Harmonized System
U.S. imports of Transfer Papers and Paper Offset Plates (Cut to Size or Shape) (HS 481690) totaled $403K in August 2026, imported from 13 countries.
Importers of Transfer Papers and Paper Offset Plates (Cut to Size or Shape) paid $65K in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 16.21% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule. Transfer Papers and Paper Offset Plates (Cut to Size or Shape) imports of $403K in August 2026 ran 24% below the year-to-date monthly average of $533K.
Last updated: August 2026 dataTransfer papers and paper-based offset printing plates serve distinct but related roles in the graphic arts and printing industries — transfer papers carry images or patterns for application to other surfaces, while paper offset plates are single-use printing substrates for short-run lithographic work. Japan leads US import supply under this heading, with China and South Korea also notable sources, reflecting Asia's concentration of precision printing-consumables manufacturing. All imports enter under 4816900100; the offset-plate segment in particular competes with aluminum and polyester plate alternatives, so material specification is a key classification and procurement consideration.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
23 import shipments a month
Paper offset plates are classified under heading 4816 because the essential material is paper. Aluminum offset plates fall under Chapter 76 (aluminum articles), and polyester-based plates are classified under Chapter 39 (plastics). The substrate material at time of importation determines the correct chapter, so the technical specification sheet should clearly identify the plate base material.
Paper offset plates are typically used for very short print runs where the lower cost of a paper substrate outweighs its shorter press life. They are common in quick-print and in-plant printing environments. For longer runs, aluminum or polyester plates are preferred, which is why paper plate imports tend to serve price-sensitive, low-volume segments of the commercial printing market.
Trade Directory
List your company under HS 481690 — Transfer Papers and Paper Offset Plates (Cut to Size or Shape), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4816900100 | Transfer Pprs Cut to Size/Shape & Ppr Offset Plate | $399K | 16.21% | 94.50% | $65K |
HS10 export codes under this HS6 parent, each with its own page. Source: U.S. Schedule B export classification.
| Code | Description | Export Value |
|---|---|---|
| 4816900100 | Transfer Pprs Cut to Size/Shape & Ppr Offset Plate | $375K |
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 2 of 2 in heading 4816
Subheading 481690 · $403K of $1.7M
ImportsExports
Imports
$403KYoY · free account
Exports
$375KYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $6.2M of Transfer Papers and Paper Offset Plates (Cut to Size or Shape) and exported $6.6M.
Fewer than 6 of the last 12 months reported trade, or the latest month was under $500K; the trend chart is not shown for thin series.
Through August 2026. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.
Imports · August 2026
origin
Japan and Peru together supply 68% of it. China pays 37.5% duty; Mexico 0.0%.
customs district
destination
entry
rate provision · imports
5.5% enters free of duty; duty collected equals 16.21% of imports for consumption.