100 Write on Adhesive Name Tags with 1 Ballpoint Pen
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9608996000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9608100000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821102000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π·οΈ Adhesive Name Tags & ποΈ Ballpoint Pen (100 Tags + 1 Pen)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Understanding the Components
This import shipment consists of two distinct commodity types: 1. Adhesive Name Tags: Paper-based labels used for identification. 2. Ballpoint Pen: A writing instrument used for filling out the tags.
β οΈ Critical Customs Logic:
- These two items are NOT a single "set" for customs classification purposes. They must be declared and classified separately.
- Adhesive Tags fall under Chapter 48 (Paper Products).
- Ballpoint Pens fall under Chapter 96 (Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles).
- Never bundle them into one line item unless specifically requested by a B2B kit invoice, but even then, HS codes must be distinct for tax calculation.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Category |
|---|---|---|---|
4821.90.20.00 |
Paper and paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printed: Self-adhesive | Adhesive Name Tags (Sticky labels, ID tags, address labels) | π¨π³ Base: 0% πΊπΈ Section 301: +25% |
9608.10.00.00 |
Ball point pens; felt tipped and other porous-tipped pens...: Ball point pens | The Pen (Standard ballpoint, refills, barrels) | π¨π³ Base: 0% πΊπΈ Section 301: +0% |
π Key Distinction:
- Adhesive Tags: Must be classified under 4821 if they have an adhesive backing. If they are just plain paper cards not self-adhesive, they would fall under4823.90.80.00(Gaskets/Seals/Other), but "Name Tags" are almost universally self-adhesive. - Ballpoint Pen: Must be specifically ballpoint (ink cartridge, rotating tip). If it were a felt-tip or fountain pen, it would fall under different subheadings (9608.20,9608.30).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 Trade Terms
π― 1. 4821.90.20.00 ββ Self-adhesive Paper Labels (Adhesive Name Tags)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +0% (Not listed in IEEPA for this specific code in the provided data) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value of Tags Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (For shipments >$800 from China, full duty applies; for B2B, always applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4821.90.20 β USITC:Footnote 25 |
π Explanation:
- Self-adhesive paper products are subject to the 25% Section 301 tariff as they are classified as "Other articles of paper...".
- There is no additional IEEPA surcharge for this specific HS code in the provided dataset, so the total remains 25%.
- Cost Impact: High. Paper-based consumer goods from China face significant duties.
π― 2. 9608.10.00.00 ββ Ballpoint Pens
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value of Pen Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β N/A (Even if applicable, rate is 0%) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9608.10.00 |
π Explanation:
- Ballpoint pens are exempt from Section 301 tariffs in this dataset.
- Cost Impact: Zero duty. This is a "duty-free" item for US imports from China (under current data constraints).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Submit)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must separately list "Self-adhesive Name Tags" and "Ballpoint Pen" with separate values. Do not combine into "Stationery Set". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Clearly state quantity: e.g., "100 pcs Adhesive Tags, 1 pc Ballpoint Pen". |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the adhesive backing on tags and the pen tip type (ballpoint). |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Confirm tags are paper-based (not plastic vinyl) to ensure correct HS 4821 classification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Separate HS, Separate Value, No Bundle!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Shipment | Line 1: 4821.90.20.00 (Tags) Line 2: 9608.10.00.00 (Pen) |
Combining into one line "Stationery" β Risk of misclassification & audit. |
| Value Allocation | Allocate 99% value to Tags, 1% to Pen (or market value split) | Assigning 50% value to each β Overpaying tax on Pen (if it had duty) or Underpaying on Tags. |
| Description | "Paper Self-Adhesive Labels, Not Printed" | "Gift Set" β Vague description triggers customs inspection. |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Printed Tags | If tags have pre-printed text/logos, they still fall under 4821.90.20.00 (Self-adhesive labels). No change in HS code, but declare "Printed". |
| Multi-Pen Pack | If the "1 Ballpoint Pen" is actually a "Pack of 5 Pens", the HS code remains 9608.10.00.00 (Ballpoint pens), but quantity/unit price must reflect the pack. |
| Plastic Tags | If name tags are made of plastic or vinyl (not paper), they do NOT fall under 4821. They may fall under 3926.90 (Plastic articles) or 4823.90 (Other paperboard). Check material! |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code (Tags) | Tariff (Tags) | HS Code (Pen) | Tariff (Pen) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4821.90.20.00 |
25% | 9608.10.00.00 |
0% | High duty on paper labels. |
| π¨π³ China | 4821.90.20.00 |
5% | 9608.10.00.00 |
5% | Standard MFN rates. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4821.90.20.00 |
6.5% | 9608.10.00.00 |
2.7% | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 4821.90.20.00 |
5% | 9608.10.00.00 |
0% | Check CUSMA for origin benefits. |
π Conclusion:
- The ballpoint pen is duty-free in the US market (per provided data).
- The adhesive tags carry a 25% penalty tariff.
- Strategy: If possible, reduce the declared value of the tags or source tags from non-China origins to mitigate the 25% duty.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Combining Tags and Pen into one HS Code (4823.90.80.00)
π Consequence: Pen misclassified β Potential audit. Tags misclassified β Wrong duty rate.
π Fix: Always split by material/function.
β Error 2: Declaring "Stationery Set" without specifying HS Codes
π Consequence: CBP (Customs and Border Protection) will classify using the "GRI 3(b)" rule or worst-case scenario, potentially assigning higher duty to the whole shipment.
π Fix: Itemize.
β Error 3: Misidentifying "Name Tags" as non-adhesive
π Consequence: If tags are self-adhesive but declared as 4823.90.31.00 (Cards, not punched), you may face penalties for undervaluation of duty if 4821 is deemed more correct.
π Fix: Confirm adhesive backing. If yes, use 4821.90.20.00.
β Correct Practice:
Line 1: "Self-Adhesive Paper Name Tags, Blank, 100 pcs, HS: 4821.90.20.00, Value: $10.00"
Line 2: "Ballpoint Pen, Refillable, 1 pc, HS: 9608.10.00.00, Value: $2.00"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Efficiency
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Tags = 25% Duty", "Pens = 0% Duty".
πΉ Separate them clearly on your commercial invoice.
πΉ Verify material: Are tags truly paper? If plastic, HS code changes!
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes (e.g., >10,000 tags), consider:
1. Pre-Ruling: Apply for a binding ruling from CBP to confirm HS code.
2. Supply Chain Optimization: Source adhesive tags from countries not subject to Section 301 (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) if possible, to save the 25% duty.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Invoice Format: Ensure each item has its own HS Code and Value.
π Calculate Budget: Factor in 25% tax on the total value of the adhesive tags. The pen costs nothing in duty.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Don't let a 25% tariff on paper tags eat your profit margins!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.