Notepad
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8471300100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926100000 | 15.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820104000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8471809000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8471300100 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Notepad (Electronic vs. Paper)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Notepad"?
The term "Notepad" is ambiguous in international trade. It can refer to two completely different categories of goods: 1. Electronic Digital Notepads: Portable automatic data processing equipment with integrated keyboards and displays (e.g., tablet PCs, digital writing tablets). 2. Paper Stationery: Physical notebooks, journals, or pads made of paper or plastic materials.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If it contains a CPU, memory, and display β It is an Electronic Device (HS 8471).
- If it is purely paper/plastic with no electronic components β It is a Stationery Item (HS 3926 or 4820).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary / Logic | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
8471.30.01.00 |
Portable Automatic Data Processing Equipment | Matches form factor of portable ADP equipment; includes CPU, keyboard, and display. (e.g., Tablet PC, Digital Notepad) | 10.0% |
3926.10.00.00 |
Plastic Office/School Supplies | Matches office/school use; inferred material is plastic (e.g., Plastic-covered notepads, hardcover plastic notebooks). | 15.3% |
4820.10.40.00 |
Paper Stationery Articles | Matches stationery use; inferred material is paper (e.g., Standard paper notebooks, journals). | 10.0% |
8471.80.90.00 |
Other Automatic Data Processing Units | Matches ADP category; form factor is computer terminal. (Less likely for standard "notepad" unless it's a specialized terminal). | 35.0% |
π Key Reminder:
- Electronics dominate the "Smart Notepad" market. Most modern "electronic notepads" fall under 8471.30.01.00 because they are portable ADPs with built-in input (keyboard/touch) and output (display). - Paper/Plastic items are strictly non-electronic. Misdeclaring a paper notebook as electronics or vice versa will cause customs delays.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (Trade War Era Tariffs)
π― 1. 8471.30.01.00 β Portable Automatic Data Processing Equipment (Electronic Notepad)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| Legal Basis | HS:8471.30.01.00 β Section 122 Clause (10%) |
π Explanation:
- This HS code is for portable devices like tablets or digital notepads. - The base tariff is 0%, but due to Section 122 (often related to national security or specific trade actions), a 10% surcharge applies. - No Section 301 (25%) tariff is applied here, making it relatively cheaper than general electronics.
π― 2. 3926.10.00.00 β Other Articles of Plastic: Office/School Supplies
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 15.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 15.3% |
| Legal Basis | HS:3926.10.00.00 β Section 122 Clause (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Applies to plastic-bound notebooks or plastic stationery items. - The base rate is 5.3%, plus 10% Section 122, totaling 15.3%. - Higher than electronic notepads due to the base rate.
π― 3. 4820.10.40.00 β Registers, Account Books, Notebooks, etc. (Paper)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| Legal Basis | HS:4820.10.40.00 β Section 122 Clause (10%) |
π Explanation:
- Applies to traditional paper notebooks. - Same total rate as electronic notepads (10%), but the structure is different: 0% base + 10% Section 122.
π― 4. 8471.80.90.00 β Other Units for Automatic Data Processing Machines
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| Legal Basis | HS:8471.80.90.00 β Section 301 (25%) + Section 122 (10%) |
π Explanation:
- This is the most expensive category. - Applies if the device is considered a "terminal" or peripheral not directly classified as a portable ADP. - Avoid this classification for standard notepads unless necessary.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Electronic" vs. "Paper/Plastic". List components (e.g., "LCD Screen," "Paper Pages"). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the product from all angles. For electronics, show ports/keyboard. For paper, show texture/packaging. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe accurately: "Digital Notepad with LCD & Keyboard" vs. "Paper Notebook". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List contents clearly. Do not mix electronic components with paper items in one package without separate line items. |
| β FCC/CE Certification (for Electronics) | βοΈ | Mandatory for 8471 codes. No FCC ID = Entry Refusal. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Electronics Need FCC, Paper Needs Material Detail, Don't Mix Them!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect HS Code | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPad-like Digital Notepad | 8471.30.01.00 (10%) |
4820.10.40.00 (10%) |
FCC Violation! Goods held/destroyed. |
| Standard Paper Notebook | 4820.10.40.00 (10%) |
8471.30.01.00 (10%) |
Over-declaration. May trigger audit. |
| Plastic Cover Notebook | 3926.10.00.00 (15.3%) |
8471.30.01.00 (10%) |
Under-declaration. Penalty + Back Taxes! |
| Specialized Terminal | 8471.80.90.00 (35%) |
8471.30.01.00 (10%) |
35% Tax vs 10% Tax. Significant cost increase. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Devices (Pen + Paper) | If it scans pen strokes to a chip, it is Electronic (8471). Requires FCC. |
| Plain Paper with Plastic Cover | Classify under 3926.10.00.00 (Plastic articles) or 4820.10.40.00 (Paper) depending on primary material. Usually, if the cover is dominant, 3926 may apply, but often 4820 is used for books/notebooks. Check with broker. |
| OEM Custom Digital Notepads | Provide user manual showing "Writing on Screen" functionality to justify 8471. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8471.30.01.00 |
10% | Requires FCC. Section 122 applies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8471.30.01.00 |
0% | No Section 122. No extra tariffs. |
| π¨π³ China | 8471.30.01.00 |
0% | Import duty 0%. VAT 13% applies. |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 8471.30.01.00 |
0% | CUSMA free trade (if originating). |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the only market with significant additional tariffs (Section 122). - Electronic notepads (10%) are cheaper than plastic stationery (15.3%) in the US due to base rate differences. - Paper notebooks (10%) are competitive but require accurate material declaration.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls
β Error 1: Declaring a Digital Notepad as "Paper Notebook" (4820) to avoid FCC.
π Result: Customs inspection reveals electronics. Seizure + Fine.
β Error 2: Declaring a Plastic-Covered Notebook as "Paper" (4820) when it's predominantly plastic.
π Result: Underpayment of tax (10% vs 15.3%). Back taxes + Interest.
β Error 3: Using 8471.80.90.00 for a standard tablet-like notepad.
π Result: Paying 35% tax instead of 10%. Unnecessary Cost.
β Error 4: Missing FCC ID on electronic notepads.
π Result: Entry Refusal at US border. Cannot clear customs without FCC certification.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Digital Notepad, Model X, with LCD Display, Stylus Input, and Internal Battery. Electronic ADP Device. FCC ID: XYZ123."
HS Code:8471.30.01.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Accurate Classification Saves Money
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Digital Needs FCC, Paper Needs Material, Plastic Adds Cost, Terminal Costs More!"
πΉ "10% for Digital & Paper, 15.3% for Plastic, 35% for Terminals. Choose Wisely!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting electronic notepads to the US, ensure your FCC ID is valid and printed on the device.
For paper/plastic notepads, clearly state "Made of Paper" or "Made of Plastic" on the commercial invoice to avoid misclassification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker before shipment.
π Prepare FCC documents for electronic goods.
πΈ Take clear photos of the product and packaging.
π Clear customs smoothly, save costs, and boost your profit margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point matters in international trade!
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.