Find HS Code and trade information for sign plate

Sign Plate

A sign plate, also commonly referred to as a nameplate, identification plate, or simply plate, is a non-temporary display plate, typically metallic or plastic, used to display information about an object, individual, or location. These plates are designed for durability and long-term visibility.

Material

Sign plates are constructed from a variety of materials, selected based on application requirements such as environmental exposure, aesthetic considerations, and budget:

• Metals:
  • Aluminum: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and easily engraved or printed. A common choice for outdoor signage.
  • Stainless Steel: Highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and suitable for harsh environments. Often used for industrial applications and high-end aesthetics.
  • Brass: Provides a classic, upscale appearance. Susceptible to tarnishing but can be polished or coated.
  • Bronze: Durable and corrosion-resistant, often used for memorial plaques and historical markers.
  • Copper: Offers a distinctive aesthetic and good corrosion resistance.
  • Steel: Strong and durable, often used for industrial applications, frequently coated to prevent rust.
• Plastics:
  • Acrylic: Offers good clarity and can be easily engraved or printed. Suitable for indoor and some outdoor applications.
  • Polycarbonate: Highly impact-resistant, suitable for demanding environments.
  • ABS: A cost-effective plastic option for indoor use.
• Wood: Used for decorative or traditional applications, typically requiring protective coatings.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a sign plate is to provide lasting identification and information. Specific purposes include:

• Identification: Naming individuals, objects, or locations (e.g., employee nameplates, equipment labels, room signs).
• Rating and Specifications: Displaying technical data, model numbers, serial numbers, voltage, current, and other critical specifications.
• Warnings and Instructions: Conveying safety information, operating instructions, or regulatory compliance notices.
• Commemorative: Honoring individuals or events (e.g., memorial plaques, dedication plates).
• Decorative: Enhancing aesthetic appeal and branding.

Function

Sign plates function by permanently displaying information through various methods:

• Engraving: Removing material to create recessed characters. Provides high durability and clarity.
• Etching: Using chemicals to create recessed characters. Similar to engraving but often used on metals.
• Printing: Applying ink to the surface. Suitable for complex designs and color graphics, but less durable than engraving or etching.
• Embossing/Debossing: Raising or lowering characters from the surface. Provides a tactile element.
• Laser Marking: Using a laser to create permanent markings. Suitable for various materials and complex designs.
• Photo-Anodizing: Creates highly durable, photographic-quality images on aluminum.

Usage Scenarios

Sign plates are used in a wide range of applications:

• Industrial Equipment: Identifying machinery, displaying specifications, and providing safety warnings.
• Offices and Buildings: Employee nameplates, room signs, door numbers, and directional signage.
• Residential: Door plates, house numbers, memorial plaques, and decorative signage.
• Marine: Boat registration numbers, equipment labels, and identification plates.
• Automotive: Vehicle identification numbers (VIN plates), model designations, and engine specifications.
• Military and Aerospace: Equipment identification, serial numbers, and regulatory compliance markings.
• Awards and Recognition: Plaques commemorating achievements or service.

Common Types

• Desk Nameplates: Typically acrylic or metal, used on office desks to display names and titles.
• Door Plates: Used on doors to display room numbers, names, or titles.
• Equipment Identification Plates: Metal plates used to label machinery and equipment.
• Memorial Plaques: Bronze or metal plates commemorating individuals or events.
• Rating Plates: Displaying technical specifications and electrical ratings.
• VIN Plates: Vehicle Identification Number plates permanently affixed to vehicles.
• ADA Compliant Plates: Designed to meet accessibility standards for individuals with disabilities (e.g., raised characters and tactile elements).
• Braille Plates: Incorporate Braille for visually impaired individuals.

Sign plates fall under the category of identification or informational plates, typically made of base metal. Here are relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 8310000000: This HS code covers “Sign plates, name plates, address plates and similar plates, numbers, letters and other symbols, and parts thereof, of base metal, excluding those of heading 9405”.

  • 83: Chapter 83 pertains to Miscellaneous manufactured articles of base metal.
  • 10: Heading 10 specifically covers sign plates, name plates, address plates, and similar items.
  • 000000: This further specifies that the items are of base metal and excludes those classified under heading 9405. The applicable tax rate is 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%.

• 9405612000: This HS code covers “Luminaires and lighting fittings including searchlights and spotlights and parts thereof, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like, having a permanently fixed light source, and parts thereof not elsewhere specified or included: Illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like: Designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources: Of base metal: Of brass”.

  • 94: Chapter 94 covers Furniture; bedding, mattresses, support-springs, upholstery stuffing, lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included.
  • 05: Heading 05 specifically covers luminaires and lighting fittings, including illuminated signs.
  • 61: Subheading 61 further specifies illuminated signs designed for LED light sources, made of base metal and specifically of brass. The applicable tax rate is a base tariff of 5.7%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 60.7%.

• 9405614000: This HS code covers “Luminaires and lighting fittings including searchlights and spotlights and parts thereof, not elsewhere specified or included; illuminated signs, illuminated nameplates and the like, having a permanently fixed light source, and parts thereof not elsewhere specified or included: Illuminated signs, illuminated name-plates and the like: Designed for use solely with light-emitting diode (LED) light sources: Of base metal: Other”.

  • 94: Chapter 94 covers Furniture; bedding, mattresses, support-springs, upholstery stuffing, lamps and lighting fittings, not elsewhere specified or included.
  • 05: Heading 05 specifically covers luminaires and lighting fittings, including illuminated signs.
  • 61: Subheading 61 further specifies illuminated signs designed for LED light sources, made of base metal, but not of brass. The applicable tax rate is a base tariff of 6.0%, a surcharge of 25.0%, and a surcharge of 30.0% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 61.0%.