HS Code for Cigarette paper rolls

HS code 4813.20 applies to cigarette paper presented in rolls with a width not exceeding 5 cm. This classification is strictly based on the physical dimensions of the roll. These narrow rolls are typically used in industrial cigarette-making machines where the paper is fed continuously to wrap the tobacco column. The 5 cm threshold is a critical legal boundary in the Harmonized System; rolls exceeding this width are relegated to other sub-headings like 4813.90. The paper itself is engineered for high-speed mechanical processing, requiring specific tensile strength and consistent chemical properties to ensure uniform burning and flavor neutrality. Under GRI 6, the classification at the sub-heading level is determined by the specific dimension mentioned in the text of 4813.20. This paper is often referred to as "bobbins" in the industry. The manufacturing process involves slitting large parent rolls into these precise narrow widths. The paper must meet strict standards for air permeability (measured in Coresta units) to control the delivery of smoke and tar to the smoker. Because these rolls are intended for automated production, they are rarely found in retail environments, unlike booklets. The classification remains 4813.20 even if the paper is printed with branding or lines, as long as it remains in roll form and stays within the 5 cm width limit. This code is essential for tracking the trade of raw materials used in the large-scale tobacco industry. It excludes any paper that is not specifically for cigarettes, even if it is in narrow rolls, which would instead fall under general paper headings in Chapter 48.

Products Included

• Cigarette paper bobbins (width <= 5cm)
• Narrow rolls of cigarette paper for machine use
• Printed cigarette paper in narrow rolls
• Gummed cigarette paper in rolls (width <= 5cm)
• High-porosity cigarette paper in narrow rolls

Common Misclassification

This code is often confused with 4813.90, which covers rolls wider than 5 cm. It is also sometimes confused with 4811.90 if the paper has been heavily coated or treated, but 4813.20 is the specific provision for cigarette paper. Misclassification also occurs with 4823.90 for other cut-to-size paper products.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Cigarette paper rolls?

Cigarette paper in rolls with a width of 5 cm or less is classified under HS code 4813.20.

What if the roll is exactly 5 cm wide?

If the roll is exactly 5 cm wide, it still falls under 4813.20, as the code covers rolls "not exceeding" 5 cm.