Scratch Stickers

🎨 Scratch Stickers (Scratch-Off Stickers / Scratch Cards)

🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Updated Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
📌 One, Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are Scratch Stickers?

Scratch stickers — also known as scratch-off stickers, scratch cards, or scratch-and-win labels — are interactive paper-based or plastic-coated decorative items designed for fun, promotional, or reward purposes. They typically feature a scratchable layer (usually a metallic or opaque coating) that reveals hidden content (e.g., messages, codes, prizes, images) when scraped off.

These are widely used in: - Gaming & entertainment (e.g., scratch lottery cards) - Marketing & promotions (e.g., product packaging with hidden discounts) - Children’s toys & educational kits - Event giveaways & branded merchandise

⚠️ Key Classification Rule:
- If the sticker is purely decorative or functional with no electronic function, and not part of a toy or game, it falls under paper-based articles. - If it contains interactive elements (e.g., embedded chips, digital codes), it may be classified differently — but based on your data, these are non-electronic, paper-based scratch stickers.

📦 Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Updated Tariff Authority)

🔍 Critical Insight:
- The material (paper vs. plastic), intended use (toy vs. decoration), and target age group determine the correct HS code. - Coated paper stickers → 4823.90.67.00
- Plain paper stickers → 4823.90.86.80
- For children under 3 → 9503.00.00.71
- For children 3–12 → 9503.00.00.73
- Used in photo albums → 3926.90.48.00
- Ornamental use (non-toy) → 3926.40.00.90

💰 Three, 2026 Updated Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)

✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and onward)

🎯 1. 4823.90.86.80 — Plain Paper Scratch Stickers (No Coating)

📌 Explanation:
- Despite being plain paper, this item is subject to 25% Section 301 tariff due to its classification under "other paper articles" from China. - No additional IEEPA tax applies here — only the USITC 25%.

🎯 2. 4823.90.67.00 — Coated Paper Scratch Stickers (Scratchable Layer)

📌 Note:
- The presence of a scratchable coating does not change the tariff — it remains 25%. - This is because both codes fall under Section 301 list for paper-based articles from China.

🎯 3. 9503.00.00.73 — Scratch Stickers for Children Aged 3–12

📌 Critical Advantage:
- If clearly labeled or declared as intended for children 3–12, this item avoids all Section 301 tariffs. - No additional 25% tax — 0% total duty. - De minimis applies — ideal for small shipments.

🎯 4. 9503.00.00.71 — Scratch Stickers for Children Under 3

📌 Same as above:
- No Section 301 tariff applies. - 0% total tax. - Must be labeled or declared as intended for under-3s. - Also subject to CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act): lead, phthalates, choking hazard testing.

🎯 5. 3926.90.48.00 — Scratch Stickers Used in Photo Albums

📌 Key Point:
- If used in photo albums, it's classified under plastic articles, but no additional tariffs apply. - 0% total duty — great for promotional or creative products.

🎯 6. 3926.40.00.90 — Ornamental Scratch Stickers (Decorative Use)

📌 Important:
- This is the only code with a base duty (5.3%) — due to its plastic ornamental nature. - No Section 301 tariff, but 5.3% standard duty applies. - Not eligible for de minimis — must pay full tax.

🛠️ Four, Customs Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips to Avoid Penalties)

✅ 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have Checklist)

✅ 2. Smart申报 Strategies (Pro Tips)

🔥 “Label It Right, Pay Nothing!”

📌 Golden Rule:
- If it's for kids, label it → 0% tariff. - If it's decorative, use 3926.40.00.90 → 5.3% duty. - If it's plain paper, 25% tariff applies — no escape.

✅ 3. Special Cases & Risk Mitigation

🌍 Five, Global Market Tariff Comparison (2026)

📌 Insight:
- US is the only market with 25% tariff on plain paper scratch stickers from China. - Labeling for children is the only way to avoid it.

📌 Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Avoid Costly Errors)

❌ Mistake 1: Not labeling stickers as “For Ages 3–12”
👉 Result: Taxed at 25% instead of 0% → extra $250 per $1,000 shipment

❌ Mistake 2: Using 4823.90.86.80 for a children’s product
👉 Result: No de minimis, no exemption — 25% tax applied

❌ Mistake 3: Merging adult and child stickers in one shipment
👉 Result: Customs may reclassify all items → 25% tax on entire batch

❌ Mistake 4: Failing to provide proof of age labeling
👉 Result: Audit, penalties, or seizure

✅ Correct Approach:

✅ Use clear, visible labeling
✅ Separate shipments by age group
✅ Declare intent on invoice: “Intended for children aged 3–12”
✅ Keep records of labeling and test reports

🎯 Seven, Conclusion: Smart Classification = Big Savings!

🎯 Remember the Rule:

🔹 "Label it for kids → 0% tariff.
No label → 25% tariff.
Plastic ornamental → 5.3%.
Use in album → 0%."

📌 Pro Tip:

If you’re shipping large volumes to the US from China, consider: - Relabeling stickers as “for children 3–12” - Transshipping via Vietnam or Mexico (to avoid 301 tariffs) - Applying for Advance Ruling (Pre-Review) to lock in HS code and tariff

📣 Take Action Now:

📞 Contact a customs broker + provide product photos + request HS Code pre-ruling
🚀 Save thousands in tariffs, avoid delays, and ship with confidence!

✨ Smart Importing Starts with Smart Classification!
💼 Your next shipment could save you 25% — just by labeling correctly!