Find HS Code and trade information for sellotape

Sellotape

Sellotape is a transparent adhesive tape, widely used for household and office purposes. It is a brand name, originally manufactured by Sellotape Ltd, but the name has become genericised in many regions, often used as a synonym for any clear adhesive tape.

Material:

• Backing: Typically cellulose acetate film, though modern versions increasingly use polypropylene. This provides the strength and flexibility of the tape.
• Adhesive: Usually an acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive. This allows the tape to stick to surfaces with light pressure.

Purpose:

The primary purpose of Sellotape is to join materials together. It's used for a broad range of tasks, including:

• Wrapping: Securing gift wrap, parcels, and other items.
• Repairing: Mending torn paper, documents, and light materials.
• Crafting: Used in various art and DIY projects.
• Office Use: Attaching documents, labelling, and general stationery applications.

Function:

Sellotape functions by creating a bond between two surfaces through the adhesive properties of its acrylic layer. Pressure applied to the tape forces the adhesive into contact with the surfaces, forming a relatively weak, but convenient, bond. The tape's strength comes from the backing material, which resists tearing and provides a stable base for the adhesive.

Usage Scenarios:

• Household: Gift wrapping, repairing books/photos, sealing envelopes, general repairs.
• Office: Document attachment, labelling files, packaging small items.
• School/Arts & Crafts: Paper projects, model making, decorating.
• Retail: Packaging, price tagging.

Common Types:

• Standard Clear Tape: The most common type, suitable for general purpose use.
• Invisible Tape: Designed to be less visible on paper, often with a matte finish.
• Low-Tack Tape: Features a weaker adhesive, ideal for surfaces that require easy removal without leaving residue.
• Double-Sided Tape: Adhesive applied to both sides of the backing, used for mounting or joining items where visible tape is undesirable.
• Coloured Sellotape: Available in various colours for decorative or identification purposes.
• Dispenser Tape: Pre-loaded into a tape dispenser for ease of use and controlled application.

Sellotape, based on the provided reference material, falls under adhesive tapes and sheets of plastics. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes:

• 3919.10.20.30: This HS code covers self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls, specifically those in rolls of a width not exceeding 20 cm, and other transparent tape, not exceeding 55 m in length, and not exceeding 5 cm in width. The tax rate details are: Basic tariff: 5.8%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, and an additional tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025. The total tariff is 60.8%.
• 3919.90.50.40: This HS code covers self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls, specifically those categorized as "Other" and further defined as "Other Transparent tape". The tax rate details are: Basic tariff: 5.8%, Additional tariff: 25.0%, and an additional tariff of 30.0% after April 2, 2025. The total tariff is 60.8%.

Important Considerations:

The classification between 3919.10.20.30 and 3919.90.50.40 depends on the width and length of the sellotape. If the tape is in rolls not exceeding 20 cm in width and 55 m in length and is less than 5 cm wide, it falls under 3919.10.20.30. Otherwise, it is classified as 3919.90.50.40.