Aluminium Blister Foil HS Code – Global Trade Classification Guide

What Is the HS Code for Aluminium Blister Foil?

For exporters and importers of pharmaceutical blister packaging foil, accurate HS code classification is not just a bureaucratic requirement — it is a critical business factor that determines customs clearance speed, tariff costs, and regulatory compliance. The harmonized System (HS) code for aluminium blister foil falls under Chapter 76 (Aluminium and articles thereof), specifically within Heading 7607 — which covers aluminium foil with a thickness not exceeding 0.2 mm, whether or not printed or backed with paper, plastics, or similar backing materials. The most commonly used codes for pharmaceutical blister packaging applications are 7607.11, 7607.19, and 7607.20.

Understanding the subtle distinctions between these subheadings is essential for avoiding costly customs delays and overpayments. This guide provides a practical framework for correctly classifying aluminium blister foil for major export markets including China, the United States, and the European Union, while also highlighting opportunities to reduce tariff costs through free trade agreements.

Understanding the HS Code Structure: The “Tree” Logic

HS codes follow a hierarchical structure. For aluminium foil under Heading 7607, the first six digits are harmonized globally, while subsequent digits vary by country. The first two digits (76) represent the chapter for aluminium and its articles. The next two digits (07) identify the heading for aluminium foil. The following two digits (11, 19, or 20) distinguish between “rolled but not further worked” foil, “other” foil, and backed foil. National authorities then add additional digits for statistical reporting and tariff purposes.

This logical “tree” structure means that once you understand the core distinction criteria — thickness, backing status, and degree of processing — you can correctly classify most aluminium blister foil products across multiple markets.

Core Classification Logic for Blister Packaging Foil

1. Thickness: The Primary Threshold (≤0.2mm vs. >0.2mm)

The single most important classification rule for aluminium foil is thickness. Heading 7607 applies exclusively to aluminium foil with a thickness (excluding any backing) not exceeding 0.2 mm. If your blister foil exceeds 0.2 mm — for example, thicker cold-forming base foils used in Alu-Alu tropical blister packaging — it falls under Heading 7606 (Aluminium plates, sheets and strip, of a thickness exceeding 0.2 mm).– For standard PTP blister lidding foils with typical thicknesses of 0.020–0.025 mm, Heading 7607 is the correct category.

2. Backing Status: Backed vs. Unbacked

Pharmaceutical blister foils are typically supplied in two forms: unbacked foil and backed foil.

Unbacked foil (bare aluminium, possibly printed or coated with heat-seal lacquer) falls under 7607.11 (rolled but not further worked) or 7607.19 (other). When your blister foil is printed with brand graphics and coated with heat-seal lacquer on one side, it is still considered “unbacked” because the printing and coating do not constitute “backing” in the customs sense — backing refers to lamination with paper, plastic film, or other structural layers.

Backed foil, where aluminium is laminated to a plastic film (PET, PE, PP) or paper, falls under 7607.20. For example, medical PET composite aluminium foil — widely used in cold-formed Alu-Alu blister packaging — should be classified under 7607.20.

3. Degree of Processing: Rolled vs. Further Worked

Within unbacked foils, a further distinction exists between 7607.11 (rolled but not further worked) and 7607.19 (other unbacked foil). “Rolled but not further worked” means the foil has been reduced to its final thickness through rolling but has not undergone additional processing such as annealing, slitting, printing, or coating. However, in practice, most pharmaceutical blister foils are printed and coated — these are correctly classified under 7607.19, as the printing and coating constitute “further worked” beyond rolling. For plain, unprinted, uncoated aluminium coil stock intended for subsequent conversion, 7607.11 is appropriate.

Country-Specific Classification: China, USA, and EU

China HS Code System

China uses a 10-digit HS code system. For unbacked pharmaceutical blister foil that is printed and coated, the code is typically 7607190000 (Other unbacked aluminium foil, thickness ≤0.2 mm).

For plain, uncoated foil stock in jumbo rolls (not yet printed or coated), the code falls under 7607119000 (Rolled but not further worked unbacked aluminium foil, thickness >0.01mm but ≤0.2mm).

When thickness falls into specific ultra-thin ranges, even more detailed codes apply: 7607111000 for thickness ≤0.007mm, and 7607112000 for 0.007mm < thickness ≤0.01mm.

China‘s import duty for most aluminium foil under Heading 7607 is 6% MFN (Most Favored Nation) rate, with a standard VAT of 13% and export duty at 0%. The export tax for 7607 unbacked aluminium foil is 0%, with an export rebate rate also at 0%. It is important to note that China’s export rebate policy for aluminium foil products has undergone significant changes in recent years, and exporters should verify the latest rebate rates with their local tax authorities before each shipment.

Crucially, China has established multiple free trade agreements that enable importers to benefit from 0% preferential tariff rates when originating from partner countries including ASEAN nations, Chile, Pakistan, New Zealand, Peru, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Iceland, Australia, South Korea, Georgia, Mauritius, Maldives, Cambodia, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Serbia, Hong Kong, Macau, and certain Asia-Pacific countries. Under RCEP, imports from Japan enjoy a 4.1% preferential rate, while imports from South Korea benefit from a 0% rate. In some cases, imports from RCEP member countries may be subject to a 3% rate.

United States HTS Code System

The United States uses a 10-digit HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) system. For unbacked, rolled aluminium foil not exceeding 0.2 mm in thickness, the primary code is 7607.11.90.90 (Other). For aluminium can stock applications, more specific suffixes apply: 7607.11.90.30 for body stock and 7607.11.90.60 for lid stock.

The general duty rate for HTS code 7607.11.90 is 3%, applying to all origins unless a special rate applies. Several countries qualify for a duty-free rate under specific Free Trade Agreements or preference programs, including Australia, Bahrain, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Jordan, South Korea, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, Singapore, and others.

For exporters, it is essential to note that the United States implemented mandatory HTS reporting for all shipments starting September 1, 2025, ending de minimis exemptions. This means every shipment of aluminium blister foil — regardless of value — must be accompanied by a complete and accurate HTS code.

European Union CN Code System

The European Union uses an 8-digit CN (Combined Nomenclature) system. For unbacked aluminium foil for packaging applications, the code is typically 7607 19 00. The EU has implemented updates to its Combined Nomenclature, and exporters should verify the latest subheading refinements.Under EU classification rules, the first six digits follow the global HS standard, while the seventh and eighth digits provide EU-specific detail. For pharmaceutical blister foil, the correct classification depends on verifying the foil‘s thickness and confirming the absence of backing materials. For backed packaging foil — including PET/aluminium composites used in cold-formed Alu-Alu blisters — the appropriate code is 7607.20.00.

India HSN Code System

India uses an 8-digit HSN (Harmonized System of Nomenclature) code. For pharmaceutical blister foil, the most commonly used HSN code is 76071995, which specifically covers “BLISTER FOIL PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGING MATERIALS” — both printed and unprinted. Additional codes include 76071994 for unprinted blister foil, 76071999 for unprinted heat-seal-coated blister foil, and 76072090 for printed backed blister foil (cold-form blister film).–31

Tariff Costs and Preference Opportunities

Understanding the tariff landscape is essential for cost-effective international trade. For pharmaceutical blister foil exported from China, the following duty rates generally apply.

The standard MFN import duty for Heading 7607 products is 6% in China, with an import VAT of 13% and export duty at 0%. For imports into the United States, the general duty rate is 3%, with many FTA partners qualifying for 0% duty. For imports into the European Union, the duty rate is generally 3–6%, varying by origin country and specific classification.

Beyond direct duty costs, exporters must also be aware of anti-dumping measures. China‘s aluminium foil exports faced anti-dumping duties in 2025, and CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) regulations are expected to reshape the 2026 trade outlook. Exporters should monitor these developments closely and factor them into their pricing and market strategy.–

China’s network of free trade agreements offers significant tariff savings for exporters who understand how to leverage preference programs. Under the China-ASEAN FTA, exports of aluminium foil to ASEAN member countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, etc.) enjoy 0% import duty. Under the China-Australia FTA, aluminium foil exports to Australia benefit from 0% import duty. Under the China-Korea FTA, exports to South Korea are eligible for 0% duty. Under RCEP, exports to Japan are subject to a preferential rate of 4.1%, while exports to other RCEP members generally enjoy 0% duty. Under the China-Switzerland FTA, exports to Switzerland benefit from 0% duty. Under the China-Chile FTA and China-Peru FTA, exports to these South American markets enjoy 0% duty. Under the China-New Zealand FTA, exports to New Zealand benefit from 0% duty.

Compliance Requirements for Pharmaceutical Blister Foil

Pharmaceutical packaging foil must meet stringent quality and safety standards beyond customs classification. For exports to regulated markets, buyers typically require documented evidence of compliance with these standards.

ISO 15378 is the internationally recognized quality management system standard for manufacturers of primary packaging materials for medicinal products. It integrates the requirements of ISO 9001 with Good Manufacturing Practice principles, covering batch monitoring and documentation, controlled environmental conditions, validations and qualifications, risk management, and GMP training. Primary packaging materials under ISO 15378 include aluminium, films, foils, glass, plastics, and rubber. An ISO 15378-certified QMS demonstrates a manufacturer’s ability to consistently deliver safe and reliable pharmaceutical packaging.–58

For the US market, compliance with FDA 21 CFR 175.300 (indirect food additives: adhesives and components of coatings) is essential. For the European market, compliance with EU 10/2011 (plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food) and EC 1935/2004 (materials and articles intended to contact food) is required. Many buyers also require RoHS and REACH compliance for environmental safety standards. ISO 9001 certification for general quality management and IATF 16949 for automotive quality management (applicable to some industrial packaging applications) are also commonly requested.

When preparing customs documentation for pharmaceutical blister foil exports, accurate product description is essential. For unbacked, printed, heat-seal-coated foil for PTP blister lidding, the description should read: “Aluminium foil, not backed, thickness (excluding backing) 0.020–0.025mm, printed, coated with heat-seal lacquer, in rolls, for pharmaceutical blister packaging.” For plain, uncoated jumbo rolls for subsequent conversion, the description should note: “Aluminium foil, not backed, rolled but not further worked, thickness (excluding backing) 0.020–0.025mm, in jumbo rolls.”

Additional critical information to include on the commercial invoice and packing list: alloy (8011, 8021, etc.), temper (H18, O, etc.), exact thickness in mm, width and length dimensions, net weight per roll and total net weight, gross weight, number of rolls, country of origin, and declared HS code at the appropriate digit length for the destination market. For shipments to GCC countries, note that 12-digit HS codes are required as of January 1, 2025. For shipments to the United States, 10-digit HTS codes are mandatory.

Practical Classification Scenarios for Blister Foil

The following scenarios illustrate correct classification for common blister foil products.

Scenario 1: Printed, heat-seal-coated 8011-H18 foil, 0.025mm thickness, for PTP blister lidding. This product is unbacked, has undergone further processing (printing and coating), and thickness is ≤0.2mm. Correct classification: 7607190000 (China), 7607.19.00.00 (EU), 7607.11.90.90 (USA).

Scenario 2: Unprinted, uncoated 8021-O foil jumbo roll, 0.045mm thickness, for cold-forming blister base. This product is unbacked, has not undergone further processing beyond rolling, and thickness is ≤0.2mm. Correct classification: 7607119000 (China), 7607.11 (EU), 7607.11.90.90 (USA).

Scenario 3: PET/aluminium/PE laminated composite foil, total thickness including lamination within 0.2mm, for Alu-Alu blister lidding. This product is backed (laminated with PET and PE films) and thickness is ≤0.2mm. Correct classification: 7607200000 (China), 7607.20 (EU), 7607.20 (USA, with appropriate national extension digits).

Scenario 4: Bare 8021-O foil coil, 0.050mm thickness, plain, uncoated, for cold-forming blister base. This product is unbacked, not further worked, thickness ≤0.2mm. Correct classification: 7607119000 (China, thickness >0.01mm but ≤0.2mm), 7607.11 (global 6-digit).

Key Takeaways for Exporters

For accurate HS code classification of aluminium blister foil, always follow these essential rules: measure the foil thickness (excluding any backing) and confirm it is ≤0.2mm for Heading 7607; determine whether the foil has backing (paper, plastic film, or composite layers) — if yes, use 7607.20; for unbacked foil, determine whether it is “rolled but not further worked” (7607.11) or has undergone further processing such as printing or coating (7607.19); verify the specific national code requirements for your destination market — 10-digit for China, 10-digit HTS for USA, 8-digit CN for EU, and 12-digit for GCC countries as of 2025; maintain complete documentation including alloy type, temper, dimensions, and ISO 15378 certification where applicable; leverage FTA preference programs to reduce tariff costs; stay updated on anti-dumping duties and CBAM regulations affecting aluminium foil trade.

Correct classification is a prerequisite for smooth customs clearance, predictable tariff costs, and regulatory compliance. For exporters of pharmaceutical blister foil, investing time in understanding HS code logic and leveraging FTA preference programs can yield significant competitive advantages in global markets.

Mingtai Aluminum – Pharmaceutical Packaging Division

• Phone: +86‑18776078273

• Email: sales@mingtai-al.com

• Website: https://m.mingtai-al.com/

• Factory Address: Gongyi City Industrial Agglomeration Area, Henan, China