Birthday Poster
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4911914020 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911912020 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821904000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821104000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Birthday Poster (Paper & Paperboard Labels / Printed Pictures)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026ζζ°η¨εε
¨θ§£ζ | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is a "Birthday Poster"?
A "Birthday Poster" is a printed item used for celebration, decoration, or gifting. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its primary function, material, and intended use. It is generally categorized under Chapter 48 (Paper and Paperboard) or Chapter 49 (Printed Matter).
Two Main Categories:
-
Decorative Posters (General): Standard posters featuring designs, photographs, or text for wall decoration.
- Key Feature: Printed paper/paperboard, often with artistic designs.
- Primary Use: Decoration.
-
Paper Labels (Stickers/Tags): If the "poster" is small, self-adhesive, or intended to be attached to a gift/package.
- Key Feature: Used as a label.
- Primary Use: Identification or Packaging Decoration.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - If it is a standard wall poster (e.g., 24x36 inches, printed design) βε½ε ₯ 4911.91.x.x - If it is a paper label/sticker for gifts or products βε½ε ₯ 4821.90.40.00 or 4821.10.40.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the applicable HS Codes for "Birthday Poster" depending on its specific nature:
| HS Code | Product Description | Scenario | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
4911.91.40.20 |
Other printed matter: Pictures, designs and photographs: Posters (Not over 20 years old) | Standard decorative birthday posters, large format, printed with designs/photos | 7.5% |
4911.91.20.20 |
Other printed matter: Lithographs on paper or paperboard: Posters (Not over 0.51 mm thickness) | Lithograph-style birthday posters, thin paper, artistic prints | 0.0% |
4821.90.40.00 |
Paper and paperboard labels: Other (Not printed) | Non-printed birthday labels/tags (e.g., blank stickers to be filled) | 25.0% |
4821.10.40.00 |
Paper and paperboard labels: Printed: Other | Printed birthday gift tags, small decorative labels, sticker labels | 25.0% |
π Critical Reminder: - "Posters" for Wall Decoration: Typically fall under Heading 4911. Most standard colorful birthday posters will use
4911.91.40.20(7.5%). - "Labels" for Gifts: If the item is small, adhesive, and meant to be attached to a present, it may be classified as a label under Heading 4821. Note the 25% tax on printed labels! - Lithographs: If the poster is specifically a lithograph (art print) under 0.51mm thick, it may qualify for4911.91.20.20(0.0%), but this is rare for standard commercial birthday posters.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4911.91.40.20 ββ Standard Decorative Posters (Most Common)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Deny de minimis for most China-origin goods under $800 if subject to Section 301, but check current CBP updates) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 4911.91.40.20 β 7.5% |
π Explanation: - The "7.5%" is the specific Section 301 surcharge for this subheading. - This is a moderate tax compared to electronics or steel. - Suitable for standard printed birthday posters, party decorations.
π― 2. 4911.91.20.20 ββ Lithograph Posters (Thin Paper)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Potentially, if under $800 and not restricted) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 4911.91.20.20 β 0.0% |
π Note: - This is the best-case scenario for tax efficiency. - Requires the poster to be a lithograph and β€ 0.51 mm thick. - Verify with your supplier if the product qualifies as a "lithograph" under customs definitions.
π― 3. 4821.90.40.00 & 4821.10.40.00 ββ Paper Labels (Stickers/Tags)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High risk of duty assessment) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301: 4821.10/4821.90 β 25.0% |
π Warning: - If your "Birthday Poster" is actually a small sticker or gift tag, it may be misclassified as a label. - 25% tax is significantly higher than the 7.5% for posters. - Avoid this classification if the item is primarily for wall decoration.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Description | βοΈ | Must specify "Birthday Poster" or "Printed Paper Decoration" |
| β Photos | βοΈ | Show front, back, and size for scale |
| β Material Breakdown | βοΈ | Specify "Paper, 150gsm, 4-color print" |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state value and HS Code |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Include dimensions and weight |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | If claiming any potential exemptions (rare for CN) |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Posters are 4911, Labels are 4821. Size and Use Matter!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Large wall poster (e.g., 24x36") | 4911.91.40.20 |
β Low Risk (7.5%) |
| Small gift tag/sticker (1x2") | 4821.10.40.00 |
β οΈ High Tax (25%) |
| Art lithograph poster (<0.51mm) | 4911.91.20.20 |
β Best Rate (0.0%) |
| Mixed shipment (Posters + Stickers) | Split Declaration | β Complex |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Birthday Card vs. Poster | Cards may fall under 4901.99.00.92 (7.5%). Similar rate, but ensure it's not a "book." |
| Plastic Poster | If printed on plastic film, it may fall under Chapter 39 (e.g., 3926.90.48.00 at 3.4%). Check material! |
| Digital File Only | No HS Code needed. Classified as service/software, not physical goods. |
| Custom Design | Provide design files to Customs if requested to prove it's "printed matter" and not a "label." |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4911.91.40.20 |
7.5% | Section 301 applies. Avoid label classification. |
| π¨π³ China | 4911.91.40.20 |
7.5% | No surcharge. Standard import. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4911.91.40.20 |
0-4% | Varies by member state. No Section 301. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4911.91.40.20 |
0-4% | Post-Brexit rules. Check UK Global Tariff. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4911.91.40.20 |
5% | GSP may apply for some countries. |
π Conclusion: - The USA is the most complex market due to Section 301 tariffs. - Accurate classification between "Poster" (7.5%) and "Label" (25%) is critical for cost control.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling a large wall poster a "Label"
π Consequence: 25% tax instead of 7.5% β Overpaying significantly!
β Mistake 2: Not specifying "Printed" for labels
π Consequence: Customs may still assess surcharges if misdeclared.
β Mistake 3: Assuming all paper goods are 0% tax
π Consequence: Section 301 applies to many paper products from China.
β Correct Approach:
"Birthday Poster, 24x36 inches, 150gsm Paper, 4-Color Offset Print, for Wall Decoration, Model BP-001"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Key Rule:
πΉ "Posters = 7.5%, Labels = 25%, Lithographs = 0%!"
πΉ "Size and Use define HS Code. Don't let a poster become a label!"
π Pro Tip: If you are shipping small quantities (<$800) via de minimis, verify if the HS Code is eligible for exemption. Some 301-listed codes may still attract duties under certain conditions.
π£ Take Action Now:
π Contact your customs broker + Provide product photos + Confirm HS Code pre-arrival
π Ensure smooth clearance, avoid delays, and maximize your profit margin!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point counts in international trade!
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.