Loading...
HSChapter 48
U.S. imports of paper handkerchiefs, facial tissues & paper towels (HS 481820) totaled $54.3M in July 2026, traded with 44 countries.
Importers of Paper Handkerchiefs, Facial Tissues & Paper Towels paid $1.8M in duties in July 2026 — an effective duty rate of 14% on $12.6M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: July 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.
5.3K shipments/mo
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.
ImportsExports
Imports
$54.3MYoY · Pro
Exports
$35.9MYoY · Pro
12-mo low · imports
YoY · ProThrough July 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · July 2026
origin
Canada and Mexico together supply 75% of it.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
76.5% enters free of duty; the effective duty rate is 3.24%.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4818200020 | Towels of Paper Pulp/Paper/Cellulose Wadding/Webs | $37.5M | 2.67% | 18.89% | $1.0M |
| 4818200040 | Handkerchiefs & Cleansing/Facial Tissues Paper Etc | $16.8M | 4.52% | 32.65% | $760K |
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 | $32.5M |
| 4818200040 | Handkerchiefs & Cleansing/Facial Tissues Paper Etc | $3.4M |
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.
Subheading 1 of 5 in heading 4818
Subheading 481820 · $54.3M of $172.1M
Supplier Network
Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 481820 — Paper Handkerchiefs, Facial Tissues & Paper Towels. Be the first supplier listed.