4801.00.01 - Newsprint, in rolls or sheets

This HTS category, 4801.00.01, specifically covers newsprint paper, whether it is supplied in rolls or in sheets. Newsprint is characterized by its lightweight, high absorbency, and often a slightly rough surface, designed for the high-volume printing of newspapers and other periodicals where cost-effectiveness and rapid ink absorption are paramount. Its typical composition includes a high proportion of mechanical wood pulp, differentiating it from other types of paper.

While the broader Chapter 48 deals with a vast array of paper and paperboard products, and Section X encompasses all articles derived from pulp and paper, this specific code narrows the focus to a single commodity: newsprint. It is distinguished from other paper types within Chapter 48, such as printing paper or writing paper (found in other subheadings), by its intended end-use and physical properties. Unlike more refined papers, newsprint is not typically used for books, magazines with glossy finishes, or documents where durability and visual fidelity are primary concerns.

Within 4801.00.01, further subdivisions exist to distinguish between standard newsprint paper and other variations. The subcategory 4801.00.01.20 would typically apply to the most common, widely recognized form of newsprint. Subcategory 4801.00.01.40 is designed for newsprint that does not meet the specific criteria of the standard type, potentially differing in grammage, brightness, or other technical specifications, but still fitting the general definition of newsprint.