Product Display Album
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4820500000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926904800 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909987 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823904000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
📂 Product Display Album (Photo/Sample Albums)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Professional-Grade Entry Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Product Display Album"?
A Product Display Album (often referred to as Photo Albums, Sample Albums, or Scrapbooks in trade) is a stationery or plastic good used to store, display, or organize photographs, business cards, product samples, or documents. In international trade, classification depends heavily on the material and primary function:
1. Paper-Based Albums:
Made primarily of paper/paperboard, featuring binding mechanisms (spiral, ring, glue). Used for photos, stamps, or samples.
→ Typically classified under Chapter 48 (Paper/Paperboard).
2. Plastic-Based Albums:
Made of plastics (PVC, PP, PE) or other plastic materials. Often used for durable photo storage or sample holders.
→ Typically classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics and Articles Thereof).
⚠️ Key Distinction Point:
- If the album is primarily paper/board with plastic pockets → Chapter 48.
- If the album is primarily plastic (even if holding paper photos) → Chapter 39.
- Binding type does not change the chapter; Material does.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes and their corresponding descriptions:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
4820.50.00.00 |
Registers, account books, notebooks... albums for samples or for collections | Paper-based sample albums, photo albums for stamp collecting, standard paper scrapbooks | ✅ Paper/Paperboard |
4820.90.00.00 |
... Albums for samples or for collections and book covers... of paper or paperboard: Other | Paper albums not specifically listed in 4820.50, or paper book covers/jackets for albums | ✅ Paper/Paperboard |
4823.90.40.00 |
... Frames or mounts for photographic slides | Paper/cardboard mounts specifically for slide frames (not full albums) | ✅ Paper/Paperboard |
4823.90.86.80 |
... Other: Other: Other: Other | Miscellaneous paper stationery items, including specific paper-based display components not listed above | ✅ Paper/Paperboard |
3926.90.48.00 |
Other articles of plastics... Photo albums | Plastic-covered photo albums, PVC sample folders, durable plastic sample binders | ✅ Plastic/Other Materials |
3926.90.99.87 |
Other articles of plastics... Other Rigid tubes or pipes suitable for use as electrical conduit | ⛔ Note: This code is for electrical conduits, NOT albums. Exclude from use. | ✅ Plastic (Misclassified in common search) |
🔍 Important Reminder:
-3926.90.99.87is for electrical conduit pipes, NOT albums. Do not use this code for product display albums. -4820.50.00.00is the most common code for standard paper-based sample/photo albums. -3926.90.48.00is the correct code for plastic product display albums.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges, Policy Surcharges)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Time: 2025–2026 Period
🎯 1. 4820.50.00.00 —— Paper Product Display Album (Samples/Photos)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% (No additional IEEPA tariff listed in data) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ No (Not eligible for de minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4820.50.00.00 → FOOTNOTE:301-Surcharge |
📌 Explanation:
- Although the basic tariff is 0%, the 25% Section 301 surcharge applies to Chinese-origin paper stationery. - This is a standard high-tariff category for Chinese paper products.
🎯 2. 4820.90.00.00 —— Other Paper Albums/Book Covers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ No |
📌 Note:
- Same tax treatment as4820.50.00.00. - Applies to paper albums not specifically categorized under 4820.50.
🎯 3. 4823.90.40.00 —— Paper Frames/Mounts for Photographic Slides
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25% |
📌 Note:
- Applies only to slide mounts/frames, not full albums. - Still subject to 25% surcharge.
🎯 4. 4823.90.86.80 —— Other Paper Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 25% |
📌 Note:
- Catch-all category for paper items not listed elsewhere. - 25% surcharge applies.
🎯 5. 3926.90.48.00 —— Plastic Photo/Sample Albums
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 3.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 3.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.48.00 |
📌 Critical Insight:
- Plastic albums (3926.90.48.00) have a much lower tariff (3.4%) compared to paper albums (25%). - No Section 301 surcharge applies to this specific plastic category. - Cost Advantage: If you switch from paper to plastic albums, you can save ~21.6% in tariffs.
🎯 6. 3926.90.99.87 —— ❌ DO NOT USE FOR ALBUMS
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 5.3% |
| USITC Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 12.8% |
| Product | Rigid Tubes/Pipes for Electrical Conduit |
🚫 Warning:
- This code is for electrical conduit pipes, NOT albums. - Misclassification can lead to customs penalties, delays, or seizure.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (实战避坑指南)
✅ 1. Document Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Clear images showing material (paper vs. plastic), structure, and usage |
| ✅ Material Composition Certificate | ✔️ | Specify % of paper vs. plastic. Critical for Chapter 48 vs. 39 |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Clearly state "Photo Album" or "Sample Album" and material |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Show item weight, dimensions, and packaging type |
| ✅ Binding/Structure Diagram | ✔️ | If disputed, show whether it's paper-bound or plastic-molded |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
🔥 "Material Defines Chapter, Paper Pays 25, Plastic Pays 3.4!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Tariff Rate | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Album (Sample/Photo) | 4820.50.00.00 |
25% | If declared as plastic → Underpayment penalty |
| Plastic Album | 3926.90.48.00 |
3.4% | If declared as paper → Overpayment (waste of money) |
| Electrical Conduit Pipe | 3926.90.99.87 |
12.8% | ❌ Do NOT use for albums |
| Paper Slide Mount | 4823.90.40.00 |
25% | Specific use only |
✅ 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material Album (Paper cover + Plastic pages) | Classify based on essential character. If plastic pages dominate → 3926.90.48.00. If paper cover dominates → 4820.50.00.00. |
| OEM Custom Album | Provide design drawings. If custom plastic molding, emphasize plastic content. |
| Sample Album for Industrial Use | Same classification. Function does not override material classification. |
| Bulk Shipping | Ensure all packages are labeled consistently with HS Code on commercial invoice. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4820.50.00.00 (Paper) |
25% | None | High tariff due to Section 301 |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 3926.90.48.00 (Plastic) |
3.4% | None | Best option for cost saving |
| 🇨🇳 China | 4820.50.00.00 |
5% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower baseline tariff |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 4820.50.00.00 |
6.5% | CE | No US-style surcharges |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 4820.50.00.00 |
5% | RCM | Moderate tariff |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA imposes 25% on paper albums, but only 3.4% on plastic albums. - Recommendation: If possible, switch to plastic sample albums to save 21.6% in duties. - Paper albums are heavily taxed due to trade policies.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Mistake 1: Using 3926.90.99.87 for plastic albums
👉 Result: Customs rejects as "electrical conduit" → Delays, Fines, Return
❌ Mistake 2: Declaring plastic albums as 4820.50.00.00
👉 Result: Paying 25% instead of 3.4% → Loss of profit margin
❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring material composition
👉 Result: Customs reclassifies and issues additional duty bills
❌ Mistake 4: Using vague descriptions like "Office Supplies"
👉 Result: Increased scrutiny, higher chance of audit → Delays
✅ Correct Practice:
"Plastic Photo Album, PVC Material, 100 Pages, for Retail Display, Model XYZ"
OR
"Paper Sample Album, Cardboard Binding, for Stamp Collection, Model ABC"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Save Money!
🎯 Remember the Mnemonic:
🔹 "Plastic is Cheaper, Paper is Taxed! 3.4% vs. 25%, Choose Wisely!"
🔹 "HS Code Determines Cost, Misclassification Costs You Cash!"
📌 Tips:
- If your product is plastic, always declare as 3926.90.48.00.
- If your product is paper, declare as 4820.50.00.00.
- Never use 3926.90.99.87 for albums.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Consult with a customs broker + Provide material specs + Apply for Advance Ruling if unsure.
🚀 Let your product clear smoothly, save costs, and boost profits!
✨ Professional Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
💼 Every Dollar Saved Matters!
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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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.