What is HS code 481940 used for?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
HS-6 · Subheading
481940
Paper and paperboard; sacks and bags, including cones, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres, having a base width less than 40cm
Heading 4819 — Cartons, boxes, cases, bags and the like, of paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or fibres; box files, letter trays and the like, of paper or paperboard, of a kind used in offices, shops or the like
Chapter 48: Paper and paperboard
Plain-language overview
Use HS-6 481940 when importing or exporting paper sacks and bags with a base width of less than 40 cm. For example, a shipment of small paper bags for retail use fits this classification perfectly.
This code specifically covers paper and paperboard sacks and bags, including those made from cellulose wadding or fibers. It’s important to distinguish this from HS-6 481930, which pertains to larger bags and sacks with a base width of 40 cm or more.
The 481940 subheading is ideal for products like lightweight paper shopping bags or small packaging bags used for food items. Understanding the size specifications is crucial for correct classification.
When considering this HS-6, think about the end-use of the bags. For instance, if you’re shipping paper sacks for flour or sugar, they likely fall under this code as long as they meet the size requirement.
Keywords & topics
Useful terms traders and brokers use for this HS-6 subheading.
paper sacks · small paper bags · food packaging bags · retail paper bags · recyclable paper bags · gift bags · paper cones · lightweight packaging · cellulose wadding bags · sacks under 40 cm · paperboard bags · packaging for herbs
Examples
Drawn from the official tariff wording for this HS-6 subheading. Always confirm against your published schedule and legal notes.
- Small paper shopping bags for retail stores
- Food packaging bags for snacks or candies
- Paper sacks for flour or sugar with a base width under 40 cm
- Gift bags made of paperboard for special occasions
- Recyclable paper bags used in bakeries
- Small paper bags for packaging herbs or spices
- Cones made of paper for serving popcorn or snacks
- Lightweight paper bags used in farmers' markets
Common questions
Frequent classification questions with short practical guidance.
How to classify paper bags under HS codes?
Write down material, use, and product form first, then compare nearby lines before you lock the code.
Are food packaging bags classified under 481940?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What size limits apply to HS-6 481940?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Can I use 481940 for gift bags?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What materials are included in HS code 481940?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
How to determine the base width of paper sacks?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
What is the difference between 481940 and 481930?
Use this as a comparison hint, then confirm the final decision with legal notes and country-specific rules.
Related topics
Common real-world topics that come up during code comparison.
How to classify small paper bags for retail use
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Are recyclable paper sacks covered under HS-6 481940?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
What types of bags fall under HS code 481940?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Understanding the base width requirement for paper sacks
Use this as a checklist topic, then confirm legal requirements with your broker or customs advisor.
Examples of products classified under HS-6 481940
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Can I classify food packaging bags as 481940?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Differences between paper bags under 481940 and 481930
Compare adjacent HS lines and pick the one that matches material, function, and product form most closely.
What materials can be used for bags classified under HS-6 481940?
Use this topic to narrow your shortlist, then validate the final code against legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products are classified under HS-6 481940?
- HS-6 481940 covers paper and paperboard sacks and bags with a base width less than 40 cm, including small shopping bags, food packaging bags, and gift bags.
- How do I measure the base width of a paper bag?
- To measure the base width, lay the bag flat and measure the distance between the two outer edges of the base. Ensure it is under 40 cm for HS-6 481940.
- Can I use HS-6 481940 for larger bags?
- No, HS-6 481940 is specifically for bags with a base width under 40 cm. For larger bags, consider HS-6 481930.
- Are there specific materials that qualify for HS-6 481940?
- Yes, this code includes bags made from paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding, or fibers, as long as they meet the size requirement.
- What is the difference between HS-6 481940 and HS-6 481930?
- HS-6 481940 is for bags under 40 cm in base width, while HS-6 481930 covers larger bags with a base width of 40 cm or more.
- Do I need to provide any specific documentation for HS-6 481940?
- Yes, ensure you have accurate product descriptions and measurements to support your classification under HS-6 481940.
- Can I classify food packaging bags as HS-6 481940?
- Yes, as long as the food packaging bags have a base width under 40 cm, they can be classified under HS-6 481940.
- What are common uses for bags classified under HS-6 481940?
- Common uses include retail shopping bags, food packaging, and gift bags, all designed to be lightweight and under the specified size.
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