U.S. imports of Paper Handkerchiefs, Facial Tissues & Paper Towels (HS 481820) totaled $55.2M in August 2026, imported from 45 countries.
Importers of Paper Handkerchiefs, Facial Tissues & Paper Towels paid $1.8M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 3.33% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataFacial tissues, paper handkerchiefs, and paper towels made from paper pulp, cellulose wadding, or webs of cellulose fibers are split at the 10-digit level between towels (4818200020) and handkerchiefs and cleansing/facial tissues (4818200040), a distinction that matters for statistical reporting and any applicable trade-remedy exposure. Canada and Mexico lead US imports under this heading, supported by proximity and integrated converting capacity, while Indonesia, China, and Vietnam are significant additional sources. Products sourced from China may be subject to Section 301 tariffs, so verifying current list coverage against the specific 10-digit line is a routine compliance step for importers.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
5.4K import shipments a month
Both fall within heading 481820, but the US schedule separates them at the 10-digit level: towels are reported under 4818200020, while handkerchiefs and cleansing or facial tissues fall under 4818200040. The key distinction is the product's intended use and physical form — towels are typically larger and more absorbent, while facial tissues are softer and designed for facial or personal hygiene use.
Yes — toilet paper (481810) and paper towels (481820) are separate HS headings, and misclassification can result in incorrect duty payment, CBP penalties, or post-entry audits. The distinction generally turns on the product's intended sanitary use and physical characteristics. Consulting a licensed customs broker before entry is advisable when product specifications overlap.
Subheading 1 of 5 in heading 4818
Subheading 481820 · $55.2M of $175.8M
ImportsExports
Imports
$55.2MYoY · free account
Exports
$32.9MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $628.9M of Paper Handkerchiefs, Facial Tissues & Paper Towels and exported $409.0M.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 481820 — Paper Handkerchiefs, Facial Tissues & Paper Towels, so the companies trading it can find you. Be the first supplier listed.
HS10 import codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
| Code | Description | Imports for consumption | Average duty rate | Dutiable Share | Duty Collected |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4818200020 | Towels of Paper Pulp/Paper/Cellulose Wadding/Webs | $37.9M | 2.44% | 16.91% | $924K |
| 4818200040 | Handkerchiefs & Cleansing/Facial Tissues Paper Etc | $17.2M | 5.31% | 34.88% | $910K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4818200020 | Towels of Paper Pulp/Paper/Cellulose Wadding/Webs | $29.6M |
| 4818200040 | Handkerchiefs & Cleansing/Facial Tissues Paper Etc | $3.3M |
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.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Canada and Mexico together supply 76% of it. China pays 31.7% duty; Mexico <0.1%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
77.3% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 3.33% of imports for consumption.