Custom CD Case
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926904800 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820300040 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΏ Custom CD Case (Data Storage Media Packaging)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Custom CD Case"?
A "Custom CD Case" is primarily a packaging article used for storing and displaying optical media (CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays). In international trade, the classification depends strictly on the material composition and the specific design/function of the case. It is generally divided into two main categories:
- Paper-Based Cases: Standard jewel cases, digipaks, or slipcases made entirely or predominantly of paper/paperboard.
- Plastic-Based Cases: Rigid or flexible cases made of plastics (e.g., Polystyrene, PVC), often referred to as "jewel cases" or protective sleeves.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the case is made of paper/paperboard (even if it contains a plastic window or insert), it falls under Chapter 48. - If the case is made of plastics (and is not a simple photo album), it falls under Chapter 39. - If it is specifically designed as a Photo Album (even if made of plastic), it falls under a specific subheading in Chapter 39.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
Based on the provided data, here are the precise HS Codes for Custom CD Cases, categorized by material:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4820.30.00.40 |
Binders (other than book covers), folders and file covers Other | Paper-based CD cases, digipaks, paper folders containing CDs | π Paper/Paperboard | 25.0% |
4820.90.00.00 |
Other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard | Other paper-based CD packaging, book covers, general paper stationery | π Paper/Paperboard | 25.0% |
3926.90.48.00 |
Photo albums | Plastic CD cases specifically classified as "Photo Albums" | 𧱠Plastic | 3.4% |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other articles of plastics | General plastic CD/DVD cases, protective sleeves, non-album plastic packaging | 𧱠Plastic | 12.8% |
π Critical Note:
- Paper Cases are almost always subject to the 25.0% total tax rate (0% Base + 25% Additional). - Plastic Cases vary significantly: If deemed a "Photo Album," the rate is low (3.4%); otherwise, it is 12.8% (5.3% Base + 7.5% Additional). - Misclassification Risk: Declaring a plastic CD case as "Paper" or vice versa will lead to customs rejection, fines, or significant tax discrepancies.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4820.30.00.40 & 4820.90.00.00 ββ Paper-Based CD Cases
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (Section 301 tariffs apply regardless of value) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 4820.30.00.40 / 4820.90.00.00 β Section 301 Footnote |
π Explanation:
- Paper-based stationery and packaging articles from China are subject to a flat 25% additional tariff. - There is no base tariff, but the additional tariff makes the effective rate 25%. - This is a high-cost category for exporters. Consider shifting paper packaging production to non-China origins if possible.
π― 2. 3926.90.48.00 ββ Plastic CD Cases (Classified as Photo Albums)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff | 3.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 3.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (though rate is low) |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3926.90.48.00 |
π Explanation:
- If the plastic CD case is explicitly marketed or structured as a "Photo Album" (even for CDs), it qualifies for a much lower rate of 3.4%. - Strategy Tip: If your plastic CD cases are designed with pages or slots for storing images/media, argue for the "Photo Album" classification to save 9.4% in tariffs.
π― 3. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Other Plastic CD Cases (Standard Jewel Cases)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Tariff | 12.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable |
| Legal Basis | HTSUS 3926.90.99.89 |
π Explanation:
- Standard plastic CD/DVD jewel cases that are not classified as photo albums fall here. - The total rate is 12.8% (5.3% Base + 7.5% Additional). - This is significantly cheaper than the 25% for paper cases.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Mandatory? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state Material Composition (e.g., "100% Paper," "Polystyrene Plastic"). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the case, including inside structure, to determine if itβs a "Binder," "Folder," or "Album." |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the item (e.g., "Plastic CD Case" vs. "Paper CD Insert"). |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | If plastic, ensure it meets US chemical regulations (TSCA). |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Essential for verifying China origin to apply correct additional tariffs. |
β 2. Declaration Strategies (Key Rules)
π₯ βMaterial First, Function Second; Album = Low Tax, Paper = High Tax!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Plastic Jewel Case | HS Code: 3926.90.99.89 (12.8%) |
Declare as Paper β 25% (Overpay!) |
| Plastic Case with Photo Pages | HS Code: 3926.90.48.00 (3.4%) |
Declare as "Other Plastic" β 12.8% (Overpay!) |
| Paper Digipak / Cardboard Case | HS Code: 4820.30.00.40 (25%) |
Declare as Plastic β Risk of Penalty + Back Taxes |
| Mixed Material (Paper + Plastic Window) | HS Code: 4820.90.00.00 (25%) |
Split declaration β Customs may reject and consolidate |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Prints | Provide print files to customs if requested. Ensure "Custom" doesn't imply "Specialty Goods" which might have different rules. |
| Plastic Cases with CD Included | Declare Separately! The CD (if music/data) has its own HS code. The case is packaging. Do not combine unless it's a gift set (which may change valuation). |
| "Photo Album" Classification | To qualify for 3926.90.48.00, the product should have multiple pages/slots for storing photos/media, not just a single slot for one CD. Provide catalog info showing multi-page structure. |
| Paper Cases with Plastic Sleeves | If the plastic is just a thin insert, the whole item is still "Paper" under HTSUS Chapter 48. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4820.90.00.00 (Paper) / 3926.90.99.89 (Plastic) |
25.0% (Paper) / 12.8% (Plastic) | TSCA (Plastic) | High tariffs on paper. Plastic is cheaper. |
| π¨π³ China | 4820.90.00.00 / 3926.90.99.89 |
0% - 5% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower tariffs. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4820.90.00.00 / 3926.90.99.89 |
0% - 6.5% | CE (Plastic) | No Section 301 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4820.90.00.00 / 3926.90.99.89 |
0% - 6.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for CD cases due to Section 301 tariffs. - Plastic cases are 2x cheaper to import into the US than paper cases (12.8% vs 25%). - If you are shipping large volumes to the US, switch to plastic cases if design permits.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a Plastic Jewel Case as "Paper Stationery"
π Consequence: Customs will reclassify, charge 25% instead of 12.8%, and may impose penalties for misdeclaration.
β Error 2: Declaring a Paper Digipak as "Plastic Product"
π Consequence: Higher duty (12.8% vs 25% is wrong direction, but if they find it's paper, they might assess 25% + penalties for fraud). Actually, paper is 25%, plastic is 12.8%. So declaring paper as plastic is tax evasion risk.
β Error 3: Missing Material Composition on Invoice
π Consequence: Customs will use "Residual Classification" (often highest duty) or delay shipment for 2-4 weeks.
β Error 4: Ignoring "Photo Album" Opportunity for Plastic Cases
π Consequence: Paying 12.8% when you could pay 3.4% if the case has multiple pages.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Plastic CD Case, Multi-Page Design, for Storage of Audio CDs, Model XYZ, Made of Polystyrene" β HS: 3926.90.48.00
"Cardboard CD Sleeve, Single Sheet, for Packaging, Model ABC" β HS: 4820.90.00.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Lower Costs!
π― Remember the Golden Rules:
πΉ "Plastic Album = 3.4% | Plastic Case = 12.8% | Paper Case = 25.0%"
πΉ "Paper is Expensive, Plastic is Better, Album is Best!"
πΉ "Always declare Material First, Function Second!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping to the US and use plastic CD cases, consider designing them with multiple pages/slots to qualify as "Photo Albums" (3926.90.48.00). This saves 9.4% in tariffs compared to standard jewel cases!
π£ Immediate Action:
π Review your product material composition today.
π Update your Commercial Invoice descriptions.
π Optimize your HS Code to save up to 11.6% in duties!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Your Cost Savings Are Hidden in the 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.