Scratch Art Paper
CN โ US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9503000071 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911996000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911911500 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
๐จ Scratch Art Paper (ๅฎ็ป็บธ)
๐ HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Creative Goods
๐ I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is "Scratch Art Paper"?
Scratch Art Paper, known as "Scratch Board" or "Revealing Paper" in artistic supplies, is a specialized creative medium. It consists of a paper base coated with a layer of black or colored ink/paraffin. When scratched with a tool, the underlying colorful layer is revealed.
In international trade, its classification is complex because it straddles the line between printing materials, paper products, and educational toys. The correct HS Code depends on whether it is classified by its material composition, its printing nature, or its functional use.
โ ๏ธ Key Classification Dilemma:
- Is it Paper (48xx) because of its base?
- Is it Printed Matter (49xx) because of the coating/layering?
- Is it a Toy/Educational Tool (95xx) because of how itโs used?
๐ฆ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the five potential classifications for Scratch Art Paper imported into the United States.
| HS Code | Product Description | Rationale for Classification | Estimated Total Tax Rate* |
|---|---|---|---|
4911.99.60.00 |
Other Printed Matter | Classified as printed products based on paper material and printing/coating processes. It is seen as a finished printed good rather than raw paper. | 17.5% |
4911.91.15.00 |
Other Printed Pictures/Designs | Classified as printed images/design products. Inferred as printed paper-based material featuring artistic layouts. | 17.5% |
4823.90.86.80 |
Other Articles of Paper | Classified as paper products by form. It is a paper article cut into specific shapes (e.g., postcards, sheets). Focuses on the physical paper aspect. | 35.0% |
9503.00.00.90 |
Other Toys/Models (Not Elsewhere Specified) | Classified as stationery/art supplies/toys. Fits under "other" categories not explicitly listed, often used as teaching aids or artistic toys. | 10.0% |
9503.00.00.71 |
Puzzles, Models & Entertainment Consumables | Classified as consumable media for puzzles/models. Specifically identified as paper-based artistic toys/educational aids. | 10.0% |
๐ Critical Insight:
- The Tax Rate Gap is massive: 10% (Toys) vs. 35% (Paper).
- Classification as 9503 (Toys/Educational) is the most cost-effective strategy.
- Classification as 4823 (Paper) is the highest cost risk.
๐ฐ III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed)
โ Applicable Country: United States (US)
โ Origin: China (CN)
โ Effective Date: Post-2025 policies (including Section 301 and IEEPA)
๐ฏ Scenario A: The "Toy/Educational" Route (Most Favorable)
HS Codes: 9503.00.00.90 OR 9503.00.00.71
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Duty (USITC) | 0.0% (Most Chapter 95 toys enjoy exemptions or low rates depending on specific sub-heading nuances, but data shows 0% for these specific codes) |
| IEEPA Duty (122 Clause) | 10% (Specificly applied to Chinese-origin goods under this clause) |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | โ Not Applicable for Landed Cost Savings: Even though 10% is low, it is a tariff. For shipments under $800, duty is $0, but for commercial shipments, this applies. |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 (if applicable) โ USITC:9503.00.00 |
๐ Explanation:
- This classification leverages the "Educational/Toy" duty exemption structure.
- The 10% comes purely from the IEEPA (122 Clause) add-on for Chinese goods.
- Savings: Compared to 35%, this saves 25 percentage points. On a $10,000 shipment, thatโs $2,500 saved.
๐ฏ Scenario B: The "Printed Matter" Route (Moderate Cost)
HS Codes: 4911.99.60.00 OR 4911.91.15.00
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Duty (USITC) | 7.5% (Standard Section 301 add-on for certain Chinese paper/print goods) |
| IEEPA Duty (122 Clause) | 10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 17.5% |
| Legal Path | USITC:4911.91 โ IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
๐ Explanation:
- Customs may view the black coating as a "printing process," pushing it into Chapter 49.
- The 7.5% Section 301 rate applies here, unlike the 0% in Chapter 95.
- Risk: Higher than Toy classification; lower than Paper classification.
๐ฏ Scenario C: The "Paper Product" Route (Highest Cost - AVOID)
HS Code: 4823.90.86.80
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Duty (USITC) | 25.0% (Full Section 301 rate for most Chinese paper products) |
| IEEPA Duty (122 Clause) | 10% |
| Total Effective Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value ร 35% |
| Legal Path | USITC:4823.90 โ IEEPA:9903.01.24 |
๐ Explanation:
- If Customs ignores the "artistic/educational" aspect and sees only "paper cut into shapes," it falls under Chapter 48.
- 25% is the standard high penalty rate for Chinese paper goods.
- Avoid this classification if possible. It adds 2.5x the cost of the Toy classification.
๐ ๏ธ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
โ 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| โ Product Specifications | โ๏ธ | Must clearly state: "Scratch Art Paper," "Coated Paper for Artistic Use," "Educational Toy." |
| โ Photos | โ๏ธ | Show the process: A scratch tool revealing color underneath. Prove itโs for creation, not just writing. |
| โ Usage Description | โ๏ธ | "Used by children/adults for artistic expression and educational purposes." |
| โ Commercial Invoice | โ๏ธ | Description should NOT just say "Paper." Use "Art Toy Material" or "Educational Scratch Board." |
| โ HS Code Justification | โ๏ธ | Submit a brief note explaining why it qualifies under 9503 (Toy/Educational) vs. 4823 (Paper). |
โ 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
๐ฅ โFunction over Form: Declare as Toy, Not Just Paper!โ
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk Sheets | "Scratch Art Paper Sheets for Educational Toy Kits" | "Paper Sheets, Coated" | Risk of 4823 (35%) or 4911 (17.5%) |
| Pre-cut Shapes | "Paper Puzzle Pieces/Art Toy Consumables" | "Paper Cutouts" | Risk of 4823 (35%) |
| Kit with Tools | "Art Toy Set (Scratch Paper + Stylus)" | "Stationery Set" | Must be grouped under 9503 to maintain 10% rate |
โ 3. Special Handling for "Scratch Art"
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipments | If shipping with pencils/styluses, declare as a single toy kit. Avoid separating paper from tools. |
| Customs Inquiry | If asked why itโs not paper: Emphasize the coating is removed during use (consumable for art), making it an "artistic process" like play-dough, not static paper. |
| Pre-Ruling | โ
Strongly Recommended: Apply for an Advance Ruling (ACE) with CBP for HS Code 9503.00.00.90 or .71. This locks in the 10% rate and prevents future disputes. |
๐ V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Context)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Est. Total Rate | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐บ๐ธ USA | 9503.00.00.90 |
10% | Best Option. IEEPA adds 10%, but 0% base/301. |
| ๐จ๐ณ China | 4911.99.00.00 |
~13% | Import duty varies; educational supplies may have exemptions. |
| ๐ช๐บ EU | 9503.00.00 |
0% - 4% | VAT applies (19-27%). No Section 301 equivalent. |
| ๐ฌ๐ง UK | 9503.00.00 |
4% + VAT | Post-Brexit tariffs. |
| ๐ฆ๐บ Australia | 9503.00.00 |
5% + GST | Lower than US tariffs on base duty. |
๐ Conclusion:
The US market is the most sensitive to HS Code selection due to Section 301 and IEEPA.
Choosing 9503 (Toys) saves 25% compared to paper classification.
๐ VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
โ Mistake 1: Declaring as "Printing Paper" or "Paper Products"
๐ Result: Landed at 35% or 17.5%.
๐ Fix: Always highlight the educational/artistic function and coating removal.
โ Mistake 2: Using vague terms like "Art Supplies" without HS context
๐ Result: Customs may default to 4823 (Paper) as a catch-all.
๐ Fix: Be specific: "Scratch Board Toy" or "Educational Art Consumable."
โ Mistake 3: Ignoring the IEEPA 122 Clause
๐ Result: Underestimating costs. Even for Toys, 10% is due.
๐ Fix: Factor 10% into your margin calculation, even if base duty is 0%.
โ Correct Approach:
"HS Code: 9503.00.00.90. Product: Scratch Art Paper (Educational Toy Consumable). Origin: China. Tariff: 10% (IEEPA). No Section 301."
๐ฏ VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Maximize Profit!
๐ฏ Remember the Mantra:
๐น "Coating Removed = Toy, Not Paper."
๐น "9503 saves 25% vs 4823."
๐น "IEEPA 10% is fixed, but Section 301 is avoidable."
๐ Pro Tip:
If your Scratch Art Paper includes instructional booklets or stylus tools, declare as a "Toy Set" under 9503.00.00.71 ("Puzzles/Models/Entertainment"). This reinforces the "Toy" classification and may attract even stricter scrutiny if not documented well, but 9503.00.00.90 is generally safer for pure "art supplies" that act as toys.
๐ฃ Immediate Action:
๐ Apply for an Advance Ruling with CBP for HS Code
9503.00.00.90.
๐ธ Prepare Photos showing the scratch process.
๐ Update Commercial Invoices to use "Educational Art Toy" language.
โจ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
๐ผ Every Percent Saved is Pure Profit!
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) โ Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) โ More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) โ Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) โ 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 โ The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate โ Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties โ 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.