Colored Drawing Paper
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823901000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821904000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π¨ Colored Drawing Paper (彩θ²η»ηΊΈ)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Art Supplies
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What is "Colored Drawing Paper"?
Colored Drawing Paper is a versatile stationery item used for sketching, painting, and artistic expression. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its physical form (e.g., plain sheets vs. pre-printed stickers) and finish. It generally falls under Chapter 48 (Paper and Paperboard) or Chapter 49 (Printed Books/Newspapers).
Key Distinction:
- Plain Colored Paper: Raw, unprinted, or simply colored paper stock β Chapter 48.
- Stickers/Labels: Paper with adhesive backing or pre-printed graphic elements acting as labels β Chapter 48 (4821) or Chapter 49 (4911).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If it is plain colored paper cut to size: Use 4823.90 series.
- If it is self-adhesive stickers (paper-based): Use 4821.90 series.
- If it is printed artwork/stickers classified as printed matter: Use 4911.99.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes applicable to "Colored Drawing Paper" and its variants:
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary from Data | Tax Category |
|---|---|---|---|
4823.90.10.00 |
Colored Drawing Paper (Paper Products) | "Colored drawing paper is classified as paper products, falling under the category of other paper products." | 35.0% |
4823.90.86.80 |
Cut-to-Size Colored Paper | "Colored drawing paper belongs to paper products cut to size, fitting the classification of other paper products." | 35.0% |
4821.90.20.00 |
Colored Stickers (Self-Adhesive Labels) | "Colored stickers are classified as self-adhesive paper labels." | 35.0% |
4911.99.80.00 |
Colored Stickers (Printed Matter) | "Colored stickers fall under the category of printed products, fitting the classification of other printed products." | 17.5% |
4821.90.40.00 |
Colored Stickers (Other Paper Labels) | "Colored stickers fit the residual category of other paper labels." | 35.0% |
π ιηΉζι (Key Reminder):
- Plain Paper (4823...) and Adhesive Stickers (4821...) are subject to the higher 35% total tariff.
- Printed Stickers (4911...) are considered "Printed Matter" and enjoy a lower 17.5% total tariff, but only if they qualify as printed articles rather than just self-adhesive labels.
- Do not mix plain paper with sticker varieties in one declaration if their HS codes differ significantly, as this may trigger customs inspection.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Detailed Explanation (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 Import Cycle
π― 1. 4823.90.10.00 & 4823.90.86.80 & 4821.90.20.00 & 4821.90.40.00
(All Colored Paper & Standard Stickers)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% (Additional Duty) |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% (Specific US Policy Add-on) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Subject to full duty) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β Section 301: +25% β Section 122: +10% |
π Explanation:
- Base Rate (0%): These items have no standard MFN duty.
- Section 301 Surtax (25%): Applied due to trade tensions with China.
- Section 122 Surtax (10%): An additional administrative surcharge often applied to specific import categories.
- Total: 35%: This is a high-cost entry for plain colored paper and basic adhesive stickers.
π― 2. 4911.99.80.00
(Printed Colored Stickers / Artistic Prints)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% (Reduced Additional Duty) |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10.0% (Specific US Policy Add-on) |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 0% β Section 301: +7.5% β Section 122: +10% |
π Why is it cheaper?
- By classifying the product as "Printed Matter" (4911) rather than "Paper Products" (4823) or "Labels" (4821), the Section 301 surtax drops from 25% to 7.5%.
- This saves 17.5% in total duties (35% - 17.5%).
- Condition: The product must clearly be printed (e.g., pre-designed stickers, illustrated paper) to qualify for this lower rate. Plain colored paper cannot use this code.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Paper type, weight (gsm), color, size, and whether it is plain or printed/sticker. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state: "Colored Drawing Paper, Plain" OR "Printed Self-Adhesive Stickers". Do not use vague terms like "Art Supplies." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Match invoice exactly. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the product surface: Is it blank colored paper? Or does it have printed designs/adhesive backing? |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Confirm China origin to trigger correct surtaxes. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Plain Paper = 35%, Printed Sticker = 17.5%!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Action | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blank Colored Paper | 4823.90.10.00 or 4823.90.86.80 |
Misdeclare as 4911 (Printed) |
Penalty + Back Taxes (17.5% refund issued, but audit risk increases) |
| Self-Adhesive Stickers (Plain Color) | 4821.90.20.00 or 4821.90.40.00 |
Misdeclare as 4823 |
Possible, but 4821 is more precise for adhesives. Both are 35%. |
| Pre-Printed Decorative Stickers | 4911.99.80.00 |
Misdeclare as 4821 (Labels) |
Overpaying 17.5% duty unnecessarily! |
| Mixed Shipment (Plain + Printed) | Separate Line Items | Combine into one HS Code | Customs Hold for classification review |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Printed Stickers | Ensure the invoice describes them as "Printed Stickers" not "Self-Adhesive Labels" to aim for 4911.99.80.00. |
| Bulk Paper Rolls vs. Cut Sheets | Both 4823.90 codes apply. Ensure description matches physical form (e.g., "Cut to A4 size"). |
| Children's Art Kits | If paper is part of a set, the kit may have a different classification. Ensure paper is declared separately if possible. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Total Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4823.90.10.00 (Plain) / 4911.99.80.00 (Printed) |
35% / 17.5% | High surtaxes due to Section 301 & 122. |
| π¨π³ China (Import) | 4823.90.10.00 |
~6-10% | Lower standard duties, no Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4823.90 |
~6.5% | No Section 122 equivalent. Standard EU duty. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4823.90 |
~6.5% | Post-Brexit duties align with EU closely. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is the most expensive market for colored paper due to 35% total tariffs on plain goods.
- Smart Strategy: If you are selling pre-designed stickers, strive to classify under4911.99.80.00to save 17.5% in duties.
- Plain colored paper is a low-margin import into the US due to high taxes; consider local manufacturing or higher value-addition.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring Printed Stickers as "Self-Adhesive Labels" (4821).
π Result: Pay 35% instead of 17.5%. Loss: 17.5% per unit.
β Mistake 2: Declaring Plain Colored Paper as "Printed Matter" (4911).
π Result: Customs rejects the classification, demands 35%, plus fines/delay. High Compliance Risk.
β Mistake 3: Vague Description "Paper Products" on Invoice.
π Result: Customs officer uses discretion, likely assigning the higher 35% rate to be safe.
β Correct Action:
- For Plain Paper: "Colored Drawing Paper, Unprinted, Cut to Size" β
4823.90.10.00- For Printed Stickers: "Printed Decorative Stickers, Paper-Based" β
4911.99.80.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Optimize Your Art Supply Import
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Printed = 17.5%, Plain = 35%. Classify Accurately!"
πΉ "Section 301 hits hard, but printing can lighten the load."
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting custom-designed stickers to the US, ensure your design files and invoices clearly emphasize the "Printed" nature to qualify for 4911.99.80.00. This simple change can significantly boost your profit margin.
π£ Take Action:
π Consult a customs broker for Pre-Ruling if your products are hybrid (e.g., paper + light embossing).
π Clear Customs Smoothly, Maximize Profit, Export Globally!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every 1% of duty 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) 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.