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HSChapter 48
U.S. imports of filter blocks, slabs, and plates of paper pulp (HS 481200) totaled $1.7M in April 2026, traded with 13 countries.
Importers of Filter Blocks, Slabs, and Plates of Paper Pulp paid $121K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 9.5% on $1.3M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: April 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.
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.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| GERMANY | $700K | -- | -$700K |
| MEXICO | $412K | $94K | -$318K |
| DENMARK | $271K | -- | -$271K |
| SWEDEN | $184K | -- | -$184K |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $95K | -- | -$95K |
Monthly import values over time
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Import Value | Effective Tariff % | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4812000000 | FILTER BLOCKS, SLABS AND PLATES, OF PAPER PULP | $1.7M | 9.49% | $121K |
FILTER BLOCKS, SLABS AND PLATES, OF PAPER PULP
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4812000000 | FILTER BLOCKS, SLABS AND PLATES, OF PAPER PULP | $202K |
FILTER BLOCKS, SLABS AND PLATES, OF PAPER PULP
24.8K kg
SACKS AND BAGS NESOI, INCL CONES, OF PAPER ETC,
HS 481940
FOLDING CARTONS, BOXES ETC, NONCOR PAPER & PAPERBD
HS 481920
CARTONS, BOXES & CASES CORRUGATED PAPER & PAPERBD
HS 481910
PAPER & PAPERBOARD, UNCOATED, >10% MECH.FIB.,ROLLS
HS 480261
TRAYS, DISHES, PLATES, CUPS,ETC,OF PAPER/BOARD,NES
HS 482369
HANDKERCHIEFS, TISSUES & TOWELS OF PAPER PULP ETC
HS 481820
| State | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $460K | $10K | -$450K |
| Georgia | $261K | $28K | -$233K |
| California | $216K | $39K | -$177K |
| Port | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAREDO, TX | $412K | $30K | -$382K |
| WASHINGTON, DC | $377K | -- | -$377K |
| CHARLESTON, SC | $225K | $12K | -$212K |