Postcards and Greeting Cards
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4909004000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911914040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4909002000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Postcards and Greeting Cards (Printed Cards for Greetings)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Greeting Cards"?
Postcards and greeting cards are essential items in global trade, used for personal greetings, messages, or announcements. In international trade, their classification depends primarily on form (postcard vs. folded card) and content (printed image vs. specific text/greeting).
Printed Postcards: Single-sheet cards, typically containing a message area and a stamp area, without folding. Greeting Cards (Folded): Folded cards containing personal greetings, messages, or announcements, often made of paper or cardboard.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is a simple printed image/design without specific "greeting" text or intended solely as a picture/photo β Classified under 4911 (Other printed matter).
- If it explicitly contains personal greetings, messages, or announcements β Classified under 4909 (Printed greeting cards).
- Material Assumption: Paper-based (standard for greeting cards).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Total Tax Rate (China Origin to US) | Tax Breakdown |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4909.00.40.00 |
Printed greeting cards, simple types | Basic printed cards with personal greetings | 10.0% | Base: 0% Add-on: 0% 122 Clause: 10% |
4911.91.40.40 |
Other printed matter: Pictures, designs, photos | Greeting cards that are essentially printed images/photos, not strictly "greeting" text | 17.5% | Base: 0% Add-on: 7.5% 122 Clause: 10% |
4911.99.80.00 |
Other printed matter: Miscellaneous | Generic printed cards not fitting other specific subheadings | 17.5% | Base: 0% Add-on: 7.5% 122 Clause: 10% |
4909.00.20.00 |
Printed greeting cards, other types | Standard folded greeting cards with personal messages | 17.5% | Base: 0% Add-on: 7.5% 122 Clause: 10% |
π Key Reminder:
-4909.00.40.00is the lowest tax option (10%) but is strictly for specific "simple" printed greeting cards.
-4911.91.40.40and4911.99.80.00are higher tax options (17.5%) for cards that are classified as "other printed matter" (e.g., purely decorative images).
-4909.00.20.00is another option for general greeting cards but incurs a higher rate (17.5%) due to the 7.5% add-on tariff.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges and Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025 November 10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4909.00.40.00 ββ Printed Greeting Cards (Simple Types)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Add-on Tariff | 0% (No Section 301 tariff applied to this specific subheading) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific clause for this category) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (High tax rate prevents de minimis exemption) |
| Legal Basis Path | 122 Clause: 10% β HS: 4909.00.40.00 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most favorable tariff rate among the options.
- The 10% total tariff consists solely of the "122 Clause" tariff.
- No Section 301 (USITC) add-on tariff is applied, making it significantly cheaper than other printed matter codes.
π― 2. 4911.91.40.40 ββ Other Printed Matter: Pictures, Designs, Photos
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Add-on Tariff | +7.5% (Section 301 Add-on) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA: Section 301 β 122 Clause: 10% β HS: 4911.91.40.40 |
π Note:
- This classification applies if the card is considered a "printed image" rather than a "greeting card" with specific text.
- The 7.5% add-on makes it significantly more expensive than4909.00.40.00.
π― 3. 4911.99.80.00 ββ Other Printed Matter: Miscellaneous
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Add-on Tariff | +7.5% (Section 301 Add-on) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA: Section 301 β 122 Clause: 10% β HS: 4911.99.80.00 |
π Note:
- Used for printed items that do not fit into more specific subheadings.
- Same tax rate as4911.91.40.40.
π― 4. 4909.00.20.00 ββ Printed Greeting Cards, Other Types
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Add-on Tariff | +7.5% (Section 301 Add-on) |
| 122 Clause Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA: Section 301 β 122 Clause: 10% β HS: 4909.00.20.00 |
π Note:
- Even though it is a "greeting card" (4909), this specific subheading incurs the 7.5% add-on tariff, resulting in a higher rate than4909.00.40.00.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Suggestions (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Include size, folding type, paper weight, printing technique |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing front, back, and inside (if folded). Must show if it contains "greetings" or just "images" |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Greeting Card" or "Printed Card with Personal Greetings" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Specify quantity, weight, and HS Code |
| β Content Description | βοΈ | If possible, provide sample text to prove it contains "personal greetings" for 4909.00.40.00 |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Greeting Text = 4909, Picture Only = 4911, Choose Right, Save 7.5%!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Card with "Happy Birthday", "Best Wishes" etc. | 4909.00.40.00 |
Misdeclare as 4911 β Higher tax (17.5%) |
| Card with only a picture (no specific greeting text) | 4911.91.40.40 |
Misdeclare as 4909 β Risk of reclassification & penalty |
| General Printed Card | 4911.99.80.00 |
Misdeclare as 4909 β Risk of reclassification |
| Folded vs. Single Sheet | 4909.00.20.00 (if not 40.00) |
Incorrect folding description β Misclassification |
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Cards | Provide design files and proof of "greeting" content to support 4909.00.40.00 |
| Cards with Embellishments (Glitter, 3D Elements) | Still classified as printed matter if paper-based; ensure no significant non-paper components |
| Digital/Printable Cards | Physical printed cards are subject to these tariffs; digital files are not |
| High-Value Luxury Cards | Still classified by content; luxury does not change HS code |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4909.00.40.00 |
10% | None (General) | Best rate for greeting cards |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4911.91.40.40 |
17.5% | None | Higher tax for printed images |
| π¨π³ China | 4909.00.40.00 |
~10-13% | None | Domestic tax structure differs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4909.00.00 |
0% | CE (if applicable) | No additional surcharges |
| π¬π§ UK | 4909.00.00 |
0% | UKCA (if applicable) | Post-Brexit tariffs vary |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most critical market for tariff optimization.
-4909.00.40.00is the only low-tax option (10%) for greeting cards.
- Misclassification as4911results in an additional 7.5% cost.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring all cards as 4911 (Other Printed Matter)
π Consequence: Pay 17.5% instead of 10% β Loss of 7.5% profit margin!
β Mistake 2: Declaring a picture-only card as 4909.00.40.00
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify as 4911 β Back taxes + Penalties + Delay!
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Greeting" content proof
π Consequence: Without evidence of "personal greetings," 4909.00.40.00 cannot be justified.
β Correct Action:
Ensure the card explicitly contains personalized text (e.g., "Happy Birthday," "Thank You") to qualify for
4909.00.40.00.
If it is purely artistic/image-based, use4911.91.40.40to avoid penalties.
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification, Maximize Profit!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Greeting Text = 10%, Picture Only = 17.5%, Choose Wisely, Save 7.5%!"
πΉ "HS Code is Key, Tax Difference is 7.5%, Misclassification Means Penalty!"
π Pro Tip:
If your greeting cards are printed in Vietnam, Mexico, or other non-China countries, you may be eligible for 0% tariffs under free trade agreements.
Consider pre-classification rulings with US Customs to ensure correct HS code assignment.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult with a professional customs broker + Provide product samples + Apply for HS Code Pre-ruling
π Ensure your greeting cards clear customs smoothly, maximize efficiency, and boost profits!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with precise classification!
πΌ Every cent of cost deserves accurate 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.