Commercial CD ROM Cases
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926904800 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326903500 | 92.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820300040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Commercial CD ROM Cases (Optical Disc Storage Solutions)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Commercial CD ROM Cases"?
Commercial CD ROM Cases refer to rigid or semi-rigid containers designed specifically for storing, protecting, and transporting Compact Discs (CDs), Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), or Blu-ray discs. In international trade, these items are not viewed as a single homogeneous product. Their classification depends heavily on their primary material (Plastics, Paper, Metal) and their specific form factor (Spindles, Jewel Cases, Box Sets).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the case is made of paper/paperboard (e.g., standard plastic inserts mounted on cardboard sleeves, or pure cardboard jewel cases) β It falls under Heading 4820 (Stationery/Albums).
- If the case is made of plastic (e.g., rigid PET/PS jewel cases, plastic spindles, blister packs) β It falls under Heading 3926 (Other plastic articles).
- If the case is made of metal or contains significant metal components (rare for consumer CD cases, but possible for industrial archives) β It falls under Heading 7326 (Other iron/steel articles).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authorityε―Ήη §)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes applicable to commercial CD ROM cases, categorized by material and structure.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
4820.30.00.40 |
Binders, folders, file covers | Paper-based albums/covers; CD cases where the outer cover is rigid paperboard and it functions as an "album" or "folder" for discs. | Paper/Paperboard |
4820.90.00.00 |
Other articles of paper/paperboard | Other paper stationery/albums; Includes generic paper disc holders, paperboard box sets not specifically defined as binders. | Paper/Paperboard |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics | Standard Plastic CD/DVD Cases; Rigid plastic jewel cases, plastic spindles, or general plastic protective containers. | Plastic |
3926.90.48.00 |
Photo Albums (Plastic) | Plastic Photo/CD Albums; Specifically designed albums for displaying or storing discs/photos in plastic sleeves/pages. | Plastic |
7326.90.35.00 |
Other articles of iron/steel: Containers | Metal Disc Containers; Rare, but includes metal tins or cases carried on the person/in bags for disc storage. | Metal (Iron/Steel) |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron/steel: Other | Other Metal Accessories; Miscellaneous metal parts or containers not fitting specific subcategories. | Metal (Iron/Steel) |
π Critical Note:
- Most standard "Jewel Cases" (the clear, rectangular plastic cases) are typically classified under 3926.90.99.89 (General plastic articles) or 3926.90.48.00 if structured as albums.
- "Paperboard Boxes" with plastic trays are often scrutinized. If the paperboard is the primary character, it may fall under 4820.90.00.00.
- Never declare plastic cases as paper products to avoid inspection delays, or vice versa.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current trade policies (Section 301 & IEEPA implications)
π― 1. 4820.30.00.40 & 4820.90.00.00 ββ Paper-Based CD Cases/Albums
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Steel, Aluminum, Copper products surcharge does not apply, but general Section 301 applies to paper products from China) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Deny de_minimis for Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4820.30.00.40 β USITC:Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- Paper stationery and albums from China are subject to the 25% Section 301 tariff.
- Although the base rate is 0%, the total effective duty is 25%.
- This applies to cardboard CD boxes, paperboard jewel case inserts, and paper-based disc albums.
π― 2. 7326.90.35.00 ββ Metal Disc Containers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% (Base) |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% (Specific surcharge for Steel/Aluminum/Copper products) |
| Total Tax Rate | 50.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 50% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:7326.90.35.00 β Steel/Copper Surcharge Rule |
π Warning:
- If your CD cases are made of metal (e.g., tin boxes, metal archive cases), the tariff is extremely high at 50%.
- This is due to specific tariffs on steel, aluminum, and copper products imported from China.
π― 3. 7326.90.86.88 ββ Other Metal Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 25.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 77.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 77.9% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
π Critical:
- This is the "Catch-all" for other metal items not specifically categorized.
- The combined tax burden is 77.9%, making metal CD cases prohibitively expensive for import into the US from China.
π― 4. 3926.90.99.89 ββ General Plastic CD Cases
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 12.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Subject to Section 301) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:3926.90.99.89 β USITC:Section 301 |
π Explanation:
- Standard plastic jewel cases and spindles fall here.
- The 12.8% rate is significantly lower than metal or certain other categories, but still substantial compared to pre-trade war rates.
π― 5. 3926.90.48.00 ββ Plastic Photo/CD Albums
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 3.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 3.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (Check specific footnotes; often exempt from higher Section 301 brackets if classified strictly as photo albums) |
π Opportunity:
- If your product is clearly an "Album" (with pages, sleeves, binding) rather than a simple "Case," it may qualify for the lower 3.4% rate.
- This requires precise marketing and description to justify the "Album" classification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Material (Plastic/Paper/Metal), Dimensions, Capacity (e.g., "Holds 100 CDs"). |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Detail the % of plastic vs. paper. For "Paperboard with Plastic Tray," specify if paper is the principal character. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the product open and closed. Clearly show the brand, model number, and any "Made in China" labels. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must be precise: e.g., "Plastic CD Jewel Cases, 12mm thickness, PET material." |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Required for proving origin to apply correct Section 301 duties. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List unit weight and quantity. Ensure no mixed materials in one shipment without clear separation. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Material Defines Code, 'Album' Lowers Rate, 'Case' Raises It!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Clear Plastic Case | 3926.90.99.89 (Plastic Article) |
Calling it "Paper Album" β Audit Risk |
| Cardboard Box with Plastic Insert | 4820.90.00.00 (If Paper is Principal) |
Calling it "Plastic Case" β Wrong Code |
| Bound Disc Album (Pages/Sleeves) | 3926.90.48.00 (Plastic Album) β 3.4% |
Calling it "Plastic Case" β 12.8% |
| Metal Tin Box for CDs | 7326.90.35.00 β 50% |
Hiding material β Smuggling Risk |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials (Paper + Plastic) | If plastic inserts are removable, declare separately. If bonded, declare as the material that gives the essential character (usually paper for packaging). |
| "Blank" vs. "Pre-Printed" | Blank cases are "Articles of Stationery/Plastic." Pre-printed with artwork is still the same HS code, but add "Decorated" in description. |
| Industrial Archive Cases | If large, metal, or specialized, ensure they are not classified as "Furniture" or "Containers" under other headings which may have different tariffs. |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Do NOT rely on de minimis (Section 321). Section 301 goods (including plastics and papers from China over $800) are explicitly excluded from de minimis exemption. All units are taxable. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 (Plastic) |
12.8% (Section 301) | No special certs for packaging | High Duty. Avoid metal (77.9%). |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90.99.89 |
5.0% | None | Lower entry barrier for exporters. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.99 |
6.0% (MFN) | CE (if packaging for electronics), RoHS (plastics) | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90.99 |
6.0% (MFN) | UKCA (if applicable) | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3926.90.99 |
6.0% | FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for paper | Strict on paper packaging content. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the highest cost market due to Section 301 tariffs.
- EU/UK/Asia offer significantly lower tariffs, making them more viable for price-sensitive CD accessories.
- Plastic Albums (3926.90.48.00) offer the best rate in the US at 3.4%, but require strict compliance with "Album" definition.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring Plastic Cases as "Paper Albums" to get 0% base rate.
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals plastic β Fine + Back Duty + 25% Surcharge.
β Error 2: Using "De Minimis" for plastic CD cases from China.
π Consequence: Shipment Seized. Section 301 goods are not exempt under $800.
β Error 3: Misclassifying Metal Cases as Plastic.
π Consequence: Tariff jumps from 12.8% to 50-77.9%. Massive cost overrun.
β Error 4: Vague Description: "CD Case."
π Consequence: Customs assigns default higher duty code. Delays + Storage Fees.
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic CD Jewel Cases, 12mm, Polypropylene, Blank, Model XYZ"
OR
"Cardboard CD Box Set with Plastic Inserts, 50-Count, Paper Product"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic Albums = 3.4%, Plastic Cases = 12.8%, Paper = 25%, Metal = 50%+!"
πΉ "No De Minimis for Section 301! Declare Every Unit!"
πΉ "Material is King: Check Plastic, Paper, or Metal First!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting Plastic Albums (with pages/sleeves), ensure your product photos and descriptions clearly show the binding/paging structure to justify 3926.90.48.00 (3.4% tariff). If itβs just a single shell, use 3926.90.99.89 (12.8%).
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker for Pre-Ruling if your product is on the borderline between "Case" and "Album."
π Optimize your supply chain: Consider shifting high-volume plastic case production to non-China origins (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) to avoid Section 301 tariffs entirely.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Profit Margin Depends on the 10% Difference Between 3.4% and 12.8%!
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.