## Common ground
All options refer to shop towels—reusable or disposable cleaning cloths used in industrial or mechanical settings.
## Options at a glance
**4818.90 – Made of paper or paperboard**
- **Defining trait:** Primarily disposable, made from pulp-based materials like paper or cardboard.
- **Typical examples:** Paper shop towels, wipers, lint-free wipes.
- **Best fit when:** Used for single-use cleaning, oil absorption, or in environments where hygiene and disposability are key.
**5603,6307.10 – Made of textile material**
- **Defining trait:** Reusable, constructed from woven or non-woven fabric (e.g., cotton, polyester).
- **Typical examples:** Cotton terry towels, reusable industrial rags, mop cloths.
- **Best fit when:** Long-term use, frequent laundering, or in settings requiring durability and repeated cleaning.
## Key differences
| Feature | 4818.90 (Paper) | 5603,6307.10 (Textile) |
|-----------------------|------------------------|----------------------------|
| Material | Paper/paperboard | Woven/non-woven fabric |
| Reusability | Disposable | Reusable |
| Typical use case | One-time cleaning | Repeated industrial use |
## How to choose
- Is the towel meant to be thrown away after one use? → 4818.90
- Is it designed for washing and reuse multiple times? → 5603,6307.10
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A product may blur lines if it’s a non-woven fabric towel (e.g., spunlace) that’s technically textile but behaves like paper. However, HS Code 4818.90 covers only paper-based materials; non-woven textiles fall under 5603 or 6307.10. If the product is washable and durable, prioritize textile (5603,6307.10). If it’s thin, absorbent, and meant for disposal, choose paper (4818.90). No clear priority—use the main function: disposability vs. reusability