Label Sticker
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4821102000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905040 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102055 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821102000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π·οΈ Label Sticker (Paper, Plastic & Adhesive)
π Global HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Tariff Breakdown | Professional Strategy
Label Stickers are ubiquitous in global trade, used for product identification, branding, and logistics. However, the material composition (Paper vs. Plastic) and form (Self-adhesive) are the critical factors that determine their HS Code and the resulting tax burden.
β οΈ Critical Warning:
Most label stickers face high "Section 301" and "Section 122"ιε taxes when imported into the US from China.
- Paper Labels: Generally 35.0% Total Duty.
- Plastic Labels: Generally 40.8% Total Duty.
Misclassifying Plastic as Paper (or vice versa) can lead to severe customs audits and penalties.
π¦ 2026 HS Code Classification Matrix (Strictly Based on Data)
| HS Code | Material Form | Product Description Summary | Key Classification Logic |
|---|---|---|---|
4821.10.20.00 |
π Paper / Cardboard | Paper/Cardboard Labels Basic labels for labeling materials and inferred material type. |
Logic: Identified by "Paper/Cardboard" base material. β οΈ Note: Two entries in data use this code for different descriptions (General Paper Label vs. Adhesive Paper Label). |
4821.10.20.00 |
π Paper / Cardboard | Self-Adhesive Paper Labels Shape and usage consistent, no obvious conflict. |
Logic: Same code as above, specifically for self-adhesive paper forms. |
3919.90.50.40 |
π₯ Plastic | Self-Adhesive Plastic Sheets/Film/Tape Flat strip/strip shape features. |
Logic: Material is Plastic (Chapter 39). Form is "flat strip/foils". |
3919.10.20.55 |
π₯ Plastic | Plastic Self-Adhesive Film/Tape Other category, flat tape form. |
Logic: Material is Plastic. Form is "film/tape". Distinct sub-category from 3919.90. |
π Key Distinction:
- Paper Labels (4821.10.20.00) are for paper-based materials.
- Plastic Labels (3919.90.50.40/3919.10.20.55) are for plastic films/foils.
Do not mix these up! The tax rate difference (35% vs 40.8%) plus material verification is crucial.
π° 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (China Origin β US)
Applicable Region: πΊπΈ United States
Origin: π¨π³ China
Effective: Current Trade War Measures (Section 301 & Section 122)
π― Scenario A: Paper Labels (4821.10.20.00)
Applies to both generic paper labels and self-adhesive paper labels.
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis / Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% | Standard Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate for paper labels. |
| Section 301 (Added Duty) | +25.0% | "Add-on" tariff for Chinese-origin goods under US Trade Law. |
| Section 122 (Counter-Tariff) | +10.0% | Specific tariff added under Section 122 measures (Targeted countermeasures). |
| π¨ TOTAL RATE | 35.0% | 0% + 25% + 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NO | Cannot use de minimis exemptions for high-rate Section 301 goods. |
π Explanation:
Even though the base tariff is 0%, the Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) surcharges are mandatory.
Total Tax = 35% of CIF Value.
π― Scenario B: Plastic Labels (3919.90.50.40 & 3919.10.20.55)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis / Description |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.8% | Standard MFN rate for plastic products (Chapter 39). |
| Section 301 (Added Duty) | +25.0% | Same Section 301 surcharge as paper. |
| Section 122 (Counter-Tariff) | +10.0% | Same Section 122 surcharge applies. |
| π¨ TOTAL RATE | 40.8% | 5.8% + 25% + 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β NO | High tax rate prevents de minimis relief. |
π Explanation:
Plastic labels are inherently more expensive to tax because the Base Duty (5.8%) is not zero.
Total Tax = 40.8% of CIF Value.
π οΈ Customs Clearance Practical Strategy (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must Have)
| Document | Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Material Composition Statement | βοΈ Mandatory | Must explicitly state "Paper/Cardboard" vs. "Plastic/PE/PET". Customs verifies this to split 4821 vs 3919. |
| Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ Mandatory | Detail: Self-adhesive? Thickness? Width? (To confirm "flat strip" classification). |
| Label Sample (Physical/Photo) | βοΈ Mandatory | Prove the adhesive is part of the product, not a separate item. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Mandatory | Must list HS Code clearly. Do not use generic terms like "Stickers" without specifying material. |
| Origin Certificate | βοΈ Mandatory | To confirm origin is China (triggering the 25%+10% tax). |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices (The "Golden Rules")
π₯ Rule #1: "Material is King"
- If it feels like Paper, declare4821.10.20.00β 35% Tax.
- If it feels like Plastic/Film, declare3919.90.50.40or3919.10.20.55β 40.8% Tax.
- Never declare Plastic as Paper to save money! This is fraud.π₯ Rule #2: "Self-Adhesive is Key"
- If the backing is adhesive, it belongs to the "Self-Adhesive" subcategories.
- If it is a roll of paper without adhesive (just a roll of paper), it might fall under a different code (e.g., 4821.90). Ensure the HS Code matches the physical form.π₯ Rule #3: "Tax Calculation Formula"
Total Duty = CIF Value Γ (Base Rate + 25% + 10%)
Example: $10,000 Plastic Labels β Tax = $10,000 Γ 40.8% = $4,080.
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials (e.g., Paper face + Plastic backer) | Declare based on primary material (usually the face). If 50/50, consult a broker. |
| Small Quantities (Samples) | Still subject to full tax. No de minimis for these high-tariff codes. |
| Re-Export | If the goods are transshipped through a third country, ensure origin certificates reflect the true origin (China) to avoid penalties. |
| Pre-Ruling | Highly Recommended. Apply for an HS Code pre-ruling from US Customs (CBP) to lock in the classification before shipping. |
π Common Mistakes & Consequences (Don't Let It Happen to You!)
β Mistake 1: Generic Description
Declaring "Labels" without specifying "Paper" or "Plastic".
π Consequence: Customs will inspect. If they find plastic, they will reclassify to 3919 (40.8%) + penalties. If they guess paper, they might seize the goods for misdeclaration.
β Mistake 2: Under-reporting Tax Rate
Assuming Base Rate (0% or 5.8%) is the only tax.
π Consequence: Missing the 25% + 10% surcharge leads to underpayment fines, seizure of goods, and potential blacklisting of the importer.
β Mistake 3: Confusing "Labels" with "Stickers" in a different chapter
Trying to put them under generic "adhesives".
π Consequence: Adhesive tapes are 3919, but Labels are distinct (4821 or 3919). Misclassification leads to audit triggers.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Self-Adhesive Paper Labels, 4821.10.20.00, 35% Total Duty (0% Base + 25% Sec301 + 10% Sec122)"
"Self-Adhesive PET Plastic Labels, 3919.90.50.40, 40.8% Total Duty (5.8% Base + 25% Sec301 + 10% Sec122)"
π― Final Verdict: Professional Clearance Strategy
- Verify Material First: Is it Paper or Plastic? This is the single most important step.
- Calculate the Full Burden: Do not budget for Base Rate only. Budget for 35% (Paper) or 40.8% (Plastic).
- Document Everything: Keep specs, photos, and material certs ready for CBP.
- Pre-Arrange: If shipping large volumes, get a Binding Ruling from CBP to avoid disputes.
π Pro Tip: If your product is made in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand (non-China origin), you may qualify for 0% Section 301 tax (Base rate only). Always check the Origin Certificate!
β¨ Your Clearance Strategy Starts with Accuracy!
π° 35% vs 40.8% might seem small, but on $1M in goods, that's $80,000 difference. Don't leave it to chance.
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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.