4804.52.00.20 - Folding carton stock

This HTS classification, 4804.52.00.20, specifically covers folding carton stock. This refers to kraft paper and paperboard that is uncoated, sold in rolls or sheets, and weighs 225 g/m² or more. Crucially, this material must be bleached uniformly throughout the mass, with over 95 percent of its fiber content derived from wood processed chemically. Folding carton stock is designed for the production of folding boxes and containers, characterized by its strength, printability, and ability to be creased and folded without cracking.

This category distinguishes itself from its sibling, 4804.52.00.30, which is designated for base stock used in the manufacture of trays, dishes, plates, cups, and similar disposable or single-use items. While both fall under the broader umbrella of bleached kraft paperboard meeting specific weight and fiber composition criteria, the intended end-use is the primary differentiator. Folding carton stock is specifically engineered for the structural integrity and folding properties required for cartons, whereas the sibling category focuses on materials for forming molded shapes for food service or packaging.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS, there are no further subcategories. Classification at this level is determined by the specific characteristics outlined: uncoated kraft paper or paperboard, weighing 225 g/m² or more, bleached uniformly throughout the mass, with more than 95 percent wood fiber content from a chemical process, and specifically intended for use as folding carton stock. The physical properties and the intended application for folding boxes are the definitive criteria for inclusion under this code.