paper hs code 5212156090
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823906700 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4802567090 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4802554000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 5212156090 | 42.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Paper & Paperboard: Decoding HS Code 5212.15.60.90
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "5212.15.60.90"?
β οΈ CRITICAL ALERT: The HS Code
5212.15.60.90provided in your query DOES NOT MATCH the data in<DATA>.
The<DATA>block contains office papers and paper products classified under Chapter 48 (Paper and Paperboard), specifically: -4823.90.67.00-4802.56.70.90-4823.90.86.80-4802.55.40.00
HS Code5212.15.60.90belongs to Chapter 52 (Cotton), specifically "Other woven cotton fabrics, weighing 200 g/mΒ² or more, dyed." This is TEXTILE/FABRIC, not PAPER.
Since your <DATA> explicitly lists paper products (office paper, cut paper, uncoated paper), and the user input asks about "paper hs code", we must assume there is a typo in the HS Code provided by the user or a misunderstanding of the product type.
However, per the instruction: "Please answer... in English... do not exceed content, do not miss hscode", and the user explicitly typed "paper hs code 5212156090", there is a contradiction.
Resolution Strategy:
1. Acknowledge the discrepancy: State clearly that 5212.15.60.90 is for cotton fabric, not paper.
2. Focus on the <DATA> content: The <DATA> contains four specific HS Codes for paper. I will explain only those HS Codes as they are the authoritative data provided.
3. Do NOT explain 5212.15.60.90 as if it were paper, because that would be factually incorrect and misleading for customs clearance. Instead, I will provide the classification for the actual paper HS Codes in <DATA>, which is what the user likely needs if they are shipping paper.
4. If the user insists on 5212.15.60.90, I must clarify it is not in <DATA> and thus cannot be explained per the constraint "do not exceed ".
Therefore, the response will correct the userβs misconception about 5212.15.60.90 being paper, and then provide the detailed breakdown for the four HS Codes actually present in <DATA>.
π¦ II. Correct HS Code Classification for Paper Products (Based on <DATA>)
The <DATA> provides four HS Codes for paper and paperboard articles. All carry a 35% total tax rate due to US-China trade tensions (25% Section 301 + 10% IEEPA).
π― 1. 4823.90.67.00 β Other Paper Products, Cut to Size
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Description | Office paper products, made of paper/cardboard, cut into sheets. Falls under "Other paper products". |
| Material | Paper/Cardboard |
| Form | Cut sheets |
| Classification Logic | This code covers paper articles that are not specifically listed elsewhere in Chapter 48 (e.g., not printed, not stationery). It is a "catch-all" for cut paper products. |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Breakdown | - Base Duty: 0.0% - Section 301 Tariff: 25.0% - IEEPA Tariff (122 Provision): 10.0% |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4823.90.67.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Key Insight:
- This is not standard writing paper (which might be 4802). It is cut paper products that donβt fit other specific paper categories.
- Examples: Cut paper inserts, paper pads, non-printed paper blanks.
π― 2. 4802.56.70.90 β Writing Paper, Non-Cotton Fiber
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Description | Office paper for writing and graphic purposes, made of fiber paper. Falls under "Other" (non-cotton, non-covered). |
| Material | Fiber Paper (Non-Cotton) |
| Use | Writing, Graphics |
| Classification Logic | This code is for uncoated paper of a kind used for writing, printing, or other graphic purposes. It excludes cotton fiber paper and paper with covers. It is the "Other" category for non-cotton writing paper. |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Breakdown | - Base Duty: 0.0% - Section 301 Tariff: 25.0% - IEEPA Tariff (122 Provision): 10.0% |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4802.56.70.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Key Insight:
- This is standard office writing paper (like copier paper) if made from non-cotton fibers (e.g., wood pulp).
- If it were cotton paper, it would be in4802.55.
- If it were coated, it might be in4810.
π― 3. 4823.90.86.80 β Other Paper Articles
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Description | Paper products, made of paper, meeting requirements for paper, cardboard, or cellulose articles. Falls under "Other paper products". |
| Material | Paper |
| Classification Logic | A broader "Other" category for paper articles that do not fit into more specific subheadings of 4823. It captures a wider range of non-specific paper goods. |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Breakdown | - Base Duty: 0.0% - Section 301 Tariff: 25.0% - IEEPA Tariff (122 Provision): 10.0% |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4823.90.86.80 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Key Insight:
- Use this when the paper product doesnβt fit4823.90.67(cut sheets) or4802(writing paper).
- Examples: Paper rolls, paper cones, special paper shapes.
π― 4. 4802.55.40.00 β Uncoated Paper, "Other"
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Description | Office paper, made of paper, in uncoated form. Falls under "Other" catch-all category. |
| Material | Paper |
| Form | Uncoated |
| Classification Logic | This is the "Other" uncoated paper category. It captures uncoated paper that is not specified for writing/printing in 4802.56. It is a residual category for uncoated paper sheets. |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Breakdown | - Base Duty: 0.0% - Section 301 Tariff: 25.0% - IEEPA Tariff (122 Provision): 10.0% |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4802.55.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Key Insight:
- This is for uncoated paper that doesnβt fit the "writing/graphics" description of4802.56.
- Examples: Uncoated paper for technical drawings, uncoated filter paper, etc.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Explanation (For All Four HS Codes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 onwards
π― Universal Tax Structure for All Listed HS Codes
| Component | Rate | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | Most paper products have no base MFN duty. |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% | Imposed under US Trade Act Section 301 on Chinese goods. |
| IEEPA Tariff (122 Provision) | +10.0% | Imposed under International Emergency Economic Powers Act on Chinese goods. |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% | Sum of all applicable duties. |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value | Duty is calculated on Cost, Insurance, and Freight value. |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible | These goods are not eligible for $800 de minimis exemption. |
π Explanation:
- The 25% Section 301 tariff is a punitive tariff for specific Chinese imports, including many paper products.
- The 10% IEEPA tariff is an additional emergency tariff on Chinese goods.
- Total 35% is a high tariff, significantly impacting profitability.
- Legal Path:IEEPA:9903.01.25βIEEPA:9903.01.24βUSITC:<HS_CODE>βFOOTNOTE:9903.88.01
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Detail material (fiber type, coating status), dimensions, cut size. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Paper Products" and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show net/gross weight, number of packages. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To prove Chinese origin (triggers tariffs). |
| β Proof of Material (Fiber Analysis) | βοΈ | Critical to distinguish between 4802 (non-cotton) and 5202/5212 (cotton). |
| β Third-Party Lab Report | βοΈ | If disputed, a lab report confirming "Non-Cotton Fiber" or "Uncoated" is essential. |
β 2. Classification Key Points
π₯ "Material Determines Code, Form Determines Subheading!"
| Feature | Correct HS Code Group | Incorrect HS Code Group |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton Fiber | Chapter 52 (5212, 5202) |
Chapter 48 (4802, 4823) |
| Non-Cotton Fiber | Chapter 48 (4802, 4823) |
Chapter 52 |
| Coated Paper | Chapter 48 (4810, 4811) |
Chapter 48 (4802) |
| Uncoated Paper | Chapter 48 (4802.55, 4802.56) |
Chapter 48 (4810) |
| Cut Paper Products | Chapter 48 (4823) |
Chapter 48 (4802) |
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- If your product is cotton-based, it cannot be classified under4802or4823. It must go to Chapter 52.
- If you classify cotton fabric as paper (4802), customs will reject the shipment, impose penalties, and potentially seize the goods.
-5212.15.60.90is for cotton fabric. If you are shipping paper, do NOT use this code. Use the48xxcodes from<DATA>.
β 3. Common Errors & Solutions
| Error | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Misclassifying Cotton Fabric as Paper | Customs rejection, fines, delays | Confirm material composition. If cotton, use Chapter 52. |
| Using "Paper" Generic Term | Customs audit, additional duty | Specify "Uncoated," "Non-Cotton," "Cut Sheets" in description. |
| Ignoring IEEPA Tariff | Unexpected 35% duty at customs | Budget for 35% total tariff if originating from China. |
| Failing to Provide Material Proof | Dispute over HS Code | Submit lab report confirming fiber type. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Paper) | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4802.56.70.90 or 4823.90.67.00 |
35% | High tariff due to Section 301 + IEEPA. |
| π¨π³ China | 4802.56.70.90 |
Low/0% | Domestic trade, no import tariff. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4802.56.70.90 |
Variable | No Section 301, but EU-specific duties may apply. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4802.56.70.90 |
Variable | Post-Brexit tariffs may differ from EU. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA imposes the highest tariffs (35%) on Chinese-origin paper products.
- If possible, consider origin diversification (e.g., produce in Vietnam or Mexico) to avoid these tariffs.
- Always verify material composition to ensure correct chapter (48 vs. 52).
π VI. Final Advice for Importers
- Do NOT use
5212.15.60.90for paper. This code is for cotton fabric. Using it for paper will lead to severe customs penalties. - Use the HS Codes from
<DATA>(4802.55.40.00,4802.56.70.90,4823.90.67.00,4823.90.86.80) for paper products. - Budget for 35% tariff if importing from China to the US.
- Provide clear material documentation to avoid classification disputes.
- Consider pre-emption rulings from US Customs to confirm HS Code before shipment.
π£ Immediate Action Required:
π Contact a licensed customs broker to confirm the HS Code based on physical material composition.
π Verify if your product is cotton-based or paper-based. If cotton, use Chapter 52. If paper, use Chapter 48.
πΌ Do not ship with5212.15.60.90if the product is paper. It will be rejected.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every duty dollar countsβensure your HS Code matches your product!
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.