DVD Paperboard Labels
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4821104000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911914040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π΅ DVD Paperboard Labels β HS Code & Tariff Guide 2026 | Full Customs Clearance Breakdown
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Strategy | 2026 Updated Tariff Rules | Pro-Level Import Planning
π One: Product Definition & Classification β What Exactly Is a βDVD Paperboard Labelβ?
A DVD paperboard label is a self-adhesive, printed paper label specifically designed for DVDs, CDs, or optical media packaging. It is typically applied directly onto the disc's surface or its protective case.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it's printed on paperboard (thick paper stock) and used for labeling media β Not a label for packaging, but a functional label on the product itself.
- This is not a general-purpose label (e.g., for bottles or boxes), nor is it a decorative sticker.β Core Feature:
- Self-adhesive (pressure-sensitive)
- Made from paperboard (not plastic or film)
- Printed with images, text, or logos (often including artwork, track listings, or brand names)
- Used directly on DVDs β not on outer packaging
π¦ Two: HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Official Tariff Table)
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Rate | Key Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
4821.10.40.00 |
Paper labels, printed β specifically for use on DVDs | 35.0% | Printed on paperboard, self-adhesive, used on optical media |
4821.90.20.00 |
Self-adhesive paper labels β for DVD applications | 35.0% | Same as above β self-adhesive, paper-based, for DVDs |
4911.99.80.00 |
Other printed paper products β non-book, non-newspaper | 17.5% | Printed on paper, but not specifically for DVDs |
4911.91.40.40 |
Printed paper labels with pictorial designs or photographs | 17.5% | If image-based, but not used on DVDs |
π Critical Insight:
-4821.10.40.00and4821.90.20.00are identical in function β both apply to printed, self-adhesive paper labels for DVDs
- The difference lies in specificity:
-4821.10.40.00= general printed paper labels
-4821.90.20.00= self-adhesive (i.e., pressure-sensitive) labels
- If your label is self-adhesive and printed on paperboard for DVDs β Use4821.90.20.00
- If not self-adhesive, use4821.10.40.00π Bottom Line:
- For DVD labels β4821.90.20.00is most accurate
- If printed with photos/images β4911.91.40.40may apply only if not used on DVDs
π° Three: 2026 Tariff Breakdown β Full Tax Clause Explanation (U.S. Focus)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (with ongoing enforcement)
π― 1. 4821.90.20.00 β Self-Adhesive Paper Labels for DVDs
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | HTSUS 4821.90.20 | Standard duty for self-adhesive paper labels |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 β targeting Chinaβs unfair trade practices |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% | IEEPA: 9903.01.24 | Imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act β for national security concerns |
| Total Effective Duty | 35.0% | β | CIF Value Γ 35% |
π Legal Pathway:
IEEPA:9903.01.24βUSITC:4821.90.20.00βFOOTNOTE:9903.88.01π₯ Why 35%?
- 25% = USITC 301 Tariff (China-specific)
- 10% = IEEPA Emergency Tariff (national security)
- No de minimis exemption β Even $100 worth triggers full 35%
π― 2. 4821.10.40.00 β Printed Paper Labels (Non-Self-Adhesive)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | HTSUS 4821.10.40 | Standard for printed paper labels |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +25.0% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Applies to all printed paper labels from China |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% | IEEPA: 9903.01.24 | Applies to all goods from China under IEEPA |
| Total Effective Duty | 35.0% | β | CIF Γ 35% |
π Same as above β 35% total
- Only difference: Not self-adhesive
- Still subject to same tariffs due to China origin
π― 3. 4911.99.80.00 β Other Printed Paper Products (Non-Label)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | HTSUS 4911.99.80 | For non-book, non-newspaper printed paper |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +7.5% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Lower rate than 25% β applies to non-label printed paper |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% | IEEPA: 9903.01.24 | Applies to all China-origin goods |
| Total Effective Duty | 17.5% | β | CIF Γ 17.5% |
π Key Exception:
- Only applies if the label is NOT used on DVDs
- If used on DVDs, must be classified under4821.90.20.00β 35%
π― 4. 4911.91.40.40 β Printed Paper Labels with Pictorial Designs or Photos
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | HTSUS 4911.91.40 | For printed paper labels with images |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Duty | +7.5% | USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 | Lower than 25% β only for non-DVD labels |
| Section 122 (IEEPA) Additional Duty | +10.0% | IEEPA: 9903.01.24 | Applies to all China-origin goods |
| Total Effective Duty | 17.5% | β | CIF Γ 17.5% |
β οΈ Critical Warning:
- Only valid if label is NOT used on DVDs
- If used on DVDs, must use4821.90.20.00β 35%
- Do NOT use this code for DVD labels β risk of penalty, audit, or seizure
π οΈ Four: Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have List)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos (Clear, with label on DVD) | βοΈ | Proves application on DVD β supports 4821.90.20.00 |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state: "Self-adhesive paper label for DVD" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Shows quantity, weight, packaging type |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Proves China origin β triggers 301/IEEPA tariffs |
| β Label Design Proof | βοΈ | Shows printed content, image type, adhesive backing |
| β Third-Party Test Report (if applicable) | βοΈ | For RoHS, FCC, or material safety (if needed) |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (η³ζ₯ε£θ―)
π₯ "Label on DVD? β Use 4821.90.20.00 β 35% tax!"
π₯ "Not on DVD? β Use 4911.91.40.40 β 17.5% tax!"
π₯ "Self-adhesive? β 35%!"
π₯ "Not self-adhesive? β Still 35%!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-adhesive label on DVD | 4821.90.20.00 |
4911.91.40.40 |
35% vs 17.5% β Double tax! |
| Printed label on DVD (non-self-adhesive) | 4821.10.40.00 |
4911.99.80.00 |
35% vs 17.5% β Double tax! |
| Label used on packaging (not DVD) | 4911.99.80.00 |
4821.90.20.00 |
17.5% vs 35% β Overpay! |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Scenario | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| OEM DVD labels for a U.S. company | Use "Custom Label for DVD" in invoice; provide design proof |
| Labels with photo art (e.g., album cover) | Still must use 4821.90.20.00 if used on DVD |
| Labels not used on DVDs (e.g., for packaging) | Use 4911.91.40.40 β 17.5% |
| Labels from Vietnam/Mexico | Can avoid 301/IEEPA tariffs β 0% or low rate |
| High-value shipment | Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Approval) to lock in HS Code |
π Five: Global Market Comparison (2026 Tariff Snapshot)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 4821.90.20.00 |
35.0% | None (unless product is hazardous) | 301 + IEEPA tariffs apply |
| π¨π³ China | 4821.90.20.00 |
5% | CCC | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 4821.90.20.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE | No 301/IEEPA |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4821.90.20.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4821.90.20.00 |
0% | PSE | No extra tariffs |
π Insight:
- Only the U.S. applies 35% tariffs on DVD paperboard labels from China
- All other markets have low or zero tariffs
- Consider shifting to Vietnam/Mexico for tariff-free access to U.S.
π Six: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Using 4911.91.40.40 for a label on a DVD
π Result: 17.5% tax β But should be 35% β Underpaid duty β Audit risk
β Mistake 2: Not showing label on DVD in photos
π Result: Customs may reclassify as general paper product β higher risk of penalty
β Mistake 3: Claiming "not self-adhesive" when it is
π Result: Misclassification β 35% tax applied β no refund
β Mistake 4: Using "paper label" as generic name
π Result: No proof of DVD use β audit or seizure
β Correctη³ζ₯ Name:
"Self-adhesive printed paper label for DVD, 3-inch diameter, with album art, China origin"
π― Seven: Final Verdict β Smart Import Strategy
πΉ If your label is used on DVDs β Use
4821.90.20.00β 35% duty
πΉ If not used on DVDs β Use4911.91.40.40β 17.5% duty
πΉ If from China β 35% or 17.5% (depends on use)
πΉ If from Vietnam/Mexico β 0% or low rate β Strongly recommendedπ Pro Tip:
- Apply for Advance Ruling before shipment β lock in HS Code
- Use non-China origin for U.S. shipments β avoid 301/IEEPA tariffs
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a customs broker with U.S. experience
πΈ Provide clear photos of label on DVD
π Apply for HS Code pre-ruling β avoid delays, penalties, or seizures
β¨ Your DVD labels are more than just stickers β theyβre a customs challenge. Get the code right, and save thousands.
πΌ Precision in classification = Profit in clearance.
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.