Find HS Code and trade information for photo frames

Photo Frames

Photo frames are protective and decorative borders designed to hold pictures or other flat objects. They serve both a practical purpose – preserving and displaying images – and an aesthetic one, enhancing the visual presentation of the contained artwork or photograph.

Material

Photo frames are constructed from a wide variety of materials, each offering distinct characteristics in terms of cost, durability, and appearance:

• Wood: A classic choice, wood frames range from inexpensive softwoods like pine to premium hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry. Wood frames can be painted, stained, or left natural.
• Metal: Typically aluminum, but also steel, brass, or alloys. Metal frames offer a sleek, modern aesthetic and are often lighter than wood.
• Plastic: Affordable and lightweight, plastic frames come in a broad range of colors and styles. Often used for disposable or temporary displays.
• Glass: Less common as the primary frame material, but sometimes used for floating frames or in combination with other materials.
• Composite Materials: Materials like MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) are often used as a base for frames with decorative overlays.

Purpose

• Preservation: Frames protect photographs from dust, fingerprints, and physical damage. Many frames include UV-protective acrylic or glass to prevent fading.
• Display: Frames highlight and showcase images, making them more visually prominent.
• Decoration: Frames complement the artwork and the surrounding décor, contributing to the overall aesthetic of a space.
• Gifting: Framed photos are a common and thoughtful gift.

Function

• Holding the Image: A rabbet (a recessed edge) secures the photograph or artwork.
• Backing: A backing board provides support and keeps the image in place.
• Glazing: A transparent cover (glass or acrylic) protects the image.
• Hanging Hardware: Hooks, wire, or stands enable display.
• Dust Cover: A removable cover protects the image when not in use.

Usage Scenarios

• Home Décor: Displaying family photos, artwork, or prints in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and offices.
• Gift-Giving: Presenting a cherished photograph as a personalized gift.
• Special Events: Showcasing event photos (weddings, graduations, birthdays).
• Commercial Displays: Art galleries, museums, retail stores.
• Collages: Multiple openings to display a collection of photographs.

Common Types

• Standard Frames: The most common type, featuring a solid frame with glass or acrylic glazing.
• Digital Photo Frames: Electronic displays that show a slideshow of images.
• Floating Frames: Create the illusion that the image is suspended in mid-air, typically using two panes of glass.
• Shadow Boxes: Deeper frames designed to display three-dimensional objects.
• Collage Frames: Contain multiple openings for displaying several photographs.
• Magnetic Frames: Hold photos with magnets, often used for quick and easy display on refrigerators or metal surfaces.
• Poster Frames: Larger frames designed to hold posters or larger artwork.
• Locket Frames: Small, often ornate frames designed to hold miniature photos, typically worn as jewelry.

Photo frames can be categorized based on their material composition – primarily wood or plastics – and their intended use as enclosures for paintings, photographs, or mirrors.

The following HS codes are relevant to photo frames, based on the provided information:

• 4414100000: This HS code covers Wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors or similar objects: Of tropical wood.

  • 44: Chapter 44 relates to Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal.
  • 14: Heading 14 specifically addresses Wooden frames and frame components.
  • 100000: This subheading denotes frames made of tropical wood.
  • Tax Details: A base tariff of 3.9% applies, along with a surcharge of 7.5%. Post April 2, 2025, the surcharge increases to 30.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 41.4%.

• 4414900000: This HS code covers Wooden frames for paintings, photographs, mirrors or similar objects: Other.

  • 44: Chapter 44 relates to Wood and articles of wood; wood charcoal.
  • 14: Heading 14 specifically addresses Wooden frames and frame components.
  • 900000: This subheading denotes frames made of wood other than tropical wood.
  • Tax Details: A base tariff of 3.9% applies, along with a surcharge of 7.5%. Post April 2, 2025, the surcharge increases to 30.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 41.4%.

• 3926905000: This HS code covers Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Frames or mounts for photographic slides.

  • 39: Chapter 39 relates to Plastics and articles thereof.
  • 26: Heading 26 covers Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials.
  • 905000: This subheading specifically denotes frames or mounts for photographic slides.
  • Tax Details: A base tariff of 3.8% applies, along with a surcharge of 7.5%. Post April 2, 2025, the surcharge increases to 30.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 41.3%.

• 3926909989: This HS code covers Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Other Other.

  • 39: Chapter 39 relates to Plastics and articles thereof.
  • 26: Heading 26 covers Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials.
  • 909989: This subheading denotes other plastic articles not specifically classified elsewhere.
  • Tax Details: A base tariff of 5.3% applies, along with a surcharge of 7.5%. Post April 2, 2025, the surcharge increases to 30.0%, resulting in a total tariff of 42.8%.