HS Code for Cardboard boxes
Cardboard boxes are classified under HS code 481910, which specifically covers cartons, boxes, and cases made of corrugated paper or paperboard. This classification is situated within Chapter 48, which deals with paper and paperboard and articles made from these materials. The primary determinant for this classification is the material construction: the paperboard must be corrugated. Corrugated paperboard consists of a fluted or wavy layer sandwiched between flat linerboards, providing structural integrity and cushioning for shipping. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, the product is classified based on the literal description of the heading 4819 (packing containers) and the subheading 481910 (corrugated). This code is used globally for the standard shipping containers and heavy-duty boxes used in logistics. It is important to distinguish these from folding cartons or non-corrugated boxes, which fall under different subheadings within the same chapter. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the boxes are printed with branding or are plain, provided the primary material is corrugated paperboard.
Products Included
- Corrugated shipping containers
- Double-walled corrugated boxes
- Single-face corrugated cartons
- Corrugated fiberboard cases
- Heavy-duty corrugated packaging for appliances
Common Misclassification
Cardboard boxes are often misclassified under HS code 481920. However, 481920 is strictly for folding cartons, boxes, and cases made of non-corrugated paperboard (such as cereal boxes or shoe boxes). Another common error is using 482390 for specialized paperboard shapes, but if the item functions as a packing container, 4819 is the legally required heading.
FAQ
What is the HS code for Cardboard boxes?
The standard HS code for boxes made of corrugated paperboard is 481910.
Are pizza boxes classified under this code?
If the pizza box is made of corrugated paperboard, it falls under 481910; if it is made of solid, non-corrugated paperboard, it falls under 481920.
Industry
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for Cardboard boxes?
The HS code for Cardboard boxes is 481910 (Paper and paperboard; cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboard).
How do I classify Cardboard boxes for customs?
Cardboard boxes is classified under HS code 481910 — Paper and paperboard; cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboard. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the HS code for Cardboard boxes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 481910 for Cardboard boxes is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.