Business Card Case
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4414900000 | 21.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421999880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4420908000 | 38.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421919880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326903500 | 92.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
๐ ๅฎๆจ/้ๅฑๅ็็๏ผBusiness Card Cases & Holders๏ผ
๐ HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Business Card Case"?
A Business Card Case (or Holder/Collection Box) is a small container used for storing, organizing, or displaying business cards. In international trade, its HS Code classification is strictly determined by its primary material and construction. Misclassification is common because traders often assume "card holder" = one code, but customs authorities look at the substance (Wood vs. Metal) and specificity of the item.
โ ๏ธ Critical Distinction:
- If made of Wood (Solid Wood/Engineered Wood): It falls under Chapter 44 (Wood and Wood Products).
- If made of Metal (Iron/Steel): It falls under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel).
- Warning: The tax difference between Wood and Metal cases is massive due to different base rates and additional tariffs.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
According to the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes applicable to Business Card Cases, categorized by material and specific sub-heading logic.
๐ชต A. Wooden Business Card Cases (Chapter 44)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material & Usage | Why This Code? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4414.90.00.00 | Solid Wood Business Card Case | Material: Solid Wood Use: Card Holder |
Classified under "Other frames and picture mounts" or similar containers/frames. Considered a decorative item container. |
| 4421.99.98.80 | Solid Wood Business Card/Collection Box | Material: Solid Wood (or inferred wooden) Use: Non-specific wood product |
Classified under "Other articles of wood." Fits the category of general woodๅถๅ not elsewhere specified. |
| 4420.90.80.00 | Solid Wood Business Card Case | Material: Solid Wood Use: Card Holder |
Classified under "Statuettes and other ornamental articles" or similar wood products. Emphasizes the decorative/ornamental nature. |
| 4421.91.98.80 | Solid Wood Business Card Case | Material: Solid Wood Use: Card Holder |
Classified under "Other articles of wood" specifically within the "Other" sub-category. Focuses on it being a manufactured wood good. |
๐ Wood Note: All wood codes have a similar base tariff (~3.2%-3.9%), but the additional tariffs (301 Section 122) make the total rate extremely high (~38%).
๐ ๏ธ B. Metal Business Card Cases (Chapter 73)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material & Usage | Why This Code? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7326.90.35.00 | Business Card Collection Box | Material: Inferred Iron/Steel Use: Carrying Container/Holder |
Classified under "Other articles of iron or steel." Specifically fits the definition of a portable container or holder made of metal. |
๐ Metal Note: Metal codes have a higher base tariff (7.8%) and trigger additional steel/aluminum tariffs, resulting in the highest total rate.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policies)
โ Applicable Country: USA (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Current Trade War Era)
๐ฏ 1. Wooden Cases (Codes: 4414.90.00.00, 4421.99.98.80, 4420.90.80.00, 4421.91.98.80)
All wooden variants share a similar tax structure due to the "Section 301" and "122 Clause" applicability to wood products from China.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.2% - 3.9% (Ad Valorem) (Varies slightly by specific sub-heading: 3.2% for 4420, 3.3% for 4421, 3.9% for 4414) |
| Section 301 / 122 Clause Tariff | +25.0% (Additional Tariff) Note: Data lists "Added Tariff 25%" and "122 Clause 10%". Combined, this is often treated as a high surcharge on Chinese imports. |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% (Specific to certain wood/forestry products under Section 122) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.2% - 38.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 38.2~38.3% |
| Legal Basis | Base Rate (HTSUS) + Section 301 Footnote + Section 122 Proclamation |
๐ Interpretation:
- Whether you choose4414,4420, or4421, the total tax burden is nearly identical (~38%).
- The "122 Clause" is critical here. If the product is deemed a "wooden article of furniture" or "decorative wood item," this 10% surcharge applies on top of the standard 301 tariffs.
๐ฏ 2. Metal Case (Code: 7326.90.35.00)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.8% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 / Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum Surcharge | +50.0% (Specifically for Steel Products) Data explicitly states: "Steel, Aluminum, Copper products additional tariff: 50%" |
| Total Tariff Rate | 92.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 92.8% |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 7326 + Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum) + Section 301 |
๐ Interpretation:
- This is the most expensive option. The combination of a higher base rate (7.8%), Section 301 (25%), and the Section 232 Steel Surcharge (50%) pushes the total to nearly 93%.
- Importing steel business card holders from China is prohibitively expensive unless you have a specific exemption or are shipping from a non-China origin.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
โ 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specification Sheet | โ | Confirm primary material. Is it solid wood, MDF, or veneer? Is it stainless steel or coated iron? |
| Material Composition Proof | โ | If mixed materials, provide % breakdown. If >50% is wood, it likely falls under Chapter 44. If >50% is metal, Chapter 73. |
| Product Photos | โ | Clear images of the item, packaging, and any branding. Must show it's a "Card Holder" and not a "Phone Stand" or "Desk Organizer" (which might have different codes). |
| Commercial Invoice | โ | Clearly state: "Solid Wood Business Card Holder" or "Steel Business Card Box." Avoid vague terms like "Office Accessories." |
| Origin Certificate | โ | Critical for claiming any potential exemptions (though unlikely for CN origin under current tariffs). |
โ 2. Strategic Declaration Tips
๐ฅ "Material is King, Metal is Pain, Wood is Expensive but Manageable!"
| Scenario | Recommended Action | Risk if Incorrect |
|---|---|---|
| Solid Wood Case | Declare as 4421.99.98.80 or 4420.90.80.00 | Misdeclaring as plastic (3926) or metal (7326) will lead to severe penalties and back-taxes. |
| Veneer/Plywood Case | Still likely 4421 or 4420 as long as wood is the primary material. | If declared as "Metal frame with wood veneer," customs may still classify based on the essential character (wood). |
| Metal Case | AVOID unless necessary. If mandatory, declare 7326.90.35.00. | Expect 92.8% tax. Consider sourcing from Vietnam/Mexico if possible to avoid China-specific surcharges. |
| Mixed Materials | Determine the Essential Character. | If it's a wooden box with a metal hinge, it usually stays in Chapter 44. |
โ 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Gift Sets | If the card holder is part of a gift set (e.g., pen + card holder), declare the whole set based on the item that gives it its essential character. Often, the pen (metal/plastic) might change the code, or the wooden box dominates. |
| Packaging | Do not include shipping packaging (cardboard boxes, foam) in the declaration. Only declare the actual product. |
| "122 Clause" Trigger | The "122 Clause" specifically targets certain forestry products. Ensure your product description aligns with "Wooden Articles" to avoid unexpected scrutiny. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (Quick Reference)
| Market | Recommended HS Code (Wood) | Est. Total Tax (CN Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 4421.99.98.80 / 4420.90.80.00 | ~38.3% | High due to 301 + 122 tariffs. |
| ๐บ๐ธ USA (Metal) | 7326.90.35.00 | ~92.8% | Avoid if possible. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 4421.99 (NTR) | 0% - 2.5% | No Section 301. Standard EU tariffs are low. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China (Export) | N/A | 0% | China exports freely. Tariffs apply at the importing country. |
๐ Conclusion for Exporters:
- If targeting the US market, wooden business card cases are cost-prohibitive for low-margin goods due to the ~38% tariff.
- Metal cases are even worse (~93%).
- Strategy: Consider sourcing wooden components from non-China countries (e.g., Vietnam, Malaysia) to avoid Section 301/122 tariffs, or focus on markets with lower tariffs (EU, Asia).
๐ VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls
โ Error 1: Declaring a wooden case as "Plastic" to avoid taxes.
๐ Consequence: Customs inspection reveals wood material. Penalties + Back Taxes + Audit.
โ Error 2: Ignoring the "122 Clause" for wood products.
๐ Consequence: Underpayment of tariff. The 10% surcharge is specific and often missed by automated systems.
โ Error 3: Using vague descriptions like "Wooden Holder."
๐ Consequence: Customs may assign the highest duty rate or reject the entry for lack of detail. Be specific: "Solid Wood Business Card Case."
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Smart Sourcing, Lower Tariffs
๐ฏ Key Takeaway:
๐น Wooden Cases: ~38% Tax (Manageable for high-value items).
๐น Metal Cases: ~93% Tax (Avoid for US imports from China).
๐น Solution: Shift sourcing to non-China origins (Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico) for the US market to eliminate the 301/122/232 surcharges.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Verify Material Composition with your supplier.
๐ฆ Request Proforma Invoice with correct HS Code pre-check.
๐ Consider Supply Chain Diversification if targeting the US market with wooden products.
โจ Precision in Classification Saves Money!
๐ผ Don't let a 90% tariff kill your profit margin.
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.