Card Protector
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4205006000 | 39.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202313000 | 38.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4205008000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926908700 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Card Protector (Card Sleeves / Card Cases)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Card Protectors"?
A Card Protector is a protective accessory designed to safeguard trading cards, collectibles, or credit cards from wear, tear, moisture, and physical damage. In international trade, these products are classified based on their material composition and structural function. They generally fall into two main categories:
- Plastic/Rubber Sleeves: Transparent or opaque sleeves made primarily of PVC, polypropylene, or rubber.
- Leather/Synthetic Leather Cases: Pouches or holders made from leather, synthetic leather, or other textile materials.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is primarily plastic/rubber (e.g., rigid sleeves, soft bags) β Classify under Chapter 39 (Articles of Plastics).
- If the product is primarily leather/synthetic leather β Classify under Chapter 42 (Articles of Leather; Saddle and Harness Making).
- Note: Misclassification based on material can lead to significant tax differences (up to 17.5% variance).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authoritative Comparison)
Based on the data provided, here are the five most relevant HS Codes for Card Protectors, along with their rationale and total tax rates:
| HS Code | Summary & Rationale | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
4205.00.60.00 |
Based on Other Category Matching Principles: Card protectors are usually made of plastic or leather, falling under the category of other leather products. | 39.9% |
4202.31.30.00 |
Based on Spare Parts Logic & Fallback Principles: As protective kits, they tend to match here as accessories. | 38.7% |
3926.90.99.89 |
Based on Common Sense Inference: Assuming the material is plastic or rubber, it fits the category of other articles made of plastics. | 22.8% |
4205.00.80.00 |
Inference of Leather/Synthetic Leather: The material is inferred to be leather or synthetic leather, fitting the reasonable range of other leather articles. | 35.0% |
3926.90.87.00 |
Based on Other Category Fallback Principles: Treated asιΆι¨δ»Ά/ι δ»Ά (components/accessories), reasonably inferred as plastic articles. | 40.3% |
π Key Insight:
- The Lowest Tax Rate (22.8%) applies to3926.90.99.89(Plastic/Rubber articles).
- The Highest Tax Rate (40.3%) applies to3926.90.87.00(Other plastic articles/accessories).
- Leather-related codes (4205...,4202...) carry higher burdens due to higher base tariffs or additional surcharges.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Current Trade War Context)
π― 1. 4205.00.60.00 β Other Leather Articles (39.9% Total)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 39.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 39.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High value threshold exceeded) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4205.00.60.00 β 301:Footnote 9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Explanation:
- Base (4.9%): Standard MFN rate for leather articles.
- 301 Surcharge (25%): Trump-era/Biden-era continued tariffs on Chinese goods.
- Section 122 (10%): Additional national security or emergency tariffs.
- Total Impact: High. Leather goods are heavily scrutinized.
π― 2. 4202.31.30.00 β Articles of Leather, Fitted for Cards (38.7% Total)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.7% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 38.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.7% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4202.31.30.00 β 301:Footnote 9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
π Note:
- Slightly lower base rate (3.7%) compared to4205.00.60.00, but still high due to surcharges.
- This code is specific to "specially shaped" or "fitted" articles, which card cases often are.
π― 3. 3926.90.99.89 β Other Articles of Plastic (22.8% Total)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.99.89 β 301:Footnote 9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Crucial Advantage:
- Lowest Total Tax Rate (22.8%).
- Significantly Lower 301 Surcharge (7.5%) compared to leather (25%).
- Recommendation: If your card protector is plastic/rubber, ensure it is classified here to save ~17% in taxes compared to leather options.
π― 4. 4205.00.80.00 β Other Leather/Synthetic Leather Articles (35.0% Total)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4205.00.80.00 β 301:Footnote 9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Note:
- Zero base tariff is offset entirely by the high surcharges.
- Still more expensive than plastic options.
π― 5. 3926.90.87.00 β Other Plastic Articles/Accessories (40.3% Total)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.87.00 β 301:Footnote 9903.88.01 β IEEPA:9903.01.25 |
π Warning:
- Highest Tax Rate (40.3%).
- This code applies to "other" plastic articles not specified elsewhere, often treated as generic accessories.
- Avoid this code if3926.90.99.89is more accurate, as it saves 17.5% in taxes.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (ηΌΊδΈδΈε―)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Material Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Critical: Must explicitly state "100% PVC", "TPU", "PU Leather", etc. Customs will test if uncertain. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the itemβs structure (sleeve vs. hard case). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code rationale (e.g., "Plastic Card Sleeve" vs. "Leather Card Holder"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and dimensions for valuation. |
| β Supplier Declaration | βοΈ | Confirming origin and material composition. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βMaterial is King, Code is Queen, Plastic Saves Cash, Leather Burns Cash!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic/Rubber Sleeve | 3926.90.99.89 (22.8%) |
Declare as Leather β 39.9% |
| Leather/Synthetic Pouch | 4202.31.30.00 (38.7%) |
Declare as Plastic β Audit Risk |
| Mixed Materials (e.g., Leather + Plastic Window) | 4205.00.60.00 or 4202.31.30.00 |
Declare as Plastic β Misclassification Penalty |
| Generic Plastic Accessory | Avoid 3926.90.87.00 if 3926.90.99.89 fits better |
Use 3926.90.87.00 β Lose 17.5% |
π Critical Advice:
- Plastic cards protectors are significantly cheaper to import into the US due to lower Section 301 tariffs (7.5% vs 25%).
- Do not misdeclare leather as plastic. Customs uses X-ray and chemical analysis. Fines can be 10x the tax difference.
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Leather Card Cases | Provide design drawings and material invoices to prove leather content. |
| Plastic Sleeves with Cardboard Inserts | If cardboard is negligible, classify as plastic (3926...). If cardboard is structural, may fall under 4823 (Paper), but usually still 3926 if plastic dominates. |
| Credit Card Wallets with Zipper | Likely 4202.31.30.00 (Leather/Synthetic) β 38.7%. |
| Bulk Plastic Sleeves (No Brand) | Still 3926.90.99.89 β 22.8%. Ensure correct description. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 |
22.8% | FDA (if food contact), CPSIA | Highest tax burden for leather. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99.89 |
~6-9% | N/A | Low export tax. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.99 |
~6-9% | CE, REACH | No US-style surcharges. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.99 |
~4-9% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90.99 |
~6-8% | PSE (if electronic) | Stable tariffs. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market for card protectors due to the 17.5% tax gap between plastic and leather.
- Strategy: If sourcing from China, prioritize plastic/rubber products for US market to minimize costs. Use leather only for high-margin niche products.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring a Leather Card Holder as Plastic to save 17.5%
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals leather β Back taxes + 2x Penalty + Delayed Shipment.
β Mistake 2: Using 3926.90.87.00 (40.3%) when 3926.90.99.89 (22.8%) is applicable
π Consequence: Overpaying 17.5% unnecessarily. Always check "Other" vs. "Specific" subheadings.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariffs (10%)
π Consequence: Underestimating total landed cost. These apply to many goods regardless of HS Code.
β Mistake 4: Not specifying Material in the Commercial Invoice
π Consequence: Customs may assume the highest duty rate or request detailed testing.
β Correct Practice:
βPlastic Card Sleeves, PVC Material, Clear, 2.5x3.5 inch, for Trading Cards, Model XYZβ
β Use3926.90.99.89β 22.8% Total Tax.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ βPlastic is 22.8%, Leather is 39.9%, Gap is Huge, Be Sure!β
πΉ βSection 301 Hits Leather Hard, Plastic Gets a Break, Donβt Get Caught!β
π Pro Tip:
If your card protectors are originally from Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions, reducing the tariff to 0%~5%.
Consider supply chain diversification if exporting large volumes to the US.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed Customs Broker + Provide Material Specs + Apply for Pre-Ruling
π Let your card protectors clear smoothly, boost profits, and avoid penalties!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent of Cost Deserves Precision!
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.