Lithium Image Self Adhesive Label
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4911996000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102055 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π·οΈ Lithium Image Self Adhesive Label
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Self-Adhesive Labels"?
"Lithium Image Self Adhesive Label" typically refers to labels used in the lithium-ion battery industry (or labels featuring lithium-related branding/images). In international trade, these products are generally categorized based on material composition and form. The key debate lies between classifying them as printed paper products or plastic/adhesive materials.
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- If the backing is Paper/Cardboard with printed images β Falls under Chapter 49 (Printed Materials) or 4821 (Paper Labels).
- If the backing is Plastic/Film (common for battery labels due to moisture/oil resistance) β Falls under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- "Self-Adhesive" is a critical functional descriptor, but the base material dictates the primary HS Code.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Base Material Inference |
|---|---|---|---|
4911.99.60.00 |
Printed products on paper, other | Printed paper sheets, decorative paper labels | β Paper-based |
4911.99.80.00 |
Other printed products, other | Decorative printed paper items, non-specific printed labels | β Paper-based |
3919.10.20.55 |
Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, etc., of plastics, in rolls | Plastic film labels, battery safety stickers (plastic backing) | β Plastic-based |
4821.90.20.00 |
Paper or paperboard labels, other | Paper labels with self-adhesive backing, simple info tags | β Paper/Cardboard |
3919.90.50.60 |
Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, etc., of plastics, other | General plastic self-adhesive materials, complex multi-layer labels | β Plastic-based |
π Key Reminder:
- If the label is primarily paper with a thin adhesive layer β Classify under 4911 or 4821.
- If the label is primarily plastic film (common for lithium battery warnings due to chemical resistance) β Classify under 3919.
- "Lithium Image" does not change the material classification; it only affects the "printed" aspect within Chapter 49 or serves as a marketing descriptor.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4911.99.60.00 / 4911.99.80.00 β Printed Products on Paper
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% (Section 301 Tariff) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Targeting Chinese/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4911.99.60.00 / 4911.99.80.00 |
π Explanation:
- These codes are under Chapter 49 (Printed Books/Newspapers/Other Printed Materials).
- Although the base tariff is 0%, the Section 301 surcharge (7.5%) and IEEPA 10% surcharge apply, totaling 17.5%.
- Note: Section 301 rates have been adjusted in recent years; the 7.5% figure reflects current specific listings for certain paper/printed goods under trade enforcement actions.
π― 2. 3919.10.20.55 / 3919.90.50.60 β Self-Adhesive Plastic Sheets/Films
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.8% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% (Section 301 Tariff) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Targeting Chinese/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3919.10.20.55 / 3919.90.50.60 |
π Explanation:
- Chapter 39 (Plastics) faces higher duties.
- Base tariff is 5.8%.
- Section 301 Surcharge is +25% (high-risk category for plastics/adhesives).
- IEEPA 10% adds further cost.
- Total: 40.8%. This is significantly higher than paper-based labels.
π― 3. 4821.90.20.00 β Paper/Cardboard Labels
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25.0% (Section 301 Tariff) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Targeting Chinese/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligible? | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4821.90.20.00 |
π Explanation:
- Although it is paper, 4821 (Labels) is sometimes subject to the 25% Section 301 surcharge depending on specific USITC rulings.
- Total: 35%. This is a middle-ground option if the label is specifically classified as a "label" rather than general printed matter.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (None Can Be Skipped)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify base material (Paper vs. Plastic), adhesive type, dimensions. |
| β Material Composition Report | βοΈ | Critical for distinguishing between Chapter 48/49 (Paper) and Chapter 39 (Plastic). |
| β Product Photos (with Backing) | βοΈ | Show the adhesive backing. Is it a liner? Is the film transparent (plastic) or opaque (paper)? |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Self-Adhesive Labels for Lithium Battery Packaging" β avoid vague terms like "Stickers." |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | Proves origin. If not China, may avoid IEEPA surcharges. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detailed itemization to avoid mixed-container classification issues. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Material First, Adhesive Second, Image Tertiary!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Film Label | 3919.10.20.55 or 3919.90.50.60 |
Misdeclare as "Paper Label" β 40.8% vs 17.5% risk of penalty for misclassification. |
| Paper Label | 4911.99.60.00 |
Misdeclare as "Plastic" β 17.5% vs 40.8% β Overpaying tax. |
| Specific Label | 4821.90.20.00 |
Misdeclare as "General Printed Matter" β 35% vs 17.5% β Higher tax. |
| Mixed Materials | Declare based on principal material | Splitting shipment incorrectly β Delays + Inspection. |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Lithium Battery Safety Labels | If made of plastic (to resist oil/chemicals), use 3919. Paper may degrade. |
| OEM Custom Labels | Provide design files to prove "printed" nature. Helps support 4911 classification. |
| Rolls vs. Sheets | If in rolls, 3919 is more likely for plastic. Sheets may lean to 4911 or 4821. |
| Origin Non-China | If from Vietnam/Malaysia, IEEPA 10% surcharge may be waived, reducing total tax by 10%. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3919.10.20.55 (Plastic) / 4911.99.60.00 (Paper) |
40.8% (Plastic) / 17.5% (Paper) | None specific, but DOT/UN38.3 for battery packaging | High tariffs due to Section 301 & IEEPA |
| π¨π³ China | 4821.90.20.00 / 3919.10.20.00 |
0-5% | None | Low import duties for domestic production |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3919.10 / 4821.90 |
4.5% - 6.5% | CE (if for EU batteries), REACH | No anti-dumping tariffs on labels |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3919.10 / 4821.90 |
3% - 5% | PSE (if part of battery unit) | Moderate tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for self-adhesive labels due to Section 301 (25% or 7.5%) and IEEPA (10%) surcharges.
- Material choice matters: Plastic labels face 40.8%, while paper labels face 17.5%.
- Strategic Advice: If possible, use paper-based labels for non-critical packaging to save 23.3% in duties. For critical safety labels, consider non-Chinese origin to avoid IEEPA surcharge.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring all labels as "Stickers" without specifying material
π Consequence: Customs may assume plastic (higher duty) or demand clarification β Delay + Storage Fees.
β Mistake 2: Using 4911 for plastic labels
π Consequence: Underpayment of 23.3% β Back taxes + Fines.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring IEEPA 10% surcharge
π Consequence: Budget miscalculation β Profit erosion.
β Mistake 4: Mixing paper and plastic labels in one shipment without clarification
π Consequence: Customs may classify the entire shipment at the higher rate or hold it for inspection.
β Correct Practice:
"Self-Adhesive Labels, Material: Paper/Cardboard, Printed with Lithium Battery Warnings, Roll Form, Model XYZ, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Material Dictates Code, Paper is Cheaper, Plastic is Riskier!"
πΉ "IEEPA 10%, Section 301 Adds More, Origin Matters!"
π Pro Tip:
If your labels are critical for lithium battery safety and must be plastic, consider sourcing from Vietnam or Malaysia to avoid the 10% IEEPA surcharge, saving you 10% on the total CIF value.
For non-critical labels, opt for paper to benefit from the 17.5% vs 40.8% differential.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Professional Customs Broker + Provide Material Specs + Apply for Advance Ruling if volume is high.
π Ensure your labels comply with DOT/UN38.3 labeling requirements for lithium batteries in addition to tariff classification.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Your Every Cent Saved is a Cent Earned!
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.