Party Cards
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9504400000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911914040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911100080 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823903100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9504909080 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Party Cards (Game Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Party Cards"?
Party Cards are typically printed paper or paperboard products designed for social games, entertainment, or advertising purposes. They are distinct from gambling chips or electronic game components. In international trade, their classification depends strictly on their primary function and physical form:
- Game Components (Playing Cards): If the items are standard playing cards used for card games (poker, bridge, etc.), they fall under video game consoles/table games chapters.
- Printed Matter/Advertising: If the items are trivia cards, instruction cards, promotional leaflets, or trade catalogs, they fall under printed matter chapters.
- Punch Cards: If they are specifically punched cards for data processing (legacy systems), they have a specific subheading.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If the card is a game piece (used in pinball, table games, or card games) β HS 9504.
- If the card is purely printed information (ads, catalogs, non-game instructions) β HS 4911.
- If the card is a data storage medium (punch cards) β HS 4823.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the relevant HS Codes and their specific descriptions:
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (China Origin to US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9504.40.00.00 | Playing Cards | Standard playing cards for poker, bridge, or party card games. | 0.0% |
| 9504.90.90.80 | Other Video Game/Table Game Accessories | Accessories for pinball, billiards, casino tables, or other amusement machines. | 7.5% |
| 4911.10.00.80 | Trade Advertising Material | Commercial catalogs, trade advertising materials, brochures. | 7.5% |
| 4911.91.40.40 | Other Printed Matter (Pictures/Photos) | Printed pictures, designs, and photographs (not over 20 years old). | 7.5% |
| 4823.90.31.00 | Punch Cards for Punch-Card Machines | Cards not punched for punch-card machines (whether or not in strips). | 25.0% |
| 4823.90.80.00 | Other Paper Articles (Gaskets/Seals) | Gaskets, washers, and other seals made of paper/paperboard. | 25.0% |
π Key Note for Party Cards:
- Most "Party Cards" (e.g., trivia games, social icebreaker cards) are often misclassified.
- If they are used for playing a game, they MUST be declared as Playing Cards (9504.40.00.00) to enjoy the 0% tariff.
- If declared as "printed matter" or "advertising," they will be taxed at 7.5% unnecessarily.
- Do NOT use 4823.90.31.00 unless you are actually importing legacy punch cards for data processing.
- Do NOT use 4823.90.80.00 unless the cards are actually industrial gaskets/washers (which is rare for "party cards").
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025/2026 Tariff Structure
π― 1. 9504.40.00.00 ββ Playing Cards (Optimal for Game Party Cards)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Yes (Subject to current de minimis rules) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9504.40.00.00 |
π Explanation:
- Playing cards are classified under Chapter 95 (Toys, Games, and Sports requisites).
- Crucially, playing cards are currently exempt from the high additional tariffs that apply to many other Chinese goods.
- This makes 9504.40.00.00 the most cost-effective classification for party card games.
π― 2. 4911.10.00.80 / 4911.91.40.40 ββ Printed Matter / Advertising (If Misclassified or Non-Game)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 7.5% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | 0.0% (Assumed based on provided data showing 7.5% total) |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Generally, goods with >7.5% tariff may face scrutiny, but check specific de minimis thresholds) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4911.10.00.80 |
π Note:
- If your "Party Cards" are essentially advertisements or instruction manuals without a game component, they fall here.
- This incurs a 7.5% extra cost compared to the 0% rate for game cards.
π― 3. 4823.90.31.00 ββ Punch Cards (Legacy/Specific Use Only)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4823.90.31.00 |
π Warning:
- Do NOT use this HS Code for standard party cards. It is for punch cards for machines. Misclassification leads to 25% tariff and potential penalties.
π― 4. 4823.90.80.00 ββ Paper Gaskets/Seals (Industrial Use Only)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 25.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:4823.90.80.00 |
π Warning:
- This HS Code is for industrial seals/gaskets. Using this for party cards is a major misclassification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Document Checklist (Essential for Clearance)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Clearly state "Party Game Cards," "Playing Cards," or "Trivia Cards." |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the cards, packaging, and any game components (shuffling, deck, etc.). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code (e.g., "Playing Cards for Party Games"). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail the number of decks, weight, and dimensions. |
| β Game Rules/Instructions | βοΈ | Helpful to prove the item is for play (supports 9504.40.00.00). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Game for Play = 9504 (0%) | Print for Ads = 4911 (7.5%) | Punch/Data = 4823 (25%)"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tax Rate | Wrong Code & Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Party Trivia Game Cards | 9504.40.00.00 |
0.0% | Declaring as 4911.10.00.80 β 7.5% overpayment |
| Poker/Bridge Cards | 9504.40.00.00 |
0.0% | Declaring as 9504.90.90.80 β 7.5% overpayment |
| Promotional Brochures | 4911.10.00.80 |
7.5% | Declaring as 9504.40.00.00 β Risk of penalty (if no game function) |
| Data Punch Cards | 4823.90.31.00 |
25.0% | Declaring as 9504.40.00.00 β Major fraud risk |
β 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "Party Cards" with Board Game Elements | If the cards are part of a board game (e.g., Monopoly cards), the entire set may be classified under 9504.90.90.80 (7.5%) depending on the primary nature. However, playing cards themselves are 9504.40.00.00 (0%). Consult a customs broker for mixed sets. |
| Digital/QR Code Cards | If the cards primarily contain QR codes linking to digital content, they may still be 9504.40.00.00 if the primary purpose is physical play. |
| Advertising Flyers | If the "cards" are just thin promotional flyers for a product, they are 4911.10.00.80 (7.5%). Do not call them "games" to avoid scrutiny. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9504.40.00.00 |
0.0% | Best for game cards. Avoid 4911/4823. |
| π¨π³ China | 9504.40.00.00 |
~5-10% | Import tariff varies. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9504.20.00 |
0% | Free trade for playing cards in many cases. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9504.20.00 |
0% | Similar to EU. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9504.20.00 |
0% | Low tariff for playing cards. |
π Conclusion:
- The USA is favorable for Playing Cards (9504.40.00.00) with 0% tariff.
- Printing Matter (4911) incurs 7.5% extra cost.
- Industrial/Data Cards (4823) incur 25% extra cost.
- Always declare Party Cards as "Playing Cards" if they are used for gaming.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling "Trivia Cards" as "Advertising Material"
π Consequence: Taxed at 7.5% instead of 0%.
π Solution: If there are rules, scores, or game play, declare as Playing Cards (9504.40.00.00).
β Mistake 2: Using "Punch Cards" HS Code for Paper Cards
π Consequence: Taxed at 25%, and customs may flag for misclassification.
π Solution: Only use 4823.90.31.00 for actual punch cards for machines.
β Mistake 3: Declaring "Party Cards" as "Other Printed Matter"
π Consequence: Taxed at 7.5%.
π Solution: Use 9504.40.00.00 for game cards.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Playing Cards, Paper, for Party Games, Trivia, and Social Activities. Model: PartyFun123. HS Code: 9504.40.00.00."
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Money, Smooth Clearance!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Game Cards = 9504 (0%) | Ads = 4911 (7.5%) | Punch = 4823 (25%)"
πΉ "HS Code Determines Cost: 0% vs 7.5% is a Big Difference!"
π Pro Tip:
If your party cards are part of a larger game set (e.g., board game with cards), consult a customs broker. Sometimes the entire set is classified under 9504.90.90.80 (7.5%) if the board game is the primary feature. However, standalone playing cards are 0%.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling if unsure.
π Ensure your party cards clear customs smoothly, efficiently, and at the lowest possible cost!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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.