Find HS Code and trade information for masking tape

Masking Tape

Masking tape is a type of pressure-sensitive tape made of a thin, usually creped paper backing with a removable adhesive. It is widely used in painting, coating, and various other applications requiring clean removal without leaving residue.

Material:

• Backing: Typically made of paper, often creped for conformability and ease of tearing. Creping creates small wrinkles in the paper, increasing its flexibility and preventing it from stretching excessively when applied.
• Adhesive: Commonly based on rubber adhesives, acrylic adhesives, or hot melt adhesives. The adhesive is designed to be easily removable without damaging the underlying surface. Different adhesive formulations offer varying levels of stickiness and dwell time resistance.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of masking tape is to create clean, sharp lines when painting, coating, or applying other finishes. It protects areas that should not be affected by the application process.

Function:

• Surface Protection: Shields surfaces from overspray, spills, and abrasion.
• Line Definition: Creates precise edges for paint, coatings, and other applications.
• Temporary Holding: Can be used for temporary bundling or securing lightweight materials.
• Labeling: Used for temporary labeling or marking.

Usage Scenarios:

• Painting: Interior and exterior painting projects, creating clean lines between walls, trim, and ceilings.
• Automotive Painting: Used in auto body repair and painting for masking off areas before spray painting.
• Construction: Protecting surfaces during drywall installation, plastering, and other construction tasks.
• Crafts & DIY: Used in various arts and crafts projects, scrapbooking, and other DIY applications.
• Powder Coating: Masking components during powder coating processes.
• Electronics: Used in electronics manufacturing for temporary masking during soldering or coating.

Common Types:

• General Purpose Masking Tape: Standard tape suitable for most light-duty painting and general applications. Typically has a lower adhesion level.
• Painter’s Tape: Designed for more demanding painting applications, offering higher adhesion and cleaner removal, particularly from freshly painted surfaces. Often blue or green in color.
• Delicate Surface Masking Tape: Formulated with a very low adhesion level for use on sensitive surfaces like wallpaper, freshly painted walls, or fragile materials.
• High-Temperature Masking Tape: Designed to withstand high temperatures during powder coating, baking, or other heat-intensive processes.
• Automotive Masking Tape: Specifically designed for automotive painting applications, offering resistance to solvents and high temperatures.
• Radially Masking Tape: Designed for masking curved surfaces, offering conformability and clean removal.
• Cube Masking Tape: Designed for masking cube-shaped objects, offering easy application and clean removal.

Masking tape typically refers to a pressure-sensitive tape used in painting, decorating, and other applications where temporary adhesion is needed. It is generally made of a thin paper base coated with an adhesive. Depending on the specific composition and application, it may be self-adhesive or come in rolls.

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

• 4821904000: Paper and paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printed: Other: Other. This code could apply if the masking tape is in label form or has printed markings.
• 4821902000: Paper and paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printed: Other: Self-adhesive. This code is applicable if the masking tape is self-adhesive.
• 3919102055: Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls: In rolls of a width not exceeding 20 cm: Other Other: Other. If the masking tape is made of plastic and supplied in rolls with a width of 20 cm or less, this code may be relevant.
• 3919905060: Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls: Other: Other Other. This code applies to self-adhesive plastic tape not specifically covered by 3919102055.

Tax Rate Information:

• Codes 4821904000 and 4821902000 have a base tariff of 0.0%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.
• Codes 3919102055 and 3919905060 have a base tariff of 5.8%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 60.8%.

Important Note:

When declaring masking tape under codes 3919102055 or 3919905060, it is crucial to confirm the material composition (specifically, whether it is plastic) and the roll width.