HS Code for Felt board

Felt board, specifically referred to in the tariff as felt paper and paperboard, is classified under HS code 4805.50. This classification is part of Chapter 48, which covers paper and paperboard articles. Heading 4805 is reserved for other uncoated paper and paperboard, in rolls or sheets, that have not been further worked than specified in the chapter notes. Felt paperboard is a thick, porous, and relatively heavy material often manufactured from waste paper, wood pulp, or a mixture of vegetable fibers and textile scraps. It is primarily used as a structural base for roofing membranes, flooring underlayment, or as an insulating layer in construction. It is distinguished from textile felt (which falls under Chapter 56) by its manufacturing process; while textile felt is made by interlocking fibers through heat, moisture, and mechanical action, felt paperboard is produced using the traditional papermaking process on a continuous machine. The absence of a coating or impregnation at the time of initial classification is what places it specifically under 4805.50.

Products Included

• Uncoated felt paper in rolls for roofing base
• Felt paperboard sheets for industrial padding
• Absorbent felt paper for technical applications
• Underlayment felt paperboard for flooring
• Heavyweight uncoated felt paper for sound dampening

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is HS code 5602, which covers felt made of textile fibers. The distinction is based on whether the product is "paper" (Chapter 48) or "textile" (Chapter 56). Another common error is 4811, which applies if the felt board has been coated, impregnated, or covered with bitumen or asphalt for roofing.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Felt board?

The HS code for uncoated felt paper and paperboard is 4805.50.

Is bitumen-saturated roofing felt under this code?

No, once the felt paper is saturated or coated with bitumen or asphalt, it is classified under HS code 4811.10 or Chapter 68 depending on the composition.