Flower Bouquet Greeting Card
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4909004000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4909002000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9505105020 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9505906000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911914040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΈ Flower Bouquet Greeting Card
π HS Code & Tariff Guide | 2026 Customs Classification & Duty Breakdown | Professional Import Strategy
π One Product, Multiple Categories β Know the Rules to Avoid Costly Mistakes!
π¦ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Is a "Flower Bouquet Greeting Card"?
A Flower Bouquet Greeting Card is a printed or illustrated card that features a design of a flower bouquet, often used for personal greetings, messages, or announcements (e.g., birthdays, weddings, sympathy). It may include:
- Printed floral illustrations (realistic or artistic)
- Handwritten-style messages (e.g., βHappy Birthday!β)
- Embellishments: ribbon, foil accents, or die-cut shapes
- Optional: envelope, trimmings, or small dried flower inserts
β οΈ Key Distinction: - If it's just a card with a floral image and no actual flowers β Not a flower arrangement, but a printed greeting card - If it contains real dried or artificial flowers, it may be classified differently (e.g., as a festive article or gift set)
π II. HS Code Classification Breakdown (2026 Updated Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Rate | Applicable When... |
|---|---|---|---|
4909.00.20.00 |
Postcards β printed cards with personal greetings, messages, or announcements, whether or not illustrated, with or without envelopes or trimmings | 7.5% total | β Card features floral bouquet design and is used for personal messages (e.g., birthday, thank you) |
4909.00.40.00 |
Other printed or illustrated postcards (non-postcard format, e.g., folded cards, greeting cards) | 0.0% total | β Card is not a standard postcard (e.g., larger size, decorative, not for mailing) |
4911.91.40.40 |
Other printed matter: printed pictures, designs, or photographs (not over 20 years old at import) | 7.5% total | β Card is more like a framed print or decorative art card, not for mailing |
4911.99.80.00 |
Other printed matter: other (not elsewhere specified) | 7.5% total | β Card doesnβt fit into any other subcategory (e.g., unique design, mixed media) |
9505.10.50.20 |
Festive articles: other Christmas or holiday items, parts & accessories | 0.0% total | β Only if specifically marketed as a Christmas gift (e.g., βHoliday Bouquet Cardβ) |
9505.90.60.00 |
Other festive or entertainment articles | 0.0% total | β Only if part of a joke set, novelty gift, or entertainment item |
β Most Likely HS Code:
4909.00.20.00β Postcards
βοΈ Because itβs a printed card with a floral design, used for personal messages, and likely mailed.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Rate Details (US Market β China Origin)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and ongoing)
π― 1. 4909.00.20.00 β Postcards (Flower Bouquet Greeting Card)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (USITC) | +7.5% (from Section 301 of U.S. Trade Act) |
| Total Duty Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes β If value β€ $800, no duty applies (under U.S. de minimis rule) |
| Legal Basis | USITC: 4909.00.20.00 β FOOTNOTE: 9903.88.01 β 301 Tariff List |
π Explanation:
- The 7.5% is not a base tariff, but a Section 301 additional tariff on Chinese-origin goods. - This applies only if the card is made in China. - If the card is from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for tariff exemption under trade agreements.
π― 2. 4909.00.40.00 β Other Printed Postcards (Non-Standard Format)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | No duty |
| De Minimis | β Yes (if β€ $800) |
| Legal Basis | 4909.00.40.00 β FOOTNOTE: 9903.88.01 (but no 301 tariff applied) |
π When This Applies:
- Card is larger than standard postcard size (e.g., 6x8 inches) - Has die-cut floral shapes, foil accents, or embellishments - Used as a gift or decorative item, not for mailing
π― 3. 4911.91.40.40 β Printed Pictures/Designs (Not Over 20 Years Old)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Duty Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis | β Yes |
| Legal Basis | 4911.91.40.40 β USITC 301 List |
π When This Applies:
- Card is more like a small art print than a greeting card - Marketed as "decorative card", "art card", or "gift card" - Contains high-quality printing, glossy finish, or artist signature
π― 4. 4911.99.80.00 β Other Printed Matter (Miscellaneous)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| Total Duty Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis | β Yes |
| Legal Basis | 4911.99.80.00 β USITC 301 List |
π When This Applies:
- Card doesnβt fit into any other subcategory - Unique or mixed-media design (e.g., card with glitter, embossing, 3D elements)
π― 5. 9505.10.50.20 & 9505.90.60.00 β Festive/Entertainment Articles
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Applicable When | β Only if the card is part of a holiday gift set (e.g., "Christmas Bouquet Card Set with Ornament") or a novelty joke item |
π Important:
- Do NOT classify a standard flower bouquet greeting card as a "festive article" unless itβs explicitly marketed as a holiday gift set. - Misclassification β risk of penalties, delays, or reclassification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Delays & Penalties)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (MUST-HAVE)
| Document | Required? | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: βFlower Bouquet Greeting Card, Printed, for Personal Greetingsβ |
| β Product Photos (Front & Back) | βοΈ | Show floral design, size, materials, and whether itβs for mailing |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List quantity, packaging, and whether it includes envelope/trimmings |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Critical β if from China, 7.5% tariff applies; if from Vietnam/Mexico, may be 0% |
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Describe size, material (paper, cardstock), printing method (offset, digital), and use case |
| β Sample (if requested) | βοΈ | Customs may ask for a physical sample to verify classification |
β 2. η³ζ₯ζε·§ (The 3 Golden Rules)
π₯ βSize, Use, Origin β The 3 Keys to Correct HS Code!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 4x6 inch card with floral design, for mailing | 4909.00.20.00 |
β Classic postcard |
| Larger 6x8 inch card with foil & die-cut flowers | 4909.00.40.00 |
β Not a standard postcard |
| Card looks like a small art print, sold as decor | 4911.91.40.40 |
β Art-like, not for mailing |
| Card made in China, with floral design, for birthday | 4909.00.20.00 β 7.5% duty |
β οΈ Watch out! |
| Card made in Vietnam, same design | 4909.00.20.00 β 0% duty |
β Use CO to claim exemption |
β 3. Special Cases & How to Handle Them
| Situation | Solution |
|---|---|
| Card includes real dried flowers | May be classified as 9505.90.60.00 (festive item) or 3006.00.00 (dried flowers) β Consult a customs broker |
| Card is part of a gift box with chocolates | May be classified as "gift set" β higher tariff risk β avoid bundling unless necessary |
| Card is handmade or artisanal | Still falls under 4909.00.20.00 or 4909.00.40.00 β not exempt from 301 tariffs if from China |
π V. Global Customs Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4909.00.20.00 |
7.5% (China) / 0% (Vietnam/Mexico) | None (de minimis) | Watch origin! |
| π¨π³ China | 4909.00.20.00 |
5% | None | No 301 tariff |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4909.00.20.00 |
0% (if CE compliant) | CE | No extra tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4909.00.20.00 |
5% | RCM | No 301 |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4909.00.20.00 |
0% | PSE | No extra tariffs |
π Key Insight:
- The U.S. is the only market with 7.5% additional tariff on Chinese-origin greeting cards. - Vietnam/Mexico origin = 0% duty β consider shifting production.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Real-World Examples)
β Mistake 1: Classifying a standard flower card as 4911.91.40.40 (art card)
π Result: Overpaid duty, audit risk, or reclassification
β Mistake 2: Not including Certificate of Origin
π Result: Assumed to be from China β 7.5% tariff applied
β Mistake 3: Bundling card with real flowers or chocolates
π Result: Re-classified as gift set β higher tariff or customs hold
β Mistake 4: Using βgreeting cardβ as product name without specifying design and use
π Result: Customs may misclassify as art print or decorative item
β Correct Declaration Example:
βFlower Bouquet Greeting Card, 4x6 inches, printed on cardstock, for personal messages, no real flowers, with envelope, made in Vietnamβ
π― VII. Final Verdict: How to Win at Customs
β The Winning Formula: βSize + Use + Origin = Correct HS Code + Lowest Dutyβ
π₯ Pro Tip:
- If youβre shipping from China, expect 7.5% duty unless you qualify for de minimis ($800 threshold). - If youβre shipping from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, 0% duty β switch origin if possible. - Never classify a greeting card as a "festive article" unless itβs part of a holiday gift set.
π£ Call to Action: Act Now to Save Thousands!
π Contact a U.S. Customs Broker to: - Confirm your HS Code via Advance Ruling (Pre-Review) - Apply for Certificate of Origin from non-China country - Optimize product packaging to avoid bundling risks
π Bonus: Use de minimis for small shipments (<$800) β no duty, no hassle!
β¨ Your Card. Your Cost. Your Control.
πΌ Accurate classification = Lower duty = Faster clearance = More profit!
πΈ Flower Bouquet Greeting Card? Not just a card β itβs a strategic export asset!
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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.