Poster Board
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4901990093 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4905906000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911912020 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911914020 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4901100040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΌοΈ Poster Board (ζ΅·ζ₯/ζ΅·ζ₯ζΏ)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Poster Board"?
"Poster Board" (commonly referred to as Posters in international trade) is a printed visual medium used for advertising, art display, or information dissemination. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on specific usage, physical format, and material composition. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) distinguishes between general printed matter, specific charts, and dedicated poster categories.
β οΈ Key Classification Point:
- If it is a general printed sheet without specific chart features β Classified under 4901 or 4905.
- If it is explicitly defined as a "Poster" (paper/cardboard based) β Classified under 4911.
- Material Constraint: Most classifications assume paper/cardboard material unless specified otherwise.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the five potential HS Codes for "Poster Board" and their specific rationales:
| HS Code | Product Description | Rationale for Classification | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
4901.99.00.93 |
General Printed Matter (Posters as Printed Products) | Posters are printed products fitting the definition of books, brochures, etc. Form matches printed product characteristics. No material conflict. | 17.5% |
4905.90.60.00 |
Printed Maps, Charts, or Similar Graphs | Posters fall under "similar graphs/charts" within printed maps/water maps. Form and usage match printed product attributes. No material conflict. | 17.5% |
4911.91.20.20 |
Posters (Specific Category) | Product name "Poster" matches classification term "Poster" exactly. Common sense infers paper/cardboard material. Matches form and usage requirements. | 10.0% |
4911.91.40.20 |
Posters (Direct Fit) | Product name "Poster" directly fits the specific category "Poster". Usage and form are completely consistent. | 17.5% |
4901.10.00.40 |
Single-Page Printed Items (Brochures, Pamphlets) | Posters are single-page printed items, fitting "printed books, booklets, leaflets, and similar printed matter". Inferred paper material, no conflict. | 17.5% |
π Critical Analysis:
-4911.91.20.20offers the lowest tax rate (10%) and is the most precise fit if the item is explicitly identified as a "Poster" on paper/cardboard.
-4911.91.40.20is also for "Posters" but carries a higher tax rate (17.5%), likely due to different sub-category nuances or regulatory footnotes.
-4901and4905codes are broader categories for printed materials. If the "Poster" does not strictly meet the "Poster" definition in 4911, it may default here, but at a higher cost (17.5%).
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025 November 10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4901.99.00.93 β General Printed Matter (Poster as Print)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Deny De Minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% β HS: 4901.99.00.93 |
π Explanation:
- The 7.5% is the standard Section 301 surcharge for Chinese goods in this category.
- The 10% is a specific "Section 122" tariff, often applied to specific goods under emergency trade powers.
- Total 17.5% is significantly higher than the optimal 4911 classification.
π― 2. 4905.90.60.00 β Printed Maps/Charts (Poster as Chart)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% β HS: 4905.90.60.00 |
π Note:
- Same tax structure as 4901. If the poster is more of a "map/chart" in function, this applies, but cost remains high.
π― 3. 4911.91.20.20 β Posters (Optimal Classification)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Typically, Section 122 applies regardless) |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 122: 10% β HS: 4911.91.20.20 |
π Advantage:
- No Section 301 Surtax! This is the key advantage.
- Only 10% total duty, which is 7.5% cheaper than other classifications.
- Requires strict adherence to the "Poster" definition (paper/cardboard, specific usage).
π― 4. 4911.91.40.20 β Posters (Alternative 4911)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% β HS: 4911.91.40.20 |
π Warning:
- Although it is in Chapter 4911 (Posters), it attracts the Section 301 surcharge. This may be due to a specific sub-category rule or exclusion. Verify with CBP if this is a mistake or intentional.
π― 5. 4901.10.00.40 β Single-Page Printed Items
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | 10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% β HS: 4901.10.00.40 |
π Note:
- Similar to 4901.99.00.93. If the poster is a single sheet, it might fit here, but cost is high.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (All Documents Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Description | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Poster" or "Printed Poster". Avoid vague terms like "Sign" or "Display". |
| β Material Specification | βοΈ | Confirm paper/cardboard material. If non-paper (e.g., vinyl, plastic), classification changes completely (not covered in this data). |
| β Usage Declaration | βοΈ | State intended use: Advertising, Art, Information. |
| β Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the item as a flat printed sheet. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate value, unit price, and HS Code. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Quantity and weight details. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Poster on Paper, Use 4911.20, Save 7.5% Every Ton!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Paper Poster | 4911.91.20.20 |
Misdeclared as 4901 β +7.5% Extra Tax |
| Vinyl/Plastic Poster | Not Covered | Declared as 4911 β Seizure/Fines |
| Framed Poster | Likely Not 4911 | Declared as 4911 β Reclassification Risk |
| Digital Screen Display | Not 4911 | Declared as 4911 β Major Error |
β 3. Special Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Posters | Provide design files and proof to prove it is a "printed product" and not a "manufactured good". |
| Mixed Shipments | Ensure posters are separated from other goods if different HS codes apply. |
| High-Value Posters | Consider Advance Ruling from CBP to lock in the 10% rate. |
π 5. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4911.91.20.20 |
10% | None | Best Option. Avoid 4901/4905 (17.5%). |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4901.99.00.93 |
17.5% | None | Higher cost due to Section 301. |
| π¨π³ China | 4911.91.20.20 |
~5-10% | None | Domestic trade rules apply. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4911.91 |
0% | CE (if applicable) | Generally duty-free for printed matter. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4911.91 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules may vary. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to Section 301 and Section 122 tariffs.
- Optimizing for4911.91.20.20saves 7.5% in duty compared to generic printed matter classifications.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Misdeclaring "Poster" as "Sign" or "Display Board"
π Consequence: Might be classified under plastics or metals, leading to higher duties or different regulatory requirements.
β Error 2: Using 4911.91.40.20 when 4911.91.20.20 is applicable
π Consequence: Paying 7.5% extra in Section 301 surtax unnecessarily.
β Error 3: Assuming all "Posters" qualify for 4911
π Consequence: If material is not paper/cardboard (e.g., fabric, vinyl), classification will be rejected, causing delays and penalties.
β Correct Approach:
"Poster, Printed on Paper, Size 24x36 inches, Artistic Design, Model XYZ"
π― 7. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Poster on Paper, Aim for 4911.20, Cut 7.5% Off the Top!"
πΉ "Wrong Code Costs 17.5%, Right Code Costs 10%, Don't Leave Money on the Table!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your poster is made of non-paper material (e.g., vinyl banner), this data does not apply. You must check Chapter 39 or 46.
- For USA imports, always verify the latest Section 122 and Section 301 lists before shipment.
- Consider applying for a CBP Advance Ruling to secure the 10% rate for 4911.91.20.20.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a licensed customs broker
π Provide material specs and product photos
π Optimize your HS Code to4911.91.20.20for maximum savings!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every Percent 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.