Calendar Table
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4820102010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820102060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911914040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911912020 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Calendars & Stationery (4820 & 4911 Series)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional Compliance Strategy
π One, Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly is a "Calendar"?
In international trade, "Calendar" is not a single, monolithic category. It falls primarily under Paper and Paperboard Articles (Chapter 48) or Printed Matter (Chapter 49). The correct HS Code depends entirely on: 1. Form Factor: Is it a bound diary/notebook or a loose sheet/poster? 2. Content: Is it a functional tool (for recording dates/tasks) or purely decorative/printed material? 3. Age of Print: If itβs a collectible print, age matters (Chapter 49).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - Bound Diaries/Notebooks: Functional stationery for writing. β HS 4820 - Loose Sheets/Posters/Prints: Decorative or informational printed matter. β HS 4911
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided <DATA>, here are the specific classifications for Calendar-related items:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
4820.10.20.10 |
Diaries, notebooks and address books, bound; memorandum pads, letter pads and similar articles | Hardcover/Softcover Diaries, Planners, Address Books | Bound format, functional for recording |
4820.10.20.60 |
Registers, account books... Other (Diaries, notebooks, address books, bound...) | Other Bound Diaries/Notebooks (not covered by .10) | Bound format, functional, miscellaneous types |
4911.91.40.40 |
Other printed matter... Pictures, designs and photographs: Printed not over 20 years... | Vintage Calendars/Prints (Collectible/Decorative) | Age-specific: Printed >20 years ago? No, but specific "Other" print category. Note: This code often applies to specific printed goods under 4911.91. |
4911.91.20.20 |
Other printed matter... Lithographs on paper or paperboard... Posters | Calendar Posters, Wall Calendars (Lithographed) | Unbound: Posters, large sheets, lithographic prints |
π Critical Reminder: - If the calendar is a book-like item with pages for writing (a planner), use 4820.10.20.x. - If the calendar is a single sheet, wall hanger, or poster, use 4911.91.x. - Do not mix bound stationery with printed posters in one HS Code line; they have different tax treatments.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Implied by the 25% Add-on Tariff structure in )
β Status: Section 301 & IEEPA Applicable
π― 1. 4820.10.20.10 & 4820.10.20.60 ββ Bound Diaries, Notebooks, Address Books
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Add-on Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| Legal Basis | USITC Footnote for 4820.10; IEEPA Authority |
π Explanation: - Although the base tariff is 0%, the 25% add-on tariff is applied due to trade measures on Chinese goods. - No De Minimis Exemption: These items are not eligible for Section 321 (de minimis) clearance if the value exceeds $800 or if specific restrictions apply to "stationery" categories in certain contexts. Always declare fully.
π― 2. 4911.91.40.40 ββ Printed Matter (Other, Pictures/Photos)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Add-on Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Total Effective Duty | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| Legal Basis | USITC Footnote for 4911.91; IEEPA Authority |
π Explanation: - This category often captures specific printed goods not elsewhere specified. The lower rate (7.5%) compared to stationery (25%) highlights the importance of accurate classification. - If the "calendar" is a printed photo or design (e.g., a decorative calendar print), this code may apply.
π― 3. 4911.91.20.20 ββ Posters (Lithographs on Paper)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Add-on Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Effective Duty | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | No Duty |
| Legal Basis | USITC Specific Exclusion/Note for Posters |
π Explanation: - Posters are classified under a specific subheading that enjoys 0% total duty. - Crucial: If your "calendar" is a large wall poster (unbound, single sheet or stapled sheets forming a poster), declare it as a Poster (4911.91.20.20) to save the 7.5% or 25% tariff. Do not declare a poster as a "Notebook" (4820) or "Other Print" (4911.91.40).
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing if itβs bound (book) or unbound (poster). |
| β Description | βοΈ | Use precise terms: "Wall Calendar Poster" vs. "Bound Diary Planner". |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Paper/Cardboard type. |
| β HS Code Justification | βοΈ | Why is it 4820 vs. 4911? (Bound vs. Unbound). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Bound = Diary (25%), Poster = Poster (0%), Other Print = 7.5%"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Duty | Risk if Misclassified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Calendar Poster (Single sheet or booklet of posters) | 4911.91.20.20 |
0% | If declared as 4820 (Notebook) β 25% Surcharge! |
| Desk Diary/Planner (Bound, for writing) | 4820.10.20.10 |
25% | If declared as 4911 (Print) β Audit Risk (Functional item misclassified) |
| Decorative Calendar Print (Artistic, not for writing) | 4911.91.40.40 |
7.5% | Lower than diary, but higher than poster. Ensure itβs not a "poster" if possible. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Advice |
|---|---|
| Calendar + Pen Set | If bound with a pen, it may still be classified as the diary (principal character), but consult customs broker. |
| Custom Printed Promotional Calendars | Often fall under 4911.91.40.40 (7.5%) if they are printed matter. If they are bound notebooks, 25%. |
| "Vanity" Calendars | Small, unbound calendars glued to a board? Often classified as posters or other printed matter. Check if it qualifies for 4911.91.20.20 (Poster) for 0% duty. |
π Five, Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code for "Poster Calendar" | Duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4911.91.20.20 |
0% | Best case scenario for unbound calendars. |
| π¨π³ China | 4911.91.20.20 |
Low/Moderate | Check current Chinese tariff schedule for imports. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4911.91.00 |
Varies | EU does not have Section 301-style tariffs. Base rates apply. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4911.91.00 |
Varies | Post-Brexit tariffs apply. |
π Conclusion for US Imports: - Maximize Savings: If your product is a wall calendar poster, insist on
4911.91.20.20(0% Duty). - Avoid: Classifying posters as "Stationery/Notebooks" (4820) which incurs 25% Duty.
π Six, Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a Wall Calendar Poster as "Notebook/Diary" (4820.10.20.10).
π Consequence: Pay 25% duty instead of 0%. Overpayment!
β Error 2: Declaring a Bound Diary as "Printed Matter/Poster" (4911).
π Consequence: Customs rejection or audit. Functional items must be classified under Chapter 48 if they are bound stationery.
β Error 3: Ignoring the "Printed Not Over 20 Years" clause in 4911.91.40.40.
π Consequence: If itβs a vintage collectible, it may fall under different codes. Ensure accurate age declaration.
β Correct Practice:
"Wall Calendar, Poster Type, 2026 Model, Unbound, Lithographed on Cardstock, Artistic Design" β
4911.91.20.20
π― Seven, Conclusion: Precision Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Poster = 0%, Print = 7.5%, Diary = 25%!"
πΉ "Bound for writing? It's Stationery. Unbound for viewing? It's Print!"
π Pro Tip:
If you import promotional calendars (e.g., free giveaways with company logo), ensure they are unbound posters to qualify for 0% duty (4911.91.20.20). Avoid making them into bound booklets unless necessary, as that triggers the 25% tariff.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with clear photos.
π Declare "Poster" if it is a poster, not "Notebook".
π° Save 25% duty by choosing the right HS Code!
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.