Stamp
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4907000000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820104000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911914040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4907000000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π―οΈ Stamps (Postal Stamps, Revenue Stamps & Accessories)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Stamps"?
Stamps are not just "pieces of paper with pictures." In international trade, they are strictly divided into functional value-bearing items (Postage/Revenue Stamps) and paper-based packaging/accessories (Stamp Albums/Envelopes). The distinction determines whether you pay a 17.5% tax or a punishing 35.0% tax.
Postage/Revenue Stamps (4907.00.00.00): Original stamps, fiscal stamps, or similar revenue stamps issued by a postal or fiscal authority. They possess inherent monetary or fiscal value.
Stamp Accessories/Envelopes (4911.x.x.x.x, 4820.10.40.00): Paper envelopes, booklets, or folders designed to hold stamps. These are classified based on their nature as "printed matter" or "paper stationery."
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the item is the stamp itself (has value/frankings) β Go to 4907.00.00.00
- If the item is the container/packaging for the stamp:
- General printed matter β 4911.99.80.00 / 4911.91.40.40 (17.5%)
- Paper stationery/office supplies β 4820.10.40.00 (35.0%)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Total Tax Rate | Tax Structure Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4907.00.00.00 |
Postage stamps; revenue stamps; fiscal stamps; similar items | Original postage stamps, fiscal stamps, commemorative stamp sheets | 17.5% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
4911.99.80.00 |
Other printed matter (Stamp Envelopes as general prints) | Generic stamp envelopes, standard printed sleeves | 17.5% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
4820.10.40.00 |
Letter pads, note pads, and other stationery of paper or paperboard | Stamp albums, stamp folders classified as office stationery | 35.0% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 25.0%, Section 122: 10% |
4911.91.40.40 |
Other printed matter (Picture, design, photograph) | Decorative stamp envelopes with high-quality images/designs | 17.5% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
4907.00.00.00 |
Stamp envelopes as accessory items for stamps | Envelopes specifically designed as part of the stamp product line | 17.5% | Base: 0%, Section 301: 7.5%, Section 122: 10% |
π Key Reminder:
- Misclassification Risk: Many importers mistakenly classify stamp albums/albums as "Stationery" (4820) instead of "Printed Matter" (4911). This can lead to an extra 17.5% tax burden (35% vs 17.5%). - Definition of Stamp: Only items with official fiscal/postal value fall under4907. Blank or decorative covers are4911or4820.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes, Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: November 10, 2025 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4907.00.00.00 ββ Stamps (Postage/Fiscal)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% (From USITC Footnote associated with Section 301) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% (Targeting Chinese products under specific trade provisions) |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High risk of scrutiny for low-value items) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4907.00.00.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Explanation:
- The base tariff is 0%, but due to current US-China trade policies, two surcharges apply. - Section 301 (7.5%): Standard retaliatory tariff on many Chinese goods. - Section 122 (10%): Additional tariff under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, often applied to specific categories to protect domestic interests or address trade imbalances. - Total 17.5% is considered a moderate-to-high tariff for paper products.
π― 2. 4911.99.80.00 & 4911.91.40.40 ββ Stamp Envelopes as Printed Matter
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4911.x.x.x.x β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Note:
- These codes treat stamp envelopes as general printed matter. - The tax rate is identical to the stamps themselves (17.5%). - This is the preferred classification for most stamp accessories to avoid the higher stationery tax.
π― 3. 4820.10.40.00 ββ Stamp Albums as Stationery (High Risk)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% (Higher surcharge level) |
| Section 122 Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4820.10.40.00 β Section 301 β Section 122 |
π Critical Warning:
- If Customs classifies your stamp album as "Stationery/Office Supplies" rather than "Printed Matter," the tax doubles from 17.5% to 35.0%. - This is due to the higher Section 301 rate applied to certain paper stationery categories. - Avoid this classification unless the item is clearly a notebook or notepad, not a collectible album.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Nothing is Optional)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specs | βοΈ | Detail: Is it a stamp (valued) or an envelope (container)? |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear shots of front, back, and any text/value markings. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Postage Stamp" or "Stamp Envelope (Printed Matter)" NOT just "Paper Goods". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Separate line items for Stamps vs. Envelopes/Albums if mixed. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | For US-China trade compliance. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Stamps are prints, not stationery; Envelopes follow the print rate!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Original Postage Stamps | HS: 4907.00.00.00Name: "Postage Stamps" |
"Paper" β Ambiguous, high audit risk. |
| Decorative Stamp Envelopes | HS: 4911.99.80.00Name: "Printed Envelopes for Stamps" |
"Stationery" β 35% Tax! |
| Stamp Albums (Collectibles) | HS: 4911.99.80.00Name: "Stamp Album (Printed Matter)" |
"Book/Notebook" β 35% Tax! |
| Blank Paper Envelopes | HS: 4820.10.40.00Name: "Paper Envelopes" |
Correct, but pay 35%. Consider if they can be marketed as "printed with logo" to use 4911. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Shipment (Stamps + Albums) | Split the declaration! Declare Stamps under 4907 (17.5%) and Albums under 4911 (17.5%). Do NOT bundle them as "Stationery Kit" (35%). |
| Customized Stamp Envelopes | If the envelope has a custom design/logo, it qualifies as "Printed Matter" (4911), NOT generic stationery. Provide design proofs. |
| Fiscal Stamps (Revenue) | Must provide proof of issuance by a government authority to qualify for 4907. Otherwise, they are just printed paper. |
| Commemorative Sheets | If they are official postage stamps, use 4907. If they are just paper souvenirs, use 4911. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4907.00.00.00 / 4911.x.x.x.x |
17.5% | None specific | High scrutiny on Section 122. Avoid 4820 (35%). |
| π¨π³ China | 4907.00.00.00 |
8% | None | Standard import tax. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4907.00.00 |
6.5% | None | Standard MFN rate. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4907.00.00 |
6.5% | None | Post-Brexit alignment with EU. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4907.00.00 |
5% | None | Low tariff, but GST applies. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most complex market due to the dual surcharge structure (301 + 122). - The 17.5% rate is stable for stamps and printed envelopes. - Avoid the 35.0% trap by ensuring stamp albums/envelopes are classified as Printed Matter (4911), not Stationery (4820).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying Stamp Albums as "Books" or "Notebooks"
π Consequence: HS Code 4820.10.40.00 β 35% Tax (vs 17.5%).
π Fix: Use HS 4911.99.80.00 as "Printed Matter."
β Error 2: Declaring "Printed Paper Envelopes" as "Stationery"
π Consequence: High duty burden (35%).
π Fix: Emphasize the "Printed" nature (designs, stamps imagery) to fit 4911.
β Error 3: Mixing Official Stamps with Souvenirs without separation
π Consequence: Customs may classify the entire shipment as the highest-rated item or audit all.
π Fix: Clear segregation in the commercial invoice.
β Correct Practice:
"Postage Stamp Sheets (Official Issuance) AND Printed Envelopes with Stamp Designs (HS 4911)"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Stamps are 17.5%, Envelopes are 17.5% if Printed!"
πΉ "Stationery is 35%βDon't put albums in paper bags!"
πΉ "Section 122 + 301 = 17.5% for Paper Products from China!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large quantities of stamp albums, ensure your supplier provides design files to prove they are "Printed Matter" (4911) rather than generic "Stationery" (4820). This can save you 17.5% on the total value!
π£ Act Now:
π Engage a licensed customs broker + Provide product specs + Confirm HS Code
4911vs4820
π Clear your stamps smoothly, avoid the 35% tax trap, and maximize your profit margin!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Counts 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.