Find HS Code and trade information for ink blotter

Ink Blotter

An ink blotter is a small, absorbent material used to dry ink, typically from freshly written handwriting, and prevent it from smudging or feathering. Historically made from materials like sandarac gum, today they are commonly constructed from felt, blotting paper, or a combination of absorbent materials.

Material:

• Sandarac gum: Traditional blotters utilized sandarac, a resin obtained from trees. It was effective but could become brittle with age.
• Felt: A common modern material, felt offers good absorbency and durability.
• Blotting paper: Specifically designed paper with a high absorbency rate, often made from long-fiber cotton.
• Combination materials: Some blotters use layers of felt and blotting paper for enhanced performance.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of an ink blotter is to remove excess ink from writing instruments – fountain pens, dip pens, quill pens – immediately after writing. This prevents:

• Smudging: Avoiding unintentional blurring or spreading of ink.
• Feathering: Preventing ink from spreading along paper fibers, resulting in a less defined line.
• Bleeding: Reducing the amount of ink that penetrates through the paper.

Function:

Ink blotters function through capillary action. The absorbent material draws the excess ink away from the written surface, leaving a cleaner, more defined mark. Pressure is often applied to facilitate the absorption process.

Usage Scenarios:

• Calligraphy and Handwriting: Essential for achieving clean lines and preventing ink bleed in artistic writing styles.
• Formal Writing: Traditionally used with fountain pens for letters, documents, and official records.
• Drafting and Technical Drawing: Used to maintain the clarity of lines and prevent smudging during drawing.
• Restoration: Used by conservators to carefully remove excess ink from historical documents (with specialized materials and techniques).

Common Types:

• Individual Blotters: Small, rectangular pieces of absorbent material.
• Blotter Pads: Stacks of individual blotters bound together for convenience.
• Desktop Blotters: Larger, flat blotters designed to cover a portion of a writing surface. Often feature a leather or vinyl backing.
• Sandarac Blotters (Antique): Historical blotters made from sandarac gum, valued by collectors.
• Rorschach Blotters: A specific type of ink blot used in psychological testing. These are not for drying ink, but for eliciting responses based on perceived patterns.

Based on the material, use, and application scenarios, an ink blotter is a paper-based product used to absorb excess ink, typically found on writing surfaces. It falls under the category of paper or paperboard articles.

Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 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. This code covers articles made from paper pulp.
• 4823907000: 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: Other: Other: Of cellulose wadding. This code covers articles made from cellulose wadding.
• 4821904000: Paper and paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printed: Other: Other. This code could apply if the ink blotter is in a label format.

Tax Rate Details:

For HS codes 4823901000, 4823907000, and 4821904000:

• Basic tariff: 0.0%
• Additional tariff: 25.0%
• Additional tariff after April 2, 2025: 30%
• Total tariff: 55.0%

Important Note:

Regarding HS code 4823901000 and 4823907000, the material composition (paper pulp vs. cellulose wadding) will determine the correct classification. Please verify the material used in the ink blotter to ensure accurate declaration.