Card Storage Box
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4202926010 | 41.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926901000 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4420908000 | 38.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3923102000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202999000 | 55.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π΄ Card Storage Box (Organizers, Cases & Containers)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Tax Regime Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition: What Exactly Is a "Card Storage Box"?
A Card Storage Box is a versatile container designed to organize, protect, and transport collections of flat, rigid, or semi-rigid items such as business cards, trading cards, playing cards, ID badges, or SIM cards. In international trade, the classification is highly sensitive to two factors: 1. Material Composition (Plastic, Wood, Textile, or Mixed). 2. Intended Use & Structure (Jewelry-style vs. Generic Packaging vs. Functional Container).
β οΈ Critical Classification Warning: * If the box resembles a jewelry box or luxury case β Likely 4202. (Highest Duty!) * If it is a generic plastic container β Likely 3926 or 3923. * If it is wooden β Likely 4420. * Risk: Misclassifying a luxury-style case as "generic packaging" triggers audits, penalties, and retroactive tax hikes.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Tariff Schedule)
Based on the US-China Trade Data for Card Storage Boxes, here is the authoritative breakdown:
| HS Code | Material & Structure | Product Description | Tax Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4202.92.60.10 | Plastic or Textile (Luxury Style) | Jewelry Box Category: Cases with ornate features, lining, or intended for high-value items. | 41.3% (High Risk) |
| 3926.90.99.89 | Plastic (Generic) | Other Plastic Articles: Standard rigid plastic cases, no specific lining or jewelry features. | 22.8% (Medium) |
| 3926.90.10.00 | Plastic (Container) | Plastic Containers: Specifically designed as storage vessels for miscellaneous items. | 20.9% (Lowest Plastic) |
| 4420.90.80.00 | Wood | Wooden Containers: Rigid wooden boxes for card storage. | 38.2% (High) |
| 3923.10.20.00 | Plastic (Packaging) | Packaging Supplies: Boxes classified primarily as "packaging" rather than reusable storage containers. | 35.0% (Medium-High) |
| 4202.99.90.00 | Mixed (Plastic/Fabric/Paper) | Other Cases/Containers: Multi-material cases not fitting specific jewelry or leather sub-categories. | 55.0% (Critical Risk) |
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Deep Dive (Detailed Breakdown)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Destination: United States (US)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 Trade Policies
π¨ Scenario A: The "Luxury/Jewelry" Trap (4202.92.60.10 & 4202.99.90.00)
Most Card Boxes marketed as "Collector Cases" or with velvet/satin lining fall here.
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Duty | 6.3% (for 4202.92) / 20.0% (for 4202.99) | HTSUS General Rates | Standard entry fee. |
| Section 301 "Add-on" | 25.0% | Section 301 Actions | Heavy Penalty for Chinese origin consumer goods. |
| Section 122 Add-on | 10.0% | Section 122 (China) | Specific anti-China surcharge. |
| TOTAL DUTY | 41.3% (4202.92) / 55.0% (4202.99) | Extremely High |
π Why this happens: Customs views these as "Luxury Goods" or "Containers of Special Form" under Heading 4202, attracting the highest 301 tariffs.
π‘οΈ Scenario B: The "Generic Plastic" Path (3926.90.99.89 & 3926.90.10.00)
Standard, utilitarian plastic cases without "jewelry-like" features.
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Duty | 5.3% (Generic) / 3.4% (Container) | HTSUS General Rates | Moderate entry fee. |
| Section 301 "Add-on" | 7.5% | Section 301 Actions | Lower tier penalty for plastics. |
| Section 122 Add-on | 10.0% | Section 122 (China) | Mandatory surcharge. |
| TOTAL DUTY | 22.8% (Generic) / 20.9% (Container) | Manageable |
π‘ Strategy: If your box is simple, rigid, and made of plain plastic, 3926.90.10.00 is the gold standard for cost savings.
π² Scenario C: The "Wooden" & "Packaging" Routes (4420.90.80.00 & 3923.10.20.00)
| Tax Component | Rate (4420.90) | Rate (3923.10) |
|---|---|---|
| MFN Base Duty | 3.2% | 0.0% |
| Section 301 "Add-on" | 25.0% (Heavy) | 25.0% (Heavy) |
| Section 122 Add-on | 10.0% | 10.0% |
| TOTAL DUTY | 38.2% | 35.0% |
β οΈ Note: Even if the MFN rate is 0% (Packaging), the 301 Section 25% surcharge makes this route expensive. Avoid claiming "Packaging" unless it's a disposable shipping box, not a reusable collector case.
π οΈ IV. Clearance & Declaration Strategy (Action Plan)
β 1. Evidence Checklist for Customs
To justify the lower tax bracket (e.g., 3926 vs 4202), you must prove the box is not a "Jewelry Box."
| Document | Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Product Photos | Show interior lining (e.g., generic plastic inserts vs. velvet/satin). | Proof: No luxury lining = 4202 avoided. |
| Marketing Materials | Ads showing usage for "Trading Cards," "ID Cards," or "Data Cards." | Proof: Utility over "Jewelry Storage." |
| Material Specification | Explicitly state "Rigid PVC" or "High-Density Polyethylene." | Proof: Confirms HS 3926. |
| Usage Instruction | "For organizing 50 trading cards" vs. "For holding rings/necks." | Proof: Function determines classification. |
β 2. Declaring Techniques (The "Golden Rule")
π₯ Rule: Avoid words like "Box," "Case," "Jewelry," or "Luxury" in the English Name field.
| Situation | CORRECT Declaration | WRONG Declaration | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Plastic Case | Plastic Card Organizer, Utility Type |
Luxury Jewelry Card Box |
β 20.9% Duty |
| Wooden Case | Wooden Storage Container for Cards |
Handcrafted Wood Jewelry Case |
β οΈ 38.2% (Wood attracts high 301) |
| Mixed Material | Multi-material Card Holder (Plastic Exterior) |
Fabric & Plastic Collector's Case |
β 55.0% (Heading 4202) |
β 3. Special Scenarios & Pitfalls
| Risk Scenario | Consequence | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Velvet Lining | Automatically triggers 4202.92.60.10 (41.3% Tax). | Use flocked plastic or microfiber instead of "velvet." |
| "Collector's Edition" | Customs assumes luxury intent β 4202.99.90.00 (55% Tax). | Rename to "Bulk Storage Unit" or "Standard Organizers." |
| Packaging vs. Container | Declaring as "Packaging" (3923) when it's a reusable box. | Only use 3923 if the box is single-use shipping packaging, not a storage unit. |
| Wood Material | Wood often falls under 4420 with high tariffs. | Consider using recycled plastic or cardboard with a plastic coating for lower rates. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (US vs. Rest of World)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Duty | 301 Add-on | Total Duty | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.10.00 |
3.4% | +17.5% | ~20.9% | Target the lowest plastic rate |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4202.99.90.00 |
20.0% | +35.0% | 55.0% | Avoid at all costs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90 |
0-5% | None | ~0-5% | No Section 301; much cheaper |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90 |
0-5% | None | ~0-5% | No Section 301; no Section 122 |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90 |
5.3% | None | 5.3% | Domestic duty only (no exports to US) |
π Conclusion: The US market is the most expensive due to Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%)ε ε . EU and Japan are significantly cheaper for the same product.
π VI. Final Recommendations & Conclusion
π― The Verdict:
- Material is Key: If you want the 20.9% rate, ensure the box is 100% Plastic and generic in appearance.
- Design is Liability: Avoid velvet, satin, leather, or "jewelry-style" hinges. These push you to 41.3% - 55.0%.
- Naming Matters: Do not use "Box" if "Organizer" or "Holder" is sufficient. Do not use "Jewelry" or "Collector" in the description.
- Pre-Classification: Always request a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or US Customs Ruling before shipping large batches to ensure the
3926classification is accepted.
π Action Step:
Redesign: Switch from "Velvet-lined Plastic Case" to "Rigid Plastic Snap-Case." Declare:
Plastic Card Storage Organizer, No Lining, Utility Grade. Result: Savings of 34% to 35% per unit!
β¨ Smart Trade, Smart Classification!
πΌ Don't let a simple box cost you 55% in duty!
π Verify material, verify usage, verify 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.