HS Code 4818.20 : Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels
MODULE 2: EXTRACTABLE ANSWER (AEO / SPEAKABLE)
EN (Official WCO)
FR (Pending)
ES (Pending)
The 6-digit Harmonized System (HS) code for handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels is 4818.20. Under the 2026 Germany (Zoll / EU CCT), the representative MFN general duty rate is 0.00 % [DE Zoll / EU CCT 2026].
MODULE 3: SIGNATURE A: HS DECODE VISUAL HIERARCHY
Chapter 48
Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers, of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, in rolls of a width not exceeding 36 cm , or cut to size or shape; handkerchiefs, cleansing tissues, towels, tablecloths, table napkins, bed sheets and similar household, sanitary or hospital articles, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers
Heading 4818
Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers, of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, in rolls of a width not exceeding 36 cm , or cut to size or shape; handkerchiefs, cleansing tissues, towels, tablecloths, table napkins, bed sheets and similar household, sanitary or hospital articles, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers
Subheading .20
.20
Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels
MODULE 4: SIGNATURE B: TARIFF MATRIX
Import Duty Rates by Destination
10-DIGIT DE / TARIC CODE
4818.20.00.00
EU Common Customs Tariff (CCT)
Customs Authority
Bundeszollverwaltung (Zoll)
ATLAS Electronic Clearance
De Minimis Threshold
€150.00 Duty-Free
VAT applies from €0 (EU IOSS)
Advance Ruling System
EBTI (Verbindliche ZolLAuskunft)
Legally binding in all 27 EU States
TRACK THIS HS CODE
Get Real-Time Tariff & Trade Remedy Change Alerts for HS 4818.20
Receive an automated email notification whenever German Zoll or the European Commission publishes duty rate adjustments or customs notices for 4818.20.
MODULE 6: Mandatory Customs Entry Document Matrix
Rule-Derived Customs Entry Package Checklist
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Commercial Invoice
Itemized description, currency, Incoterms, seller/buyer details, and country of origin.
UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT
Packing List & Bill of Lading
Gross/net weight, container/seal numbers, piece count, and transport B/L or Air Waybill.
PREFERENTIAL RULE
Certificate of Origin (If Claiming FTA)
Required only when claiming zero-duty preference under USMCA, KORUS, or GSP.
MODULE 7: Regulatory Compliance & Partner Government Agency (PGA) Flags
Standard Entry
This commodity does not carry mandatory PGA pre-clearance flags under the ACE message set.
MODULE 8: German & EU Trade Remedies (EU Trade Defence) & Safeguards
MODULE 9: Free Trade Agreements (FTA) & Rules of Origin (RoO)
| Agreement Code | Trade Agreement / Program | Preferential Rate | Rules of Origin (RoO) Requirement |
|---|
MODULE 10: Logistics, Freight & Transport Specifications
Standard 20ft Container
~28 CBM / 28,000 kg Payload
Standard 40ft High-Cube
~68 CBM / 28,600 kg Payload
Stowage Factor & Handling
Standard commercial packaging for Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels
MODULE 11: European Binding Tariff Information (EBTI / Verbindliche Zolltarifauskunft)
Legally binding tariff classification decisions valid across the EU (issued in Germany by the Bundeszollverwaltung / Zoll) for HS 4818.20.
Query the official European Commission EBTI database (applies to German imports):
Search EU Commission EBTI Database for 4818.20 →EU CCT / TARIC Commodity Lines (Germany) (4818.20)
National line-level (8/10-digit) detail for Germany (Zoll / EU CCT): coverage in progress.
Universal 6-digit WCO backbone applied rate: 0.00 %. Confirm the full national commodity code at the official source (DE Zoll / EU CCT 2026).
MODULE 12: Candidate Subheadings & Related Codes
| Related HS Code | Heading Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 4818.10 | Subheading under Heading 4818 | Compare Subheading 4818.10 → |
| 4818.30 | Subheading under Heading 4818 | Compare Subheading 4818.30 → |
| 4818.50 | Subheading under Heading 4818 | Compare Subheading 4818.50 → |
| 4818.90 | Subheading under Heading 4818 | Compare Subheading 4818.90 → |
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
Bundeszollverwaltung (Zoll) ↗
Official German Customs Administration (ATLAS clearance system & Einfuhrumsatzsteuer).
EU TARIC / Common Customs Tariff ↗
EU Common Customs Tariff duty rates applicable in Germany.
MODULE 14: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Operational Guide
What is the 6-digit WCO tariff classification and Germany (Zoll / EU CCT) general duty for Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels?
Under WCO Harmonized System 2022 and Germany (Zoll / EU CCT), Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels is classified under HS 4818.20 (Heading 4818, Chapter 48). The representative DE MFN general duty rate is 0.00 %.
How is HS 4818.20 distinguished within Heading 4818 (Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers, of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, in rolls of a width not exceeding 36 cm , or cut to size or shape; handkerchiefs, cleansing tissues, towels, tablecloths, table napkins, bed sheets and similar household, sanitary or hospital articles, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers)?
Heading 4818 covers Toilet paper and similar paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers, of a kind used for household or sanitary purposes, in rolls of a width not exceeding 36 cm , or cut to size or shape; handkerchiefs, cleansing tissues, towels, tablecloths, table napkins, bed sheets and similar household, sanitary or hospital articles, articles of apparel and clothing accessories, of paper pulp, paper, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers. Subheading 4818.20 specifically isolates Handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels. Importers must verify whether physical characteristics, processing state, or composition require alternative subheadings under Heading 4818.
What are the primary candidate subheadings related to HS 4818.20?
Related subheadings under Heading 4818 include 4818.10, 4818.30, 4818.50, 4818.90. Classification depends on processing stage, decaffeination, purity, or material form.
How is German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) calculated for HS 4818.20?
Einfuhrumsatzsteuer (EUSt) is calculated on the landed cost base: (CIF Customs Value + EU Tariff Duty + Excise Taxes + Inland EU Freight to destination). The standard German EUSt rate is 19.00% (7.00% for essential food & agricultural items).
What is the de minimis threshold for importing goods into Germany?
Under EU & German customs regulations, commercial consignments with an intrinsic value up to €150.00 enter duty-free. However, import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer 19%) applies from €0.00 (EU IOSS rules).
What customs declarations and clearance systems are required in Germany for HS 4818.20?
German import customs declarations are submitted electronically through the ATLAS system (Automatisiertes Tarif- und Lokales Zoll-Abwicklungssystem) operated by Bundeszollverwaltung (Zoll). An EORI number is mandatory.
How do I obtain a binding tariff classification ruling in Germany for HS 4818.20?
Importers can apply for a European Binding Tariff Information (EBTI / Verbindliche ZolLAuskunft - vZA) decision through the German Customs Portal (zoll.de / EU EBTI portal). An EBTI ruling is legally binding across all 27 EU Member States for 3 years.
How is German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) assessed on HS 4818.20?
Germany levies Einfuhrumsatzsteuer (EUSt) at 19.00% standard (7.00% reduced for essential food/agricultural items) on the CIF value plus EU customs duty plus applicable excise. There is no US-style MPF/HMF.
What is the EORI requirement and ATLAS clearance system in Germany?
Importers require an EU EORI number and lodge declarations electronically through the German ATLAS system operated by the Bundeszollverwaltung (Zoll).
How does the EU Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) apply to German e-commerce imports?
The EU IOSS allows sellers to collect import VAT at point of sale for B2C consignments valued up to €150 destined for Germany and other EU states.
What EU trade defence measures (anti-dumping / countervailing) apply to HS 4818.20 in Germany?
Germany applies EU-wide trade defence measures; importers must check the TARIC database for anti-dumping duties or tariff-rate quotas affecting their origin.
What REACH and CE marking compliance applies to HS 4818.20 in Germany?
Goods placed on the German/EU market must satisfy EU REACH chemical rules and carry CE marking with a declaration of conformity where required.
Are there entry processing fees or harbor taxes in Germany?
No. Germany does not charge US-style entry processing or harbor fees beyond EU Common Customs Tariff duty and 19% Einfuhrumsatzsteuer.
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