Comprehensive Guide to HS Code 4803: Tissue for Imports and Exports

TL;DR

• The HS code for tissue paper generally falls under “4818,” covering paper products like tissues, napkins, and toilet paper.
• Correct HS code classification ensures smooth customs processing and accurate tariffs for tissue paper.
• Tissue paper’s HS code may vary based on product type, such as whether it’s for personal use or industrial purposes.
• Understanding the right HS code helps avoid customs delays and ensures compliance with import/export regulations.
• Different countries may have additional requirements or regulations for importing/exporting tissue paper.

What is HS Code 4803?

Tissue paper, a versatile product widely used for various purposes like hygiene, cleaning, and packaging, is an essential item in global trade. The Harmonized System (HS) Code for tissue paper is 4803 for tissue paper and products made from it. This category encompasses products such as facial tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, and other soft, absorbent papers typically used in personal care and household applications. As a staple in everyday life, the trade of tissue paper plays a significant role in the global market, with demand spanning across industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail. 

Understanding the correct HS Code is crucial for businesses involved in the import and export of tissue paper, ensuring compliance with international trade regulations, accurate tariff assessments, and smooth customs procedures. Proper classification also helps streamline shipping logistics and fosters transparency in cross-border transactions.

Key Industries Using These Goods 

Key industries that rely on tissue paper products include:

1. Healthcare Industry: Tissue paper is widely used in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities for hygiene products such as facial tissues, napkins, and towels. It is essential for maintaining cleanliness, preventing the spread of infections, and providing patient comfort.
2. Hospitality Industry: Hotels, restaurants, and cafes use tissue paper for toilet paper, facial tissues, napkins, and paper towels to ensure a clean and comfortable experience for guests.
3. Retail and Consumer Goods: Retail businesses sell tissue paper products directly to consumers for household use, including toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, and napkins. These products are vital for personal hygiene and convenience in daily life.
4. Food Packaging and Catering: Tissue paper is used in food packaging, particularly for wrapping food items or lining food containers. It’s also utilized in catering services for cleaning and hygienic purposes.
   Cleaning and Sanitation: Industries involved in cleaning and sanitation use tissue paper products like paper towels and wipes to maintain cleanliness in both commercial and residential spaces.
5. Beauty and Personal Care: Tissue paper is commonly used in beauty salons and spas for facial wipes, tissue-based masks, and cleaning surfaces.

These industries are major consumers of tissue paper products, driving the global demand for this essential commodity

Quick Reference Table for Export

What Goods Covered Under HS Code 4803?

HS Code 4803.00 is primarily used to classify tissue paper and products made from it. These are generally soft, absorbent, and often used in personal hygiene, cleaning, and other household functions. The products under this code are essential for everyday use in various industries like healthcare, hospitality, and retail.

The key products classified under HS Code 4803 include:

1. Facial Tissues: Soft, absorbent tissues typically used for wiping the face or hands.
2. Toilet Paper: Rolls of soft tissue paper used for hygiene purposes in bathrooms.
3. Paper Towels: Absorbent sheets or rolls of tissue used for drying hands, cleaning, or wiping surfaces.
4. Napkins: Disposable tissue paper products used in dining settings for wiping hands or cleaning the mouth.
5. Wet Wipes: Tissues that are moistened and used for cleaning and personal hygiene.
6. Other Tissue Products: Various other tissue paper products used for personal care or in industries like packaging and cleaning.

Subcategories with HS Code Extensions

HS Code 4803.00 covers a variety of tissue paper products, with specific extensions to classify different types based on their material composition and intended use. Below are the key subcategories under this code.

HS Code 4803.00.20: Cellulose Wadding

This subcategory covers cellulose wadding, a type of soft, absorbent material typically used in various products such as padding, absorbent tissues, and medical applications. It is made from processed cellulose fibers and is widely used in the healthcare, personal care, and hygiene industries.

HS Code 4803.00.40: Other

This extension includes all other tissue paper products not specifically classified under the previous categories. It encompasses a wide range of products made from tissue paper, such as facial tissue, toilet paper, napkins and various specialty tissues or non-standard products.

To ensure your business thrives in global trade, Intoglo offers powerful tools designed to streamline your logistics and tariff management. Now that you understand the various subcategories under HS Code 4803.00, it’s time to take the next step toward optimizing your international operations.

• Make your USA logistics seamless and efficient with the US Exporters Kit, featuring essential tools like the USA Port Map, Smart Route Planner, Holiday Calendar, and Road Freight Limits.
• Simplify your trade operations with our HS Code Lookup Tool, allowing you to quickly find the most accurate Harmonized System codes and tariffs for your products, ensuring smooth customs clearance and compliance.

Take advantage of these resources today to enhance your business efficiency in international trade.

Trade and Market Statistics

Understanding trade and market statistics is essential for businesses engaged in the import and export of tissue paper products. These statistics provide valuable insights into global demand, production trends, key markets, and trade volumes, helping businesses make informed decisions. By analyzing market data, you can identify growth opportunities, navigate global trade barriers, and optimize supply chains to meet consumer demands.

Top Exporters of Tissue Paper (2023-2024)

The top exporters of tissue paper in 2024 are as follows:

India’s Tissue Paper Export Market: Opportunities and Growth

India, while not ranking among the top exporters of tissue paper globally, has shown promising growth in this sector. With increasing demand for tissue paper products in international markets, Indian exporters have been steadily expanding their footprint. Here’s a snapshot of India’s tissue paper export performance:

• Total Shipments: 5,438
• Total Tissue Paper Buyers: 1,099
• Total Tissue Paper Exporters: 629
• Shipments in February 2024: 491
• Sequential Growth in February 2024: 17%
• Year-Over-Year Growth in February 2024: 20%

Top Importing Countries: USA, UAE, Sri Lanka

This growth highlights a significant opportunity for Indian exporters to tap into the expanding demand for tissue paper products. With a growing network of buyers and a steady increase in shipments, Indian exporters can further capitalize on this upward trend. The increase in exports, especially to key markets like the USA, UAE, and Sri Lanka, showcases immense potential for further market expansion.

Top Importers of Tissue Paper (2023-2024)

The top importers of tissue paper are as follows:

Interested in Shipping Tissue Paper from India to the USA?

Shipping tissue paper from India to the USA offers significant opportunities, with the U.S. market showing high demand for hygiene and paper products. To successfully navigate the complexities of international trade, including customs regulations and logistics, partnering with a reliable service provider is key.

At Intoglo, we make shipping tissue paper to the USA seamless and efficient with a range of advanced features tailored to your needs:

• AI-Based HTS Code Scanner: Intoglo’s AI-powered scanner quickly identifies the correct HS Code for your tissue paper products, simply by capturing a photo, ensuring you avoid any classification errors.
• Comprehensive Delivery Network: We cover over 41,000+ zip codes across the USA, ensuring your shipments reach every corner of the country efficiently.
• End-to-End Solutions: From dedicated Customs House Agents (CHAs) at all major ports to own CFS space at key ports and ICDs, Intoglo offers complete logistics management. We also provide PAN India trucking with top-rated truckers, internal filing of AMS/ISF, and in-house compliance teams to ensure smooth operations.
• Express Clearance & Cargo Consolidation: Benefit from our express clearance facilities and cargo consolidation services, which help reduce shipping times and lower costs.

With Intoglo, you can be confident that your tissue paper shipments from India to the USA are in expert hands, allowing you to focus on growing your business while we handle the logistics.

FAQs

1. What is HS Code 4803 and what products does it cover?

A: HS Code 4803 refers to tissue, towel, or similar paper used for household or sanitary purposes. This includes toilet paper, facial tissue, hand towels, and similar items made from cellulose fibers, not coated or impregnated.

2. What are the documentation requirements for importing or exporting under HS Code 4803?

A: Common requirements include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin. Some countries may request product specifications or compliance certificates, depending on sanitary or environmental regulations.

3. Are there any special duties or tariffs on tissue paper under HS Code 4803?

A: Duties and tariffs vary by country and trade agreements. For example, countries in free trade agreements may offer reduced or zero tariffs. Always verify applicable rates using the destination country’s customs portal.

4. How can Intoglo help with tissue exports under HS Code 4803?

A: Intoglo offers end-to-end logistics support for exporters, including customs classification assistance, pickup, warehousing, ocean freight, and delivery across India to the USA. You can also use Intoglo’s AI-powered HS Code scanner—just take a photo of your product to identify the correct code instantly.

5. What common mistakes should exporters avoid with HS Code 4803?

A: Avoid misclassification, missing documentation, and incorrect valuation. These can lead to delays, penalties, or even cargo rejection. Ensure your product matches the code’s description and consult with a trade expert if in doubt.