Business Card Holder
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202399000 | 55.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926908700 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421999880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326903500 | 92.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π΄ Business Card Holder (ε‘ηε€Ή/εηε€Ή)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Strategic Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know Your "Card Holder"?
A Business Card Holder is a portable container designed to store and organize business cards. In international trade, the classification depends strictly on the material and construction.
It falls into four main categories based on material: 1. Plastic/Cardboard Holders: Often classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics) or Chapter 48 (Paper). 2. Leather/Textile Holders: Classified under Chapter 42 (Articles of Leather; Trimmings; Saddlery). 3. Metal Holders: Classified under Chapter 73 (Articles of Iron or Steel).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- Material Matters: A plastic holder (3926) and a leather holder (4202) face drastically different tax rates. - Function vs. Material: If it's a simple "pouch" for cards, it's 4202. If it's a molded plastic clip, it's 3926. - Metal Cases: If made of steel/iron, it incurs the highest penalties due to specific metal tariffs.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the current trade data, here are the precise classifications and tax implications for Business Card Holders:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Type | Total Tax Rate | Key Tax Components |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3926.90.99.89 |
Plastic Card Holder (General) | Plastic / Synthetic | 22.8% | Base: 5.3% + Add: 7.5% + 122 Sec: 10% |
4202.39.90.00 |
Card Holder (Leather/Textile) | Plastic, Leather, or Textile | 55.0% | Base: 20.0% + Add: 25.0% + 122 Sec: 10% |
3926.90.87.00 |
Plastic Card Holder (File/Org) | Plastic (Document Storage) | 40.3% | Base: 5.3% + Add: 25.0% + 122 Sec: 10% |
4823.90.86.80 |
Card Holder (Paper/Cardboard) | Paper or Cardboard | 35.0% | Base: 0.0% + Add: 25.0% + 122 Sec: 10% |
7326.90.35.00 |
Business Card Box (Metal) | Iron / Steel | 92.8% | Base: 7.8% + Add: 25.0% + 122 Sec: 10% + Steel/Al/Cu Surcharge: 50% |
π Deep Dive Analysis:
- The "Leather" Trap (4202.39.90.00): Even if the main material is plastic, if it is described as a "pouch" or "case" (often grouped with leather goods), the base tariff jumps to 20%, leading to a massive 55% total. - The "Metal" Disaster (7326.90.35.00): Metal containers face a cumulative penalty. The 50% "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Product" surcharge is added on top of other tariffs, pushing the total to 92.8%. - The "Paper" Advantage (4823...): Lowest Base Tariff (0%), but still hits 35% total due to heavy additive taxes. - The "Plastic" Sweet Spot (3926.90.99.89): This is the most tax-efficient classification for standard plastic card holders, totaling only 22.8%.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Policy Analysis)
β Applicable Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current Trade Regulations (Including Section 122 & 301 Clauses)
π― 1. 3926.90.99.89 β Plastic Card Holder (General) π Lowest Tax Option
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Rate | 22.8% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| Strategy | Optimal Choice: If your product is purely plastic/molded, claim this code to minimize costs. |
π Explanation:
- This code applies to "Other articles of plastics" not specified elsewhere. - The "Section 122" refers to specific retaliatory measures (often related to intellectual property or trade deficits). - Savings: Compared to the metal version, you save ~70% in taxes.
π― 2. 4202.39.90.00 β Leather/Textile Card Holder (High Risk) β οΈ
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 20.0% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Total Rate | 55.0% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 55.0% |
| Strategy | Avoid if possible: If your product is synthetic but labeled "leather-style," Customs may reclassify to this higher bracket. |
π Explanation:
- High Base: Chapter 42 (Leather goods) historically has higher base tariffs. - Heavy Penalty: The 25% Section 301 surcharge is the highest among the plastic options. - Risk: If you mix plastic and leather, Customs may classify the dominant material, triggering this high rate.
π― 3. 7326.90.35.00 β Metal Card Box (Catastrophic Tax) π«
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 7.8% |
| Section 301 Add-on | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10% |
| Metal Surcharge | +50.0% (Specific to Steel/Al/Cu) |
| Total Rate | 92.8% |
| Calculation | CIF Value Γ 92.8% |
| Strategy | Do Not Export as Metal: Unless you have a specific tariff exemption, this product will lose half its value in taxes. |
π Explanation:
- The 50% surcharge is the killer. It applies specifically to "Steel, Aluminum, Copper Products" under Section 122/301. - Result: A $10 product costs $19.28 in tax alone before shipping.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Material Declaration | π§ Explicitly state material (e.g., "100% Polypropylene") | Prevents reclassification from 3926 (Plastic) to 4202 (Leather) or 7326 (Metal). |
| Product Photos | πΈ Clear shots of texture, joints, and interior | Customs officers visually verify if it's "Metal" or "Plastic." |
| Function Description | π "Portable container for cards" vs. "Document Box" | Distinguishes between 3926 (General) and 3926.90.87.00 (File/Org). |
| Composition % | βοΈ If mixed materials, list % breakdown | If >50% is leather, 4202 applies (55% tax). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (The "Save Money" Rules)
π₯ "Material is King, Name is Queen!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tax Rate | Wrong Code (Risk) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Plastic Clip | 3926.90.99.89 |
22.8% | 4202 β 55.0% (Loss: 32.2%) |
| Paper/Cardboard Holder | 4823.90.86.80 |
35.0% | 3926 β 40.3% (Overpay) |
| Metal Box/Holder | 7326.90.35.00 |
92.8% | β Avoid (Huge Loss) |
| Leather-look Plastic | 3926.90.99.89 |
22.8% | 4202 β 55.0% (If labeled "Leather") |
β 3. Special Handling for Mixed Materials
| Situation | Action Plan |
|---|---|
| Plastic with Metal Reinforcement | Declare as Plastic (3926.90.99.89) if metal is <50% and structural. Avoid if metal is the main frame. |
| Paper + Leather Trim | Declare as Leather (4202.39.90.00) if leather trim is dominant. Tax will be 55%. |
| Metal "Card Case" | Do not import under current tariffs. Consider changing design to Plastic immediately. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Effective Tax Rate | Key Warning |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 (Plastic) |
22.8% | Avoid 7326 (Metal) at all costs (92.8%)! |
| πͺπΊ EU | Varies by material | ~5-15% (No 122/301) | Simpler tariffs, but VAT applies. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99.89 |
5-10% | Base tariff only, no Section 122. |
π Conclusion:
- Plastic is the safest, most profitable material for US export. - Metal is a tax trap for US Customs. - Leather/Textile descriptions can inadvertently double your tax bill.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Calling a plastic holder "Leather" to sound premium.
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies to 4202 β 55% Tax instead of 22.8%. Loss: 32.2% margin!
β Error 2: Shipping a metal card holder without declaring it.
π Consequence: Seized or reclassified to 7326 β 92.8% Tax. Product becomes unprofitable.
β Error 3: Using generic terms like "Stationery" without specifying material.
π Consequence: Customs picks the highest possible rate (likely 55% or 92.8%) for ambiguity.
β Correct Practice:
"Business Card Holder, 100% Polypropylene Plastic, Molded Design, No Metal Components."
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification = Profit Maximization
π― Remember the Rule:
πΉ "Plastic is Cheap (22.8%), Leather is Heavy (55%), Metal is Death (92.8%)."
πΉ "Don't let the name fool you. Material defines the tax!"
π Pro Tip:
If you must export metal card holders, consider replacing them with high-quality plastic alternatives or designing them as "Art/Collectibles" (may require different classification, consult a broker).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your Freight Forwarder: Verify material composition.
π Switch Design: If currently metal, pivot to plastic to save 70% in taxes.
πΌ Audit Your Inventory: Check if any "Leather-look" plastic is misdeclared.
β¨ Precision Classification Starts Here!
π‘ Your Profit Margin Depends on the 3 Digits of Your HS Code!
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.