Find HS Code and trade information for alphabet seal

Alphabet Seal

An alphabet seal, also known as a wax seal with letter or initial designs, is a decorative closure historically used to secure and authenticate correspondence. While traditionally associated with important documents and letters, they are now primarily employed for aesthetic purposes in crafts, stationery, and event décor.

Material:

• Wax: The primary component is typically sealing wax, a pliable material consisting of resin, beeswax, and often pigments for color. Modern alternatives include gummed sealing wax (a shellac-based option) and wax sticks formulated for lower melting points and ease of use.
• Metal: The seal itself is commonly made of brass, steel, or occasionally other metals. The design is either cast directly into the metal or created via interchangeable metal dies.
• Handle: Handles are typically made of wood, metal, or plastic, providing a grip for applying pressure.

Purpose:

• Historical Authentication: Originally, seals served as a means of verifying the sender's identity and ensuring the letter hadn't been tampered with. The unique design associated with an individual or organization guaranteed its legitimacy. Breaking the seal indicated the letter had been opened.
• Decoration: Today, the primary purpose is decorative. They add a touch of elegance and personalization to letters, invitations, packages, and other items.

Function:

The process involves melting the wax and pouring it onto the document or envelope. A seal die is then pressed firmly into the molten wax, creating an embossed impression of the chosen letter or initial. The wax cools and hardens, forming a secure (though easily breakable) closure.

Usage Scenarios:

• Stationery: Adding a personalized touch to handwritten letters and envelopes.
• Invitations: Used for wedding invitations, event announcements, and party favors.
• Crafts: Employed in scrapbooking, journaling, and other paper crafts.
• Gift Wrapping: Enhancing the presentation of gifts with a decorative seal.
• Bottle Sealing: Used for sealing wine bottles, olive oil, or other homemade products.

Common Types:

• Single Initial Seals: Featuring a single letter, often the sender's initial.
• Double Initial Seals: Containing two letters, typically the sender and recipient's initials.
• Monogram Seals: Displaying a more elaborate combination of initials.
• Embossing Seals: Utilize a metal die to create a raised impression without colored wax.
• Flexible Seals: Made of silicone, offering greater design flexibility and ease of use.
• Self-Adhesive Seals: Provide a convenient, wax-free option for adding a seal impression.

Based on the material, use, function, and application scenarios, “alphabet seal” likely refers to a sealing component, potentially used for closure, identification, or decoration. The following HS codes may be relevant:

• 4016991500: This code covers “Other articles of vulcanized rubber other than hard rubber: Other: Caps, lids, seals, stoppers and other closures”. This is applicable if the alphabet seal is made of vulcanized rubber and functions as a closure. The total tax rate is 40.2%, comprising a base tariff of 2.7% and an additional tariff of 7.5%, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
• 3923500000: This code covers “Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures: Stoppers, lids, caps and other closures”. If the alphabet seal is made of plastic and functions as a closure, this code is applicable. The total tax rate is 60.3%, comprising a base tariff of 5.3% and an additional tariff of 25.0%, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
• 3923900080: This code covers “Articles for the conveyance or packing of goods, of plastics; stoppers, lids, caps and other closures, of plastics: Other Other”. If the alphabet seal is made of plastic and is categorized as 'other' within this heading, this code is applicable. The total tax rate is 58.0%, comprising a base tariff of 3.0% and an additional tariff of 25.0%, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
• 8309100000: This code covers “Stoppers, caps and lids (including crown corks, screw caps and pouring stoppers), capsules for bottles, threaded bungs, bung covers, seals and other packing accessories, and parts thereof, of base metal: Crown corks (including crown seals and caps), and parts thereof”. If the alphabet seal is made of base metal and functions as a closure, this code is applicable. The total tax rate is 55.0%, comprising a base tariff of 0.0% and an additional tariff of 25.0%, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.
• 8309900010: This code covers “Stoppers, caps and lids (including crown corks, screw caps and pouring stoppers), capsules for bottles, threaded bungs, bung covers, seals and other packing accessories, and parts thereof, of base metal: Other Of aluminum”. If the alphabet seal is made of base metal, specifically aluminum, and is categorized as 'other' within this heading, this code is applicable. The total tax rate is 57.6%, comprising a base tariff of 2.6% and an additional tariff of 25.0%, increasing to 30.0% after April 2, 2025.

Please Note:

The correct HS code depends on the material composition of the “alphabet seal”. If the seal is made of vulcanized rubber, HS code 4016991500 is most appropriate. If it is made of plastic, consider HS codes 3923500000 or 3923900080. If it is made of base metal, consider HS codes 8309100000 or 8309900010.