Multi color Page Photo Album
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4820500000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926904800 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
๐ธ Multi-Color Page Photo Album (Albums for Samples or Collections)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
๐ 1. Product Definition: Is it "Stationery" or "Plastics"?
A Multi-Color Page Photo Album is a container for organizing and displaying photographs, samples, or collections. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on the primary material and construction method.
It is generally divided into two main categories: * Paper/Cardboard Albums: Made primarily of paper, paperboard, or cardboard (e.g., bound pages, glued sheets, cardboard covers). * Plastic Albums: Made primarily of plastics (e.g., PVC sleeves, acrylic inserts, plastic covers) or articles of other materials under headings 3901-3914.
โ ๏ธ Key Distinction Point:
- If the structure, binding, and sleeves are predominantly paper or paperboard โ Classify under 4820.50.00.00.
- If the structure, binding, and sleeves are predominantly plastics (e.g., clear plastic pockets, plastic covers) โ Classify under 3926.90.48.00.
๐ฆ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Primary Material |
|---|---|---|---|
4820.50.00.00 |
Albums for samples or for collections (of paper/paperboard) | Traditional bound photo albums, cardboard scrapbooks, paper-bound sample books | โ Paper/Cardboard |
3926.90.48.00 |
Other articles of plastics: Other: Photo albums | Plastic-page albums, PVC-sleeve binders, plastic cover albums | โ Plastics |
๐ Key Reminder:
- Paper-based albums (even if they have metal rings or plastic pages) often fall under 4820 if the paper content is substantial. However, if the album is entirely plastic (plastic covers + plastic pockets), it goes to 3926. - Mixed Material: If the album is made of mixed materials, classify according to the material that gives the article its essential character. For most "photo albums" with plastic pages, customs may lean toward 3926.90.48.00 if the plastic components are dominant in function or volume. - Do Not Split: A single album containing both paper pages and plastic covers should be classified as one unit, not split into parts.
๐ฐ 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Surcharges)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: From 2025-11-10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
๐ฏ 1. 4820.50.00.00 โโ Albums for Samples or Collections (Paper-based)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | 0.0% (No 301 Section surcharge listed in data) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | 0.0% (No IEEPA surcharge listed in data) |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 0.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | โ Eligible (Low or zero duty facilitates de minimis entry if value < $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4820.50.00.00 |
๐ Explanation:
- This HS code enjoys a 0% total tariff rate. - There are no additional surcharges (0% base, 0% additional) for this specific classification in the provided data. - Result: Highly favorable for importers. Low cost, low risk.
๐ฏ 2. 3926.90.48.00 โโ Other Articles of Plastics: Photo Albums
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tax | 0.0% (No 301 Section surcharge listed in data) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | 0.0% (No IEEPA surcharge listed in data) |
| Total Tax Rate | 3.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 3.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption Eligibility | โ Eligible (Depending on total value, but duty applies if > $800) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.48.00 |
๐ Note:
- The base tariff is 3.4%. - Unlike many electronics or steel products, plastic albums do not appear to carry the 25% or 10% additional tariffs in the provided data. - Result: Moderate cost. Still very competitive compared to high-duty categories.
๐ ๏ธ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (ๅฎๆ้ฟๅๆๅ)
โ 1. Prepare Required Documents (็ผบไธไธๅฏ)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specification Sheet | โ๏ธ | Detail materials: % Paper vs. % Plastic. Specify if pages are paper or plastic sleeves. |
| โ Product Photos (Clear) | โ๏ธ | Show the entire album, open and closed. Highlight the binding and page material. |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Clearly state: "Photo Album, Plastic/Paper, for holding samples/collections." |
| โ Packing List | โ๏ธ | Include quantity, weight, and dimensions. |
| โ Material Composition Statement | โ๏ธ | Crucial for distinguishing between 4820 and 3926. |
โ 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Rules)
๐ฅ โMaterial Defines Code, Be Specific, Avoid Ambiguity!โ
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Page Album | 3926.90.48.00 "Plastic Photo Album with Clear Sleeves" |
Misdeclare as Paper โ Risk of audit/reclass |
| Paper/Board Album | 4820.50.00.00 "Cardboard Bound Photo Album" |
Misdeclare as Plastic โ Higher tax (3.4% vs 0%) |
| Mixed Material | Declare based on essential character | Split into multiple HS codes for one item โ Illegal |
| Generic "Album" | Avoid vague terms like "Stationery" | Use specific terms: "Photo Album," "Sample Album" |
โ 3. Special Cases Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Custom Branded Album | Provide logo authorization if brand is registered. Does not affect HS code. |
| Album with Metal Rings | If paper-based, still 4820. The metal is minor. |
| Album with Plastic Sleeves | If >50% of value/volume is plastic, use 3926.90.48.00. |
| Bulk Wholesale vs. Retail | HS code remains the same. Packaging type may affect value declaration. |
๐ 5. Global Main Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 4820.50.00.00 (Paper) 3926.90.48.00 (Plastic) |
0% (Paper) 3.4% (Plastic) |
None usually | Low duty, easy clearance |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 4820.10 (Paper) 3926.90 (Plastic) |
Varies (Often 0-4%) | CE (if plastic contains hazardous substances) | Check REACH compliance for plastics |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 4820.10 / 3926.90 |
0% (Most) | CCC (if plastic toys, but albums usually not) | Free trade agreements may apply |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 4820.10 / 3926.90 |
Varies | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
๐ Conclusion:
- USA offers the best tariff advantage for these items (0% for paper, 3.4% for plastic). - No major surcharges (like 301 or IEEPA) are indicated for these specific HS codes in the provided data. - Clarity on material is the most critical factor for compliance.
๐ 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
โ Error 1: Declaring a plastic-sleeve album as paper (4820) to get 0% tax.
๐ Consequence: Customs audit โ Reclassification to 3926.90.48.00 โ Back taxes + penalties.
โ Error 2: Using vague terms like "Stationery" without specifying.
๐ Consequence: Customs may assign a default higher rate or request additional info, delaying clearance.
โ Error 3: Ignoring material composition for mixed albums.
๐ Consequence: Incorrect HS code โ Risk of seizure or re-inspection.
โ Correct Practice:
"Photo Album, 10x10 inch, 100 Pages, Plastic Sleeves with Cardboard Cover, Model XYZ, for Displaying Samples"
๐ฏ 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Paper is Zero, Plastic is 3.4%."
๐น "Material Defines Code, Be Precise, Stay Compliant."
๐น "No Big Surcharges Here, Just Clear Paperwork."
๐ Pro Tip:
If you are importing large quantities, consider using Paper-based albums (4820.50.00.00) where possible to enjoy 0% duty. If plastic is required for durability, 3926.90.48.00 is still very competitive at 3.4% with no additional surcharges.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Contact your customs broker with product photos and material breakdown.
๐ Ensure your commercial invoice clearly states "Photo Album" and material type.
โจ Smooth clearance starts with accurate classification!
โจ Professional Clearance, Starts with Precise Classification!
๐ผ Your Every Cent Should Be Calculated Precisely!
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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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.