Color Disc Film
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9001908000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911996000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911980000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐จ Color Disc Film (Chromogenic Color Photo Paper/Film)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Color Disc Film"?
Color Disc Film typically refers to chromogenic color photo paper or color photographic film/prints used in traditional photography, printing processes, or specialized engraving/photographic applications. In international trade, it is primarily categorized under Chapter 49 (Printed Matter) or Chapter 90 (Optical Instruments) depending on its specific physical form and end-use.
Based on the provided data, this product falls under Chapter 49 (Printed Matter) when it consists of printed photographic images on paper or similar supports. It is crucial to distinguish between: 1. Printed Photographs/Prints: Paper with images already printed via lithographic or other photographic processes โ HS Code 4911. 2. Optical Elements: Unmounted lenses, prisms, or polarizing sheets โ HS Code 9001 (Note: Standard "Color Disc Film" for printing is usually NOT classified here unless it is a specific optical filter component, not a photographic print).
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is paper-based with printed images (photos, graphics) โ It is Printed Matter (4911).
- If the item is an unmounted optical element (e.g., a polarizing lens, a special optical filter for engraving) โ It may be9001.90.80.00.
- Most "Color Disc Film" for printing/photo purposes is classified as Printed Matter (4911), NOT Optical Elements (9001), unless it is a specialized unmounted optical lens/filter.
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|---|
9001.90.80.00 |
Halftone screens designed for use in engraving or photographic processes; other optical elements unmounted | Specialized optical halftone screens, unmounted polarizing sheets, optical filters for engraving | โ ๏ธ High Risk / Specific Use |
4911.99.60.00 |
Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs: Other: Other: Other: Printed on paper in whole or in part by a lithographic process | Photographic prints, color posters, lithographic color brochures, printed color films on paper | โ Most Common for "Printed" Discs |
4911.98.00.00 |
Other printed matter, including printed pictures and photographs: Other: Other: Other: Other | Other photographic prints not classified elsewhere (e.g., inkjet, offset, but not lithographic) | โ Error/Retrieval Failed |
๐ Critical Clarification:
- The term "Color Disc Film" is ambiguous. If it refers to photographic paper with color images (e.g., Kodak photo paper, Fuji prints), it belongs to4911.
- If it refers to unmounted optical halftone screens used in the manufacturing process of engraving (not the final print), it may fall under9001.90.80.00.
- Most end-user "Color Disc Film" (finished photographic products) is classified as4911.99.60.00or4911.98.00.00.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes, Policy Add-ons)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 9001.90.80.00 โโ Halftone Screens / Optical Elements (Unmounted)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25% (From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 25% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Eligible (High-risk category for optical components) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9001.90.80.00 โ FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
๐ Explanation:
- If your "Color Disc Film" is considered a specialized unmounted optical halftone screen for engraving processes, it falls here.
- Total Duty: 25%. This is a significant cost for optical components.
- Warning: Misclassifying a photographic print as an optical element can lead to customs audits.
๐ฏ 2. 4911.99.60.00 โโ Printed Matter: Lithographic Color Prints
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Targeted surtax on certain Chinese manufactured goods) |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Case-by-Case (Generally, low-value shipments may qualify, but high-value bulk shipments do not) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4911.99.60.00 โ Section 301: 7.5% Surcharge |
๐ Explanation:
- This is the most likely classification for finished photographic prints, color posters, or lithographic color films on paper.
- Total Duty: 7.5%. This is significantly lower than the 25% for optical elements.
- Key Requirement: The product must be printed (lithographic process). If it's a digital inkjet print, it may fall under4911.98.00.00(see below).
๐ฏ 3. 4911.98.00.00 โโ Other Printed Matter (Non-Lithographic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Tax Retrieval Status | Failed |
| Total Tax Rate | Error / Uncertain |
| Likely Rate | Typically 0% base + 0-7.5% surtax depending on specific subheading updates |
| Recommendation | Do NOT use this code without verification. Contact customs broker for current rate. |
๐ Explanation:
- This code covers "Other printed matter" not specified elsewhere (e.g., inkjet prints, offset prints not lithographic).
- Tax information is currently unavailable in the dataset.
- Risk: High uncertainty. May be subject to additional administrative review or retroactive surcharges.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (ๅฎๆ้ฟๅๆๅ)
โ 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Have Documents)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state: "Photographic Print," "Lithographic Process," or "Optical Halftone Screen." |
| โ Technical Diagrams | โ๏ธ | If claiming 9001, provide optical diagrams. If claiming 4911, provide print layout/images. |
| โ Photos of Product | โ๏ธ | Show the product, packaging, and any labels indicating "Printed Photograph" or "Halftone Screen." |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Must describe goods accurately: "Color Photographic Prints, Lithographic, on Paper" (for 4911) OR "Unmounted Optical Halftone Screens" (for 9001). |
| โ Certificate of Origin (CO) | โ๏ธ | If non-China origin, may qualify for lower rates. |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Detail contents to avoid confusion between optical elements and printed matter. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
๐ฅ "Printed Paper is 7.5%, Optical Screens are 25%, Don't Mix Them Up!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Finished Photographic Prints (Color photos on paper) | 4911.99.60.00 (Lithographic) |
Misclassify as 9001.90.80.00 โ 25% Duty |
| Optical Halftone Screens (For engraving manufacturing) | 9001.90.80.00 |
Misclassify as 4911 โ Risk of Audit |
| Inkjet/Digital Prints (Not lithographic) | 4911.98.00.00 (Check current rate) |
Assume 0% tax โ Potential Underpayment |
| Mounted Lenses/Filters | Different HS Code (e.g., 9001.40) |
Classify as 9001.90.80.00 โ Error |
โ 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Photographic Paper | Provide customer order + sample. Clarify if it's "blank" (unprinted) or "printed." Blank color paper may have different classification. |
| Mixed Shipment (Prints + Optical Elements) | Separate็ณๆฅ! Do not mix 4911 and 9001 in one line item. |
| Digital vs. Lithographic | If the print is inkjet/digital, it may fall under 4911.98.00.00 (Tax Unknown). If lithographic, it's 4911.99.60.00 (7.5%). Be precise! |
| Halftone Screens for Engraving | Must provide proof that the item is an unmounted optical element used in the manufacturing process, not a final print. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 4911.99.60.00 |
7.5% | Most common for lithographic prints. |
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 9001.90.80.00 |
25% | Only for unmounted optical halftone screens. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 4911.99.00 |
0% | Generally no duty on printed matter. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 4911.99.00 |
0% | Zero duty for most printed matter imports. |
| ๐ฏ๐ต Japan | 4911.99.00 |
0% | Low duty on printed matter. |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market with significant surtaxes for these goods.
- Classification is critical: A simple misclassification from4911(7.5%) to9001(25%) adds 17.5% extra cost.
- Ensure your invoice description matches the HS code exactly.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
โ Mistake 1: Calling all "Color Film" "Optical Elements"
๐ Result: 25% Duty instead of 7.5%. Lost Profit!
โ Mistake 2: Declaring "Color Disc Film" without specifying "Lithographic" vs. "Digital"
๐ Result: Customs holds shipment for classification review โ Delays + Storage Fees.
โ Mistake 3: Using 4911.98.00.00 without verifying tax rate
๐ Result: Unknown Tax Rate. May face unexpected surcharges or audits.
โ Mistake 4: Packaging halftone screens with printed photos
๐ Result: Customs may classify the entire shipment under the highest duty rate (25%).
โ Correct Practice:
"Lithographic Color Photographic Prints, on Paper, for Advertising Use, Model XYZ, Origin: China" โ
4911.99.60.00
"Unmounted Optical Halftone Screens, for Photographic Engraving, No Printing, Model ABC, Origin: China" โ9001.90.80.00
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Printed Paper is 7.5%, Optical Screens are 25%, Don't Guess, Check the Process!"
๐น "HS Code Determines Duty, 7.5% vs 25% is Huge, Declare Accurately to Avoid Pain!"
๐ Pro Tip:
If your product is not from China (e.g., Japan, Korea, Germany), you may qualify for 0% Duty under most MFN rates.
Always request an Advance Ruling from US Customs (CBP) if the product nature is ambiguous (e.g., is it a print or an optical element?).
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact your customs broker + Provide product images + Clarify manufacturing process (Lithographic vs. Optical)
๐ Ensure smooth clearance, avoid 25% traps, and maximize your margins!
โจ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
๐ผ Every Cent Saved is Pure Profit!
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.