Reading Bookmark
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7117909000 | 28.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911914040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Reading Bookmark (Bookmarks)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Smart Importers
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know Your "Bookmark"?
A "Reading Bookmark" is a general term for an accessory used to mark a place in a book. However, in international trade, material and function dictate the HS Code. Misclassification can lead to severe tax discrepancies.
We categorize bookmarks into two main types based on :
A. Imitation Jewelry (Non-Precious Metals/Plastic/Paper)
Items made of metal, plastic, or paper that are designed to look like jewelry (rings, pendants, chains) but are technically bookmarks.
π Key Distinction: Decorative, non-precious, jewelry-like appearance.
B. Printed/Paper Products
Traditional paper, cardstock, or printed fabric bookmarks.
π Key Distinction: Primarily defined by the printing/design process, not structural metal/plastic components.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the bookmark is made of non-precious metal/plastic and resembles jewelry β 7117.90.90.00 (High Tax).
- If the bookmark is paper/cardstock with printing/design β 4911.91.40.40 or 4911.99.80.00 (Lower Tax).
- Do not mix materials in one declaration without justification; customs may separate them.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material/Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
7117.90.90.00 |
Imitation Jewelry Bookmarks | Non-precious Metal, Plastic, or Paper | Jewelry-style (pendants, rings, chains) |
4911.91.40.40 |
Printed/Paper Bookmarks | Paper/Cardstock/Printed Material | Primary purpose is printing/design |
4911.99.80.00 |
Other Printed Paper Products | Paper/Cardstock (No material conflict) | General paper bookmarks, no specific print category |
π Important Note:
- 7117.90.90.00 applies to non-precious metal items (e.g., brass, aluminum, stainless steel) shaped like jewelry.
- 4911.91.40.40 and 4911.99.80.00 apply to paper-based items. The difference lies in the specific printing/design classification (4911.91 vs. 4911.99).
- If a bookmark combines metal and paper, customs may inspect the primary value or essential character. If it looks like jewelry, it likely falls under 7117.
π° 3. Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Analysis)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN) (Implied by "122" and "Section 301" style tariffs)
β Effective Date: Current 2026 Tariff Structure
π― 1. 7117.90.90.00 ββ Imitation Jewelry Bookmarks
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 11.0% |
| Retaliatory Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 301 goods are generally excluded) |
π Explanation:
- Base 11.0%: Standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate for imitation jewelry.
- 7.5% Section 301: Additional tariff on Chinese goods under trade dispute provisions.
- 10% Section 122: Additional tariff on national security grounds (specific to certain imports).
- Total 28.5% is significantly high compared to paper products.
π― 2. 4911.91.40.40 ββ Printed/Paper Bookmarks
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Retaliatory Tariff (Section 301) | +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 (Section 301 applies) |
π Note:
- Base 0.0%: Paper products often have low base tariffs.
- Total 17.5% is 11% lower than imitation jewelry bookmarks.
- This highlights the importance of accurate material classification.
π― 3. 4911.99.80.00 ββ Other Printed Paper Products
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Retaliatory Tariff (Section 301) | +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 |
π Comparison:
- Same tax rate as4911.91.40.40.
- Use this code if the bookmark doesn't fit the specific "printed design" category of 4911.91 but is still paper-based.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Detail material (metal vs. paper), weight, dimensions |
| β Material Composition | βοΈ | Specify if metal is non-precious (e.g., zinc alloy, brass) |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show design (jewelry-style vs. flat paper) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clear description: "Paper Bookmark" or "Metal Imitation Jewelry Bookmark" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Separate items if materials differ |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Material is King: Metal/Jewelry = 28.5%, Paper = 17.5%"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Metal bookmark shaped like a ring/pendant | 7117.90.90.00 |
Classified as imitation jewelry |
| Plastic bookmark with jewelry charm | 7117.90.90.00 |
Non-precious metal/plastic jewelry-style |
| Plain paper bookmark | 4911.99.80.00 |
General paper product |
| Printed paper bookmark with design | 4911.91.40.40 |
Specific printed design category |
β οΈ Warning:
- If you declare a metal bookmark as "paper," customs will seize it for misdeclaration.
- If you declare a paper bookmark as "imitation jewelry," you will overpay tax unnecessarily.
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Bookmarks (Paper + Metal Charm) | Declare based on essential character. If metal charm dominates value/appearance, use 7117.90.90.00. If paper dominates, use 4911 series. |
| Set of Bookmarks | If sold as a set, declare the main item or split by material if possible. |
| Custom Designs | Provide design files to justify "printed product" classification if paper-based. |
π 5. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls
β Mistake 1: Calling all bookmarks "Bookmarks" without specifying material.
π Result: Customs may assign the highest default rate (28.5%) for uncertainty.
Fix: Specify "Paper Bookmark" or "Metal Imitation Jewelry Bookmark."
β Mistake 2: Declaring metal bookmarks as "Printing Products" to save tax.
π Result: Customs audit, penalty, and back taxes.
Fix: Use correct HS Code 7117.90.90.00.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff.
π Result: Underpaying 10% of tax.
Fix: Include 122 tariff in cost calculations.
β Correct Practice:
"100% Paper Printed Bookmark, A5 Size, Design: Literary Quote" β
4911.91.40.40
"Zinc Alloy Imitation Jewelry Bookmark, Ring Shape, Rhodium Plated" β7117.90.90.00
π― 6. Conclusion: Smart Classification Saves Money!
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Paper/Printed Bookmarks: 17.5% Total Tax (0% Base + 7.5% + 10%)
πΉ Metal/Plastic Jewelry Bookmarks: 28.5% Total Tax (11% Base + 7.5% + 10%)
πΉ Difference: 11% savings by correctly classifying paper products!
π Recommendation:
- For paper bookmarks, emphasize "printed design" and "paper material" in documentation.
- For metal/plastic bookmarks, accept the higher rate but ensure accurate description to avoid penalties.
- Consider pre-ruling with Customs if the product is hybrid (paper + metal).
π£ Action Plan:
π Contact a Customs Broker to verify material classification.
π Prepare Detailed Specs highlighting material and design.
π‘ Optimize Packaging: If possible, separate metal and paper items in different shipments to simplify classification.
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Save 11% on your import costs by choosing the right HS Code!
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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) 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.