Find HS Code and trade information for chalkboard

Chalkboard

A chalkboard is a smooth, dark surface used for writing or drawing with chalk. Historically made of slate, modern chalkboards are often constructed from porcelain-coated steel, painted wood, or composite materials.

Material

• Slate: Traditional chalkboards were carved from natural slate, offering a durable, though heavy, writing surface.
• Porcelain-coated Steel: The most common modern material, providing a smooth, non-porous surface that erases cleanly and resists ghosting.
• Painted Wood: Typically uses dark paint (often black or dark green) on wood. Less durable than steel or slate and prone to chalk dust buildup and ghosting.
• Composite Materials: Various engineered surfaces designed to mimic the properties of slate or steel.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a chalkboard is to provide a reusable writing and drawing surface for educational, illustrative, or communicative purposes.

Function

Chalkboards function through the friction between chalk and a slightly rough surface, leaving a visible mark. The porous nature of the surface (though minimized in modern boards) allows chalk particles to adhere. The marks can be easily removed by erasing with a felt eraser or cloth, allowing for repeated use.

Usage Scenarios

• Educational Institutions: Classrooms are the most common setting, used for lectures, problem-solving, and student participation.
• Restaurants & Cafes: Used for displaying menus, specials, or decorative artwork.
• Retail Stores: For promotional signage or price displays.
• Homes: Decorative purposes, message boards, or children’s art spaces.
• Offices: Brainstorming sessions, meeting notes, or task lists.

Common Types

• Blackboards: Traditional chalkboards using black paint or natural slate.
• Greenboards: Became popular due to reduced glare and eye strain compared to blackboards. Typically porcelain-coated steel.
• Whiteboards: While not technically chalkboards, often used interchangeably for similar purposes. Utilize dry-erase markers instead of chalk.
• Digital Chalkboards (Smart Boards): Interactive displays that mimic the functionality of a traditional chalkboard, with the added ability to save and project content digitally.
• Magnetic Chalkboards: Incorporate a magnetic surface, allowing for the attachment of notes and visuals with magnets.

Based on the provided information, the classification of “chalkboard” is not directly specified. However, considering its composition and potential use, the following HS codes may be relevant:

• 8304000000: Desk-top filing or card-index cabinets, paper trays, paper rests, pen trays, office-stamp stands and similar office or desk equipment and parts thereof, of base metal, other than office furniture of heading 9403. This code covers office equipment made of base metal. If the chalkboard incorporates a metal frame or components, this HS code might be applicable.

  • 83: Base metal articles.
  • 04: Desk-top filing or card-index cabinets, paper trays, paper rests, pen trays, office-stamp stands and similar office or desk equipment.
  • 000000: Indicates a general classification within the heading.

• 4823901000: Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers: Other: Of paper pulp. If the chalkboard surface is made of paper pulp, this HS code could be considered.

  • 48: Paper or paperboard.
  • 23: Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers.
  • 901000: Specifically for articles made of paper pulp.

• 4823902000: Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers: Other: Of papier-mâché. If the chalkboard surface is made of papier-mâché, this HS code could be considered.

  • 48: Paper or paperboard.
  • 23: Other paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding and webs of cellulose fibers, cut to size or shape; other articles of paper pulp, paper, paperboard, cellulose wadding or webs of cellulose fibers.
  • 902000: Specifically for articles made of papier-mâché.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'chalkboard' are limited, with only the following 3 found.

Please note that the applicable tariff rates for these HS codes are as follows:

• 8304000000: Total tax rate of 33.9% (Base tariff: 3.9%, Additional tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30.0%).
• 4823901000 & 4823902000: Total tax rate of 55.0% (Base tariff: 0.0%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, Additional tariff after 2025.4.2: 30.0%).

It is recommended to confirm the material composition of the chalkboard to determine the most accurate HS code.