Harmonized System
U.S. imports of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp (HS 481200) totaled $3.0M in August 2026, imported from 16 countries.
Importers of Filter Blocks, Slabs, and Plates of Paper Pulp paid $195K in duties in August 2026, an effective tariff rate of 6.60% of the $3.0M imported — duty actually collected as a share of that value, not the published tariff schedule. Filter Blocks, Slabs, and Plates of Paper Pulp imports of $3.0M in August 2026 ran 39% above the year-to-date monthly average of $2.1M.
Last updated: August 2026 dataEngineered from compressed paper pulp, filter blocks, slabs, and plates serve as depth-filtration media in beverage production (wine, beer, spirits), pharmaceutical manufacturing, and industrial liquid-clarification processes. The entire heading resolves to a single 10-digit line — 4812000000 — simplifying classification but placing the analytical burden on confirming that the product is a formed filter element of paper pulp rather than a filter paper sheet or a non-pulp filtration medium. Germany dominates US imports under this heading, consistent with its global leadership in industrial filtration equipment and media manufacturing, with Mexico and Denmark also among the top suppliers. Importers sourcing from Germany should note that USMCA preference is not available for German-origin goods; standard MFN duty treatment applies.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
141 shipments/mo
Filter blocks, slabs, and plates under heading 4812 are three-dimensional formed elements — typically thick, rigid or semi-rigid structures used as replaceable filter modules in industrial housings. Filter paper in flat sheet or roll form is classified under heading 4823. The key distinction is whether the product is a formed filtration element (4812) or a flat paper substrate cut or rolled for use in filtration (4823).
Paper-pulp filter blocks used as process aids in pharmaceutical manufacturing may be reviewed by FDA as components that contact drug products or intermediates. While they are not themselves drugs or devices, importers supplying pharmaceutical manufacturers should ensure the filter media meets applicable FDA guidance on materials in contact with drug substances and maintain documentation of composition and extractables testing.
HSChapter 48
Trade Directory
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Subheading 1 of 1 in heading 4812
Subheading 481200 · $3.0M of $3.0M
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4812000000 | Filter Blocks, Slabs and Plates, Of Paper Pulp | $3.0M | 6.60% | 63.75% | $195K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4812000000 | Filter Blocks, Slabs and Plates, Of Paper Pulp | $171K |
Import lines come from the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule and export lines from Schedule B. The two are numbered by different agencies, so the same 10-digit code can appear in both tables describing a different product.
ImportsExports
Imports
$3.0MYoY · free account
Exports
$171KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
YoY · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $25.4M of Filter Blocks, Slabs, and Plates of Paper Pulp.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Germany and Mexico together supply 79% of it. Switzerland pays 12.5% duty; Mexico 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
35.7% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 6.60% of total import value.