Top 15 Toilet Paper Manufacturers in the USA

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For distributors, wholesalers, and procurement managers in the U.S., securing the right toilet paper supply is not just about price—it’s about reliability, variety, and scale. Even with giants like Georgia-Pacific holding 27% market share and Procter & Gamble capturing more than 25% retail sales, gaps still exist in product formats, customization options, and regional availability. Rising demand and past supply chain shocks have shown that knowing your top domestic and global sourcing partners is essential for staying competitive.

In this article, we rank the Top 15 Toilet Paper Manufacturers in the USA, breaking down their core brands, production capacity, private label opportunities, and supply chain strengths. You’ll see how leading players like Kimberly-Clark, Essity, and key private label producers fit into the U.S. market, plus learn where imports—worth up to $510 million annually—can fill capacity and product gaps. Whether you’re sourcing for retail shelves or away-from-home channels, this guide will help you match the right manufacturer to your business goals.

Industry Manufacturers List

Quick Comparison: Top Picks

Manufacturer Location Core Strength Verdict
Private Label Various Locations Store brand toilet paper Top-selling non-food store brand in the U.S., known for affordability and strong market penetration in retail.
Angel Soft (Georgia-Pacific) Augusta, Georgia Angel Soft toilet paper Largest named brand toilet paper in the U.S., backed by Georgia-Pacific’s strong market capacity and distribution.
Charmin Ultra Soft (Procter & Gamble) Mehoopany, Pennsylvania Charmin Ultra Soft, Ultra Strong toilet paper Heritage brand offering premium softness and clog-safe features, supported by P&G’s robust manufacturing network.
Scott (Kimberly-Clark) Irving, Texas Scott toilet paper, Extra Soft Global leader in tissue manufacturing, offering durable and affordable paper products with wide availability.
Quilted Northern (Georgia-Pacific) Augusta, Georgia Quilted Northern Soft Strong toilet paper Premium brand focused on comfort and strength, complementing Georgia-Pacific’s diverse tissue product portfolio.
Kleenex Cottonelle Clean Care (Kimberly-Clark) Irving, Texas Cottonelle Clean Care toilet paper Trusted household name offering multiple variants with consistent quality under the Kleenex brand umbrella.
Kleenex Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care (Kimberly-Clark) Irving, Texas Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care toilet paper & wipes Offers enhanced comfort and plumbing-safe wipes, catering to consumers seeking premium hygiene solutions.
Scott Extra Soft (Kimberly-Clark) Irving, Texas Scott Extra Soft toilet paper Marketed for superior strength and softness compared to bargain brands, serving both retail and B2B sectors.
Georgia-Pacific LLC Augusta, Georgia, USA Angel Soft, Quilted Northern bath tissue, Brawny paper towels Largest U.S. tissue producer with diversified portfolio serving retail, commercial, and AFH sectors.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation Irving, Texas, USA Scott, Cottonelle, Kleenex toilet paper, Huggies, Kleenex Global leader in tissue and personal care products with extensive market reach across 175 countries.
Essity Global (U.S. Operations) Tork AFH systems, toilet paper, facial tissues, wet wipes, napkins Global hygiene leader with strong focus on professional and away-from-home (AFH) sectors and broad product range.
Hengan International Group China (U.S. Market) Household tissues, sanitary napkins, baby diapers (Export focus) Major household product manufacturer with massive capacity and strong global supply chain, expanding into the U.S. market.
Seventh Generation Vermont, USA Eco-friendly recycled/plant-based toilet paper and cleaners Trusted U.S. brand leader in sustainable and eco-conscious household products for retail consumers.
Kruger Products / Cascades / First Quality / Regional North America/USA Private Label tissue (U.S. & Canada), Recycled Content, AFH products Represents major private label contractors and sustainable producers crucial for covering regional and specialty market demands.
Top Source Hygiene Global Operations Custom OEM/ODM toilet paper, premium private label, AFH rolls Trusted global OEM partner offering tailored, high-quality private label and AFH solutions with strict quality control.

Private Label

Verdict: A dominant force in the U.S. store brand toilet paper market with strong retail presence.

Private label toilet paper stands out as the top-selling non-food store brand product in the United States, bringing in around $1.7 billion annually. Representing one in four store brand items sold nationwide, it offers retailers a competitive alternative to national brands, often at a lower price or with distinctive positioning.

With production available across various locations, private label toilet paper is tailored for broad retail and distributor networks. This flexibility lets companies scale supply to meet market demands, while maintaining consistent quality standards that match or surpass major brand expectations.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Various Locations
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Store brand toilet paper
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Retailers & Distributors, Private Label solutions

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Strong market demand positions it as a staple in retail shelves.
  • Pricing and branding flexibility help retailers attract varied customer bases.
  • Competition among private labels can lead to reduced profit margins.
  • Market performance relies heavily on retailer partnerships and distribution reach.

Angel Soft (Georgia-Pacific)

Verdict: A leading U.S. toilet paper brand with strong market presence

Angel Soft, owned by Georgia-Pacific LLC, is the largest named brand toilet paper in the United States, generating $1.22 billion in annual revenue. Based in Augusta, Georgia, the brand is recognized for its quality and wide accessibility across both household and commercial markets.

Georgia-Pacific commands 27% of North American tissue paper market capacity as of 2023, solidifying its position as a global leader in tissue, paper, and pulp production. Its scale and efficiency support consistent supply to retailers, importers, and wholesalers throughout the region.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Augusta, Georgia
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Angel Soft toilet paper
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Retailers, B2B Importers & Wholesalers

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Largest brand share in U.S. toilet paper market
  • Strong production capacity ensuring reliable supply
  • Limited product range focused mainly on toilet paper
  • Market heavily concentrated in North America

Charmin Ultra Soft (Procter & Gamble)

Verdict: A long-standing, high-revenue brand with strong market presence in North America.

Charmin Ultra Soft, created in 1928 and owned by Procter & Gamble, is a leading toilet paper brand known for its clog-safe, septic-safe 2-ply design. Generating $1.09 billion annually, it remains a trusted choice for both households and businesses.

Procter & Gamble holds the second-largest share of North America’s tissue production capacity, with manufacturing operations based in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania. This scale helps ensure consistent supply to major retailers and the Away-from-Home (AFH) sector.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Mehoopany, Pennsylvania
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Charmin Ultra Soft, Ultra Strong toilet paper
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Retailers, AFH sector

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Long heritage and strong consumer brand recognition.
  • Consistent quality with clog-safe and septic-safe features.
  • Higher pricing compared to generic options.
  • Dependence on North American markets for the majority of sales.

Scott (Kimberly-Clark)

Verdict: A leading tissue brand backed by the world’s largest manufacturer

Scott, a trusted name under Kimberly-Clark Corporation, generates $954 million in annual revenue from its range of tissue products. Based in Irving, Texas, the company has a strong presence in the global consumer goods market, with a history of producing paper-based items that meet everyday needs.

Kimberly-Clark operates in 22 countries and maintains significant production capacity, enabling Scott to consistently supply high-demand items like Scott toilet paper and Extra Soft varieties. This reach and scale ensure reliable distribution to retailers and procurement managers in the Away-from-Home sector.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Irving, Texas
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Scott toilet paper, Extra Soft
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Retailers, Procurement Managers in AFH

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Strong global manufacturing footprint supports reliable supply
  • Well-recognized brand with diverse product offerings
  • Competition from private label and emerging tissue brands
  • Dependence on paper-based goods may require sustainability adaptations

Quilted Northern (Georgia-Pacific)

Verdict: A leading premium toilet paper brand with strong market presence.

Quilted Northern, owned by Georgia-Pacific and based in Augusta, Georgia, is positioned as a premium toilet paper brand compared to its sister brand Angel Soft. Its flagship product, Quilted Northern Soft Strong, is recognized for blending softness with durability, appealing to customers looking for quality in everyday essentials.

The brand generates about $464 million in annual sales and supplies major retailers and B2B clients nationwide. This consistent production capacity supports its role as a reliable and trusted choice for homes, businesses, and institutions across the country.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Augusta, Georgia
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Quilted Northern Soft Strong toilet paper
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Major retailers, B2B

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Well-established premium brand with strong customer loyalty
  • Consistent product quality and availability in major retail channels
  • Higher price point compared to value-focused alternatives
  • Limited variety beyond core toilet paper offerings

Kleenex Cottonelle Clean Care (Kimberly-Clark)

Verdict: A strong retail staple with solid market presence.

Kleenex Cottonelle Clean Care, produced by Kimberly-Clark, is a well-established toilet paper brand earning around $446 million in annual revenue. Known for quality and comfort, the product line includes regular, double, and ultra variants under the trusted Kleenex name, making it a household choice across the United States.

With steady production capacity aimed at meeting demand from both large retailers and the Away-From-Home sector, the brand continues to maintain a strong supply network. The diverse range of formats ensures customers can select a product that best fits their needs.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Irving, Texas
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Cottonelle Clean Care toilet paper
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Retailers, AFH sector

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Consistently high product quality across all variants.
  • Strong brand recognition under the Kleenex name.
  • Premium pricing compared to some competitors.
  • Limited online presence due to missing homepage link.

Kleenex Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care (Kimberly-Clark)

Verdict: A leading household name in toilet paper and wipes with proven safety standards.

Kleenex Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care is part of Kimberly-Clark’s trusted product lineup, operating from Irving, Texas. Known for its premium toilet paper and septic-safe flushable wipes, the brand is recognized nationwide for comfort, reliability, and plumber-tested safety.

Generating about $290 million annually, the company maintains a strong production output to meet consistent demand from retailers across the country. The emphasis on quality testing and septic safety helps it retain customer trust while serving a broad consumer base.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Irving, Texas
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care toilet paper & wipes
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Retailers across the country

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Wide retail availability nationwide
  • Septic-safe wipes tested by plumbers
  • Premium pricing compared to basic alternatives
  • Limited product variety outside core toilet paper and wipes

Scott Extra Soft (Kimberly-Clark)

Verdict: Strong and soft option for both retail and business needs

Scott Extra Soft, produced by Kimberly-Clark in Irving, Texas, generates around $285 million in revenue. The product is positioned as three times stronger than popular bargain-brand toilet papers, offering a balance between durability and softness that appeals to a wide consumer base. Its reputation for reliable performance has helped it secure strong placements in retail and bulk purchase markets.

Kimberly-Clark focuses on maintaining high-quality production standards for Scott Extra Soft toilet paper, ensuring consistency across large volumes. With strength as a core selling point, manufacturing processes are optimized to deliver rolls that maintain integrity even under heavy use, while meeting the capacity demands of both large-scale retailers and B2B clients.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Irving, Texas
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Scott Extra Soft toilet paper
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Retailers, B2B

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Three times stronger than leading bargain brands
  • Consistent quality across large-scale production
  • Higher price point compared to bargain options
  • Less focus on premium softness compared to luxury brands

Georgia-Pacific LLC

Verdict: A leading global producer of tissue and paper products with strong brand recognition.

Georgia-Pacific is one of the largest manufacturers and distributors of tissue, paper, pulp, toilet paper, and related products worldwide. The company owns top U.S. toilet paper brands including Angel Soft, Quilted Northern Soft Strong, and Quilted Northern Ultra Plush, generating combined annual revenues of over 2 billion dollars. As part of Koch Industries, Georgia-Pacific benefits from integrated resources and a broad operational reach.

Operating more than 150 locations globally, Georgia-Pacific serves diverse markets with an extensive production capacity. Their facilities supply both retail shelves and commercial needs in the Away-from-Home sector, delivering high-volume outputs for a wide range of tissue and paper products.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Augusta, Georgia, USA
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Angel Soft, Quilted Northern bath tissue, Brawny paper towels
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Retail, commercial tissues, AFH sector

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Owns popular and trusted consumer brands with large market share.
  • Operates a vast network of facilities ensuring reliable supply.
  • Highly competitive market with strong pressure on pricing.
  • Environmental concerns tied to paper production processes.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation

Verdict: A global leader in tissue and personal care products.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation, headquartered in Irving, Texas, is the world’s largest tissue manufacturer and ranks second in personal care within the U.S. The company produces a wide range of paper-based consumer goods under well-known brands like Scott, Cottonelle, and Kleenex. With a strong presence in more than 175 countries, Kimberly-Clark serves millions of households and institutions worldwide.

Supported by a workforce of 45,000 employees, Kimberly-Clark operates an extensive manufacturing and distribution network that enables it to produce billions of units annually. Some of its brands generate hundreds of millions in revenue each year, making the company a key supplier for both consumer retail and away-from-home markets.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Irving, Texas, USA
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Scott, Cottonelle, Kleenex toilet paper, Huggies, Kleenex
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Consumer retail, AFH, global personal care

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Strong brand portfolio with global recognition.
  • Extensive market reach across 175 countries.
  • High dependence on raw material costs, affecting margins.
  • Intense competition in personal care and tissue markets.

Procter & Gamble (P&G)

Verdict: A household name delivering reliable consumer hygiene products worldwide.

Procter & Gamble is a global consumer goods leader owning the Charmin brand, which has been in the market since 1928. The company offers a range of household hygiene products, including Charmin Ultra Soft and Charmin Ultra Strong toilet paper, Bounty paper towels, and Puffs tissues. Charmin Ultra Soft alone generates $1.09 billion annually, underlining P&G’s commanding position in the industry.

Charmin production takes place in Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, where P&G maintains a large-scale facility capable of producing high volumes of paper products. The toilet paper is designed to be clog-safe and septic-safe, meeting consumer demand for comfort and reliability. Alongside toilet paper, the facility produces other tissue goods and flushable wipes for global retail markets.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Mehoopany, Pennsylvania, USA (Charmin production)
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Charmin Ultra Soft, Charmin Ultra Strong, Bounty paper towels, Puffs tissues
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Retail consumers, hygiene products globally

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Long-standing brand with strong consumer trust.
  • High production capacity ensuring product availability worldwide.
  • Premium pricing compared to some competitors.
  • Environmental impact concerns from large-scale paper manufacturing.

Essity

Verdict: A global leader in hygiene and health products serving diverse markets.

Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company that develops, produces, and sells personal care goods such as toilet paper, facial tissues, wet wipes, and napkins. Operating in retail and Away-from-Home segments, it has established a strong presence worldwide, including the U.S., serving both household and professional needs.

With extensive manufacturing and distribution capabilities, Essity ranks among the top tissue paper producers globally. Its broad portfolio, supported by advanced production facilities, helps meet the demands of customers in multiple sectors while ensuring product quality and reliability across its markets.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Global (U.S. operations)
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Toilet paper, facial tissues, wet wipes, napkins
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Global hygiene, health care, AFH

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Strong global distribution network across retail and AFH sectors.
  • Wide product range covering multiple hygiene and health needs.
  • Highly competitive market can impact pricing flexibility.
  • Complex supply chain may face challenges during global disruptions.

Hengan International Group

Verdict: A leading player in household and hygiene products with strong global reach.

Hengan International Group is a major household paper and hygiene product manufacturer, best known for its dominant presence in China’s tissue market. The company has built a strong brand portfolio with products ranging from household tissues to sanitary napkins and baby diapers, while also expanding to international markets including the United States.

With 25,000 employees across 35 production facilities, Hengan maintains significant production capacity both for domestic consumption and exports to 63 countries. Their large-scale operations ensure consistent supply, while extensive distribution networks help sustain market leadership.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: China (U.S. market presence)
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Household tissues, sanitary napkins, baby diapers
  • 🌍 Key Markets: Domestic China, global exports including U.S.

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Strong production capacity with global supply reach.
  • Well-established brand presence in both domestic and international markets.
  • High competition from other large-scale tissue and hygiene product manufacturers globally.
  • Reliance on export markets may expose business to international trade fluctuations.

Seventh Generation

Verdict: A trusted U.S. brand offering eco-friendly household products for sustainability-minded shoppers.

Seventh Generation is headquartered in Vermont, USA, and is well-known for creating safe, eco-friendly household products. From toilet paper to cleaning solutions, their items are designed for people who want everyday goods that reduce environmental impact without compromising quality.

The company maintains a strong presence in U.S. retail, producing a wide range of sustainable paper and personal care products. Their production focuses on using recycled materials and plant-based ingredients, ensuring minimal waste and supporting environmentally conscious living across their supply chain.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Vermont, USA
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Eco-friendly toilet paper, cleaning products
  • 🌍 Key Markets: U.S. retail, eco-conscious consumers

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • Uses recycled and plant-based materials for lower environmental footprint
  • Strong brand reputation among eco-conscious U.S. consumers
  • Premium pricing compared to conventional products
  • Limited international market presence

Top Source Hygiene

Verdict: A trusted global OEM partner for tailored, premium private label and AFH tissue solutions.

Top Source Hygiene is an established, industry-leading OEM/ODM manufacturer specializing in delivering custom toilet paper solutions that meet the precise quality and format needs of U.S. distributors and retailers. With a 30-year operational history, TSH leverages cutting-edge technology and global quality control standards to reliably supply both premium private label bath tissue and specialized Away-from-Home (AFH) products worldwide.

At a Glance:

  • 📍 Location: Global Operations (Serving U.S. market)
  • 🏭 Core Strength: Custom OEM/ODM toilet paper, premium private label, global quality and compliance management.
  • 🌍 Key Markets: U.S. Distributors, Wholesalers, Retailers seeking custom branding solutions.

Why We Picked Them:

✅ The Wins ⚠️ Trade-offs
  • 30 years of OEM expertise, highly tailored product customization, and reliable global supply chain management.
  • Focuses on B2B private label/OEM rather than consumer-facing branded sales.

Why the U.S. Market Still Needs International Imports

Limitations of Domestic Production Capacity

U.S. toilet paper production is heavily concentrated among a small number of multinational companies, namely Kimberly-Clark, Georgia-Pacific, and Procter & Gamble. This market structure leaves gaps in product variety, localized distribution capability, and negotiating leverage for buyers. While these companies operate extensive networks, their high market concentration means smaller distributors and some retailers may be underserved or have less flexibility to source unique SKUs. Imports play a critical role in addressing these gaps, enabling the supply of diverse product formats and meeting regional demand that domestic capacity cannot always fulfill efficiently.

Cost and Supply Advantages of International Imports

Producers in Asia and Latin America often have structural cost advantages from lower labor expenses and proximity to pulp or recovered fiber sources, allowing them to achieve more competitive conversion costs per ton. For U.S. buyers, these imports can serve as a vital surge capacity during demand peaks, such as seasonal spikes or unexpected disruptions, reducing the risk of stock-outs for both retail and away-from-home (AFH) channels. Additionally, export-focused mills frequently offer adaptable private-label and OEM programs with extensive customization options in printing and packaging, giving U.S. wholesalers and distributors the flexibility to maintain brand identity without large capital investments in domestic converting lines.

Specialized Products and Risk Diversification

International importing also opens access to specialty tissue grades and formats that are not commonly produced within the U.S. market, such as bamboo-based tissue, ultra-lightweight coreless rolls, or eco-certified products meeting FSC/PEFC standards. These unique offerings allow retailers and AFH suppliers to differentiate product lines while aligning with sustainability commitments. Maintaining diverse international sources also mitigates the risk of supply chain shocks. Experience from events like the COVID-19 shortages clearly showed that relying solely on domestic mills can be risky when sudden, widespread demand increases occur. By establishing multiple qualified overseas suppliers, procurement managers strengthen continuity and resilience in their supply strategies.

The Importer’s Advantage: Sourcing Strategy for U.S. Distributors

Importer’s Advantage Overview

U.S. distributors strengthen their market position by importing products directly from high-capacity tissue manufacturers. Working with companies like Georgia-Pacific and Kimberly-Clark gives them access to bulk procurement options suited for B2B importers, wholesalers, retailers, and away-from-home (AFH) procurement managers. This strategy allows for private label customization while capitalizing on the speed and reliability of U.S.-based production networks.

Cost and Scale Benefits

Direct sourcing from domestic manufacturers helps lower per-unit costs when compared to vendor or retail purchases. Georgia-Pacific supplies large-volume product lines such as Quilted Northern bath tissue and Brawny paper towels, while Kimberly-Clark’s brand portfolio includes Kleenex, Scott, and Cottonelle—each suitable for large-scale distribution. These economies of scale benefit distributors seeking both branded and private label product channels.

Private Label Opportunities

Leading market players support private label programs for distributors and retailers. Examples like Amazon’s Presto! or Costco’s Kirkland show how store-branded toilet paper can rival or exceed national brand performance in quality and consumer recognition. Using certified production facilities, wholesalers can offer competitively branded products to a wide customer base without establishing their own manufacturing infrastructure.

Supply Chain and Logistics Edge

Domestic production facilities operated by companies such as Kimberly-Clark and Georgia-Pacific help minimize tariffs and reduce delays tied to international shipping. For hybrid models, additional capacity from firms like CMPC helps maintain steady supply during demand surges or market disruptions. This diversified sourcing ensures distributors can meet demand reliably even in unstable market conditions.

Sustainability and Compliance

Eco-focused options are increasingly important to U.S. distributors. Products such as bamboo-based toilet paper from Who Gives a Crap deliver renewable alternatives, while CMPC and Sofidel provide certified fiber products meeting strict sustainability requirements. By stocking recyclable, septic-safe, and environmentally compliant items, distributors support corporate sustainability goals and align with AFH hygiene and procurement standards.

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Logistics & Compliance: Navigating US Import Regulations

Overview of Key US Import Regulations for Toilet Paper

Importing toilet paper into the United States requires adherence to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) protocols along with regulations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Products must be accurately classified under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and properly valued to avoid clearance delays. Tariffs can range from duty-free for USMCA-qualifying goods to up to 6% for other origins. Packaging must clearly and permanently display the country of origin so it is visible to retailers and final consumers.

FDA and Environmental Compliance Requirements

The FDA regulates toilet paper under 21 CFR 176.170 and 176.180, which address sanitary paper standards and indirect food additive compliance, particularly for chlorine- or peroxide-bleached tissues. While pre-market approval is not required, manufacturers should test for dioxins, heavy metals, and other contaminants to ensure safety. The EPA enforces compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for any chemical components, and environmental marketing claims such as recycled content must be supported per FTC Green Guides. Importers seeking eco-labels should consider FSC or PEFC certified products and must comply with the Lacey Act to prevent imports of tissue derived from illegally harvested timber.

Importer Security Filing and Documentation Procedures

For ocean shipments, Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2) must be submitted at least 24 hours before vessel loading, providing details about the manufacturer, seller, buyer, HTS code, and origin country. Required shipping documents include the commercial invoice, bill of lading, and packing list. If imported tissue products meet the definition of sanitary articles, Prior Notice to the FDA is needed. Importers should maintain the appropriate customs bonds—continuous bonds are recommended for high shipment volumes to speed clearance. Compliance with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) is mandatory, making thorough supply chain audits essential, especially when sourcing from Asia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the largest toilet paper manufacturers in the US by volume?

The largest toilet paper manufacturers in the US include Georgia-Pacific LLC, holding 27% market share with brands like Angel Soft and Quilted Northern; Procter & Gamble Co., owner of Charmin, capturing over 25% retail sales; Kimberly-Clark Corporation producing Scott and Cottonelle brands with plans for expansion; major private label producers representing over one-third of retail sales; and Essity AB focusing on sustainable and professional products like Tork.

Does the US import a significant amount of toilet paper, and from which countries?

Yes, the US imports about 230,000 tons valued between $480-510 million to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption. Top import sources are Canada (46-64% share), Mexico (10%), China (8-14%), Indonesia, and Vietnam. Imports have been rising in volume and value, supported by trade agreements, making the US a net importer of tissue products despite strong domestic output.

What is the typical lead time and cost-per-unit difference between domestic and international sourcing?

Domestic sourcing typically offers shorter lead times of 1-4 weeks with baseline or lower per-unit costs, benefiting from proximity and local supply chains. International sourcing usually requires 8-16 weeks or longer and incurs 10-30% higher costs due to shipping, duties, and logistics. Domestic supply supports just-in-time inventory practices, while international sourcing faces risks like longer supply chains and regulatory delays.

What U.S. compliance standards (FDA, sustainability certifications) are mandatory for imported tissue products?

FDA regulations under 21 CFR Part 1271 establish mandatory requirements on donor eligibility, screening, current good tissue practices (CGTP), establishment registration, and import admissibility procedures for imported human tissue products. Importers must comply with documentation, holding, and review processes. Sustainability certifications such as FSC or PEFC are generally voluntary and not legally required for tissue import clearance but may be commercially specified.

How can a distributor successfully launch a private label toilet paper brand in the US?

Launching a private label toilet paper brand involves partnering with contract manufacturers, focusing on quality and competitive pricing, and leveraging the growing 32-38% private label market share. Steps include sourcing from US sanitary paper producers, customizing products especially in premium ply formats, aligning with retailers and wholesalers, addressing tariff implications by prioritizing domestic production, and marketing the value proposition effectively in a competitive environment dominated by national brands.

Final Thoughts

The U.S. toilet paper industry is driven by strong domestic manufacturing but still benefits from a balanced import strategy. International suppliers bring product diversity, specialized formats, and supplementary capacity that smooth out market fluctuations. For distributors, leaning on both domestic giants and qualified overseas mills reduces supply chain risks and keeps options open for meeting varied customer preferences.

By combining local production strengths with reliable import sources, distributors can achieve consistent availability, competitive pricing, and innovative product offerings. This approach supports growth in private label programs, meets rising sustainability expectations, and builds resilience against future market disruptions.

Picture of Coco Yang

Coco Yang

I’m Coco from Top Source Hygiene, with over 8 years of experience in the toilet paper industry, focusing on international trade.
My strength lies in crafting tailored solutions by truly listening to client needs, ensuring satisfaction at every step. I’m passionate about delivering real value and elevating customer service, which is at the heart of what we do.
Let’s work together to expand your business and create meaningful growth worldwide!

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