纸质外卖盒
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823610020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823690040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4819100020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4819200020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823700020 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🥡 Paper Takeout Containers (Paper Lunch Boxes)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Paper Lunch Boxes"?
Paper takeout containers are essential packaging for the food service industry, including restaurants, cafes, and cloud kitchens. In international trade, their classification depends heavily on manufacturing process, material structure (corrugated vs. non-corrugated), and specific form (box, tray, pulp mold).
Key Distinctions: * Corrugated Cardboard Containers: Rigid, foldable boxes made from corrugated paperboard (e.g., burger boxes, pizza boxes). * Molded Pulp Containers: Made from recycled paper pulp, molded into shape (e.g., egg cartons, clamshell takeout boxes). * Simple Paper Containers: Made from non-corrugated paper or paperboard, often folded or simple vessels.
⚠️ Critical Classification Point:
- If made of pulp →归入 4823.70 (Molded products).
- If made of corrugated paperboard →归入 4819.10.
- If made of non-corrugated paperboard (folded) →归入 4819.20.
- If made of other paper/paperboard (general containers) →归入 4823.61 or 4823.69.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Mapping)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Form |
|---|---|---|---|
4819.10.00.20 |
Corrugated paper or paperboard boxes/sacks | Burger boxes, pizza boxes, rigid storage | ✅ Corrugated |
4819.20.00.20 |
Folding card boxes (non-corrugated) | Foldable paper lunch boxes, cartons | ✅ Non-corrugated |
4823.61.00.20 |
Other paper containers (not trays/plates) | Generic paper lunch boxes, vessels | ✅ Other Paper |
4823.69.00.40 |
Paper trays, plates, dishes | Paper plates, shallow trays | ✅ Tray/Dish Form |
4823.70.00.20 |
Molded paper pulp containers | Compostable clamshell boxes, pulp trays | ✅ Pulp Molded |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- "Tray/Plate" implies a flat, shallow structure. If it has high walls and acts as a box → Not 4823.69.
- "Molded Pulp" is distinct from folded cardboard. It is molded, not glued/folded from sheets.
- Food Safety: All these items are food-contact items, requiring separate FDA/EFSA compliance documentation during clearance.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: 2025年11月10日起 (Including subsequent imports)
✅ Total Tax Rate: 35.0% for all listed codes
🎯 1. 4819.10.00.20 – Corrugated Paper Boxes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (USITC Footnote) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% (Specific Section 122 Provision) |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | USITC:4819.10.00.20 → Sect301:35% → Sec122:10% |
📌 Explanation:
- 0% Base: Standard MFN rate for basic paper products.
- 25% Section 301: Standard US-China trade war tariff on many Chinese goods.
- 10% Section 122: Additional specific tariff applied to this category.
- Total 35%: High cost barrier for Chinese origin corrugated boxes.
🎯 2. 4819.20.00.20 – Folding Card Boxes (Non-Corrugated)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | USITC:4819.20.00.20 → Sect301:35% → Sec122:10% |
📌 Note:
- Same tax structure as corrugated boxes.
- Applies to folded boxes made from solid paperboard (e.g., standard fast-food lunch boxes).
🎯 3. 4823.61.00.20 – Other Paper Containers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | USITC:4823.61.00.20 → Sect301:35% → Sec122:10% |
📌 Note:
- Covers general paper containers that don’t fit into trays/plates or corrugated categories.
- High tariff applies uniformly.
🎯 4. 4823.69.00.40 – Paper Trays, Plates, Dishes
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | USITC:4823.69.00.40 → Sect301:35% → Sec122:10% |
📌 Note:
- Applies to shallow paper products like disposable plates or trays.
- Do not misclassify a "box" as a "plate" to avoid penalties.
🎯 5. 4823.70.00.20 – Molded Paper Pulp Containers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ❌ Not Applicable |
| Legal Path | USITC:4823.70.00.20 → Sect301:35% → Sec122:10% |
📌 Note:
- Applies to eco-friendly, molded pulp takeout boxes (often compostable).
- Despite being "eco-friendly," the tariff remains high due to trade policies.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Missing Items = Delays)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Material type (corrugated/pulp), dimensions, weight |
| ✅ Food Contact Compliance | ✔️ | FDA 21 CFR / EU 10/2011 compliance certificates |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Clear images of the container, showing structure (box vs. plate) |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Must specify "Paper Takeout Container" and HS Code |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Details carton dimensions and net/gross weight |
| ✅ Certificate of Origin (CO) | ✔️ | Proof of Chinese origin (triggers tariffs) |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
🔥 "Form Dictates Code, Material Confirms It, Food Safety First, Tariffs Apply!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Burgers Box | 4819.10.00.20 (Corrugated) |
Misdeclare as 4823.61 → Risk of penalty |
| Disposable Plate | 4823.69.00.40 (Tray/Plate) |
Misdeclare as "Box" → Wrong code |
| Compostable Clamshell | 4823.70.00.20 (Pulp) |
Misdeclare as "Plastic" → Major violation |
| Folded Paper Lunch Box | 4819.20.00.20 (Folding Card) |
Misdeclare as "Tray" → Incorrect classification |
✅ 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Printing | Provide design proofs. Ensure ink is non-toxic and FDA-compliant. |
| Water/Grease Coated | Declare coating material. Some coatings may require additional chemical disclosure. |
| Mixed Packaging | If pulp and cardboard are packed together, declare separately by HS Code. Do not blend. |
| Sample Shipments | Even for samples, 35% tariff applies. No de minimis exemption for these HS codes. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4819.10 / 4819.20 / 4823.70 etc. |
35% | FDA + Labeling | High tariffs, strict food safety |
| 🇨🇳 China | Same HS Codes | 5-12% | GB Standards | Low domestic tax |
| 🇪🇺 EU | Same HS Codes | 6-7% | EU 10/2011 + REACH | Strict migration limits |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | Same HS Codes | 3-6% | JAS/Food Sanitation Act | High quality standards |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to 35% total tariff (0% base + 25% Sec301 + 10% Sec122).
- EU and Japan have moderate tariffs but strict food safety compliance.
- China Origin faces significant trade barriers in the US. Consider third-country transshipment (with caution) or local manufacturing to mitigate costs.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Declaring "Pulp Box" as "Cardboard Box"
👉 Consequence: 4823.70 (Pulp) vs 4819.20 (Cardboard) → Misclassification Penalty
❌ Mistake 2: Not declaring Food Contact Compliance
👉 Consequence: Detention by FDA, shipment destruction or return.
❌ Mistake 3: Using "Plastic Bag" as Generic Description
👉 Consequence: Fraud Investigation, heavy fines.
❌ Mistake 4: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
👉 Consequence: Underpayment by 10% → Back taxes + Interest.
✅ Correct Approach:
"Paper Takeout Container, Corrugated Cardboard, Food Grade, FDA Compliant, Model XYZ, 500pcs/ctn"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Corrugated is 4819.10, Folded is 4819.20, Pulp is 4823.70, Plate is 4823.69."
🔹 "35% Tariff is the Rule, No Exemptions Apply, Food Safety is Key!"
📌 Pro Tip:
If your containers are originating from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for lower or zero Section 301 tariffs.
Consider supply chain diversification to mitigate the 35% US tariff burden.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Contact a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for Advance Ruling
🚀 Ensure smooth clearance, avoid delays, and protect your margins!
✨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
💼 Every Percent of Tax Matters!
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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.