for Packaging, Model XYZ"
OR
"Paper Gasket, Cut-to-Shape, For Industrial Sealing, Model ABC"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember Mnemonic:
πΉ "Coated? Check Thickness (>0.3mm)! Coated? Use 4811!"
πΉ "Gaskets? Use 4823! Notepads? Use 4817!"
πΉ "25% Tariff for US, Zero for EU! Don't Get Caught!"
π Pro Tip:
If your "Pad Board" is coated with plastic and used for packaging, and you are importing into the US, the 25% surcharge is mandatory.
Consider applying for an Exclusion under Section 301 if your product is not available from other sources, though this is difficult and time-consuming.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker to verify coating status and thickness.
π Prepare specification sheets and photos.
π Classify Accurately, Avoid Delays, Manage Costs!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Matters in Landed Cost!
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.