Colorful Butterfly Stickers
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4821904000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102055 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911914040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦ Colorful Butterfly Stickers (Stickers)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Are "Colorful Butterfly Stickers"?
Butterfly stickers are adhesive items featuring colorful butterfly motifs, widely used in packaging, labeling, decoration, and education. In international trade, they are not a single uniform product. Their classification depends strictly on material composition and functional nature.
Paper-Based Stickers: Made from paper substrates, often used for product labeling, shipping marks, or simple decoration.
Plastic-Based Stickers: Made from PVC, PET, or other film materials, offering durability, water resistance, and a glossy finish.
Printed Goods (Artistic/Colored): If the primary value lies in the colorful print rather than the adhesive function, they may be classified under printed articles.
β οΈ Key Classification Points:
- If made of paper + adhesive β Generally 4821 (Paper labels) or 4821.90.20 (Self-adhesive paper labels).
- If made of plastic/film + adhesive β Generally 3919 (Self-adhesive plastic sheets/films).
- If highly colorful/printed and material is ambiguous or secondary β May fall under 4911 (Other printed matter).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
4821.90.40.00 |
Other paper labels (non-self-adhesive or generic paper labels) | Simple paper stickers, shipping labels, basic decorative paper stickers | β Paper |
4821.90.20.00 |
Self-adhesive paper labels | Stickers with paper backing and adhesive layer, commonly used for retail tagging | β Paper + Adhesive |
3919.90.50.60 |
Other self-adhesive plastic articles | Plastic base stickers (e.g., PVC/PET), waterproof, durable, often glossy | β Plastic Base |
3919.10.20.55 |
Self-adhesive flat plastic articles (strip/belt shape) | Flat plastic stickers, including butterfly shapes cut from plastic rolls | β Plastic Flat Sheet |
4911.91.40.40 |
Other printed matter (colored images) | Colorful butterfly stickers where print design is the primary feature, material inferred as paper/film | β Printed Matter |
π Critical Reminder:
- Plastic vs. Paper: This is the biggest risk area. Plastic materials (3919) carry a higher base tariff (5.8%) compared to paper (0%).
- Self-Adhesive Nature: Most modern stickers are self-adhesive. If paper-based,4821.90.20.00is more precise than4821.90.40.00.
- Color/Print: While4911mentions "colored," customs often reclassify stickers as labels (4821) or plastic articles (3919) if their primary function is adhesion, not just information/display.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025εΉ΄11ζ10ζ₯θ΅· (From Nov 10, 2025)
π― 1. 4821.90.40.00 β Other Paper Labels
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122/EO) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4821.90.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Explanation:
- Paper labels start at 0% base, but due to origin (China), they attract 301 (25%) and IEEPA (10%) surcharges.
- Total 35% is still lower than plastic-based stickers.
π― 2. 4821.90.20.00 β Self-Adhesive Paper Labels
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122/EO) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4821.90.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Note:
- Same tariff as general paper labels.
- More precise classification for "stickers" than4821.90.40.00.
π― 3. 3919.90.50.60 β Other Self-Adhesive Plastic Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 5.8% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122/EO) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3919.90.50.60 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Warning:
- Higher Cost: Due to the 5.8% base tariff, the total hits 40.8%.
- Applies to PVC, PET, or other plastic-based stickers.
π― 4. 3919.10.20.55 β Self-Adhesive Flat Plastic Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 5.8% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122/EO) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3919.10.20.55 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Note:
- Same 40.8% total.
- Specifically for flat plastic sheets/films with adhesive, including cut shapes.
π― 5. 4911.91.40.40 β Other Printed Matter
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122/EO) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4911.91.40.40 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Opportunity:
- Lowest Total Tariff (17.5%)!
- Applies if customs accepts the argument that the item is primarily a "printed image" rather than a functional label.
- Risk: Customs may reclassify to4821or3919if adhesive function is prominent.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Essential Documents)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify material (Paper/PVC/PET), adhesive type, dimensions. |
| β Product Photos (Front/Back) | βοΈ | Show the "butterfly" design and the adhesive backing. |
| β Material Certificate | βοΈ | Proof of paper vs. plastic composition (critical for HS Code). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Butterfly Stickers, [Material], Self-Adhesive." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity, weight, and package type. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material First, Function Second, Print Third!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Stickers | 3919.90.50.60 or 3919.10.20.55 |
Declare as "Paper" β Audit Risk + Back Taxes |
| Paper Stickers | 4821.90.20.00 (if self-adhesive) |
Declare as 3919 β Overpay 5.8% Base |
| Highly Decorative/Artistic | Attempt 4911.91.40.40 |
Generic "Stickers" β Customs Discretionary |
| Mixed Material | Separate by material in invoice | Mixed bulk β Confusion & Delay |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Stickers | Provide design files + material specs. Proving "unique design" helps argue for 4911. |
| Waterproof/Glossy Stickers | These are likely Plastic (3919). Do not declare as paper to save tax; itβs fraudulent. |
| Small Quantity Samples | Even samples are subject to IEEPA 10% surcharge. No de minimis exemption. |
| Gift/Decorative Use | If for decoration only, emphasize "Printed Matter" in description to potentially use 4911. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4821.90.20.00 (Paper) / 3919 (Plastic) |
35% (Paper) / 40.8% (Plastic) | FTC Labeling | High surcharges apply. |
| π¨π³ China | 4821.90.20.00 / 3919 |
5-7% (Import Duty) | N/A | Low base tariff, no surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4821.90.20.00 / 3919 |
0-6.5% | CE (if applicable) | No Section 301 equivalents. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4821.90.20.00 / 3919 |
5% | ACCC | GST applies on CIF+Duty. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest-cost market due to additive tariffs.
- Material determination is key: Paper saves 5.8% base + potential surcharge differences vs. Plastic.
-4911is the "Lowest Cost" wildcard but requires strong justification.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons from Blood and Tears)
β Error 1: Declaring Plastic Stickers as Paper to avoid 5.8% base + surcharges.
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals plastic β Reclassification + Penalties + 6-month audit.
β Error 2: Using generic name "Stickers" without specifying material.
π Consequence: Customs chooses the worst-case scenario (often Plastic 3919 β 40.8%).
β Error 3: Ignoring IEEPA 10% surcharge.
π Consequence: Under-declaration by 10% β Interest + Late Fees.
β Error 4: Assuming "De Minimis" applies.
π Consequence: No de minimis for Chinese origin goods under current 2025/2026 rules β Tax on every dollar.
β Correct Approach:
"Colorful Butterfly Stickers, Self-Adhesive, Paper Substrate, PVC Coating, Model XYZ, For Product Labeling"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Paper = 35%, Plastic = 40.8%, Print = 17.5% (If Accepted)"
πΉ "Material Defines HS Code, Origin Defines Surcharge"
πΉ "Declare Honestly, Avoid Audit, Keep Cash Flow Healthy"
π Pro Tip:
If your stickers are plastic-based, consider if you can rebrand them as "Decorative Printed Cards" or use paper-based alternatives to reduce duty from 40.8% to 35%. However, ensure material truthfulness to avoid fraud allegations.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a Customs Broker + Provide Material Samples + Request Advance Ruling
π Ensure your Colorful Butterfly Stickers clear customs Smoothly, Quickly, and Cost-Effectively!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Every Cent Costs Should Be Precisely Calculated!
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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.