Star Paste
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4821904000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102055 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Star Paste (Self-Adhesive Star Stickers)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Are "Star Paste"?
"Star Paste" refers to self-adhesive labels or stickers cut into star shapes. In international trade, these items are classified based on their substrate material (what the sticker is made of) and their intended use (whether they are sold as toys, office supplies, or general labeling).
1. Paper-Based Stars: Made from paper or coated paper.
2. Plastic-Based Stars: Made from plastic film, vinyl, or adhesive tape materials.
3. Toy/Stationery Accessories: Stickers sold specifically as part of a toy set, craft kit, or stationery bundle.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If made of paper/coated paper β Look at Chapter 48 (Paper).
- If made of plastic/adhesive film β Look at Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- If marketed/sold as a toy or craft accessory β Look at Chapter 95 (Toys).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material Type |
|---|---|---|---|
4821.90.20.00 |
Self-adhesive labels of paper or paperboard, other than those of subheading 4821.10 | General paper star stickers, craft paper | β Paper / Coated Paper |
4821.90.40.00 |
Other self-adhesive labels of paper or paperboard, or of paper or paperboard covered with paper | Paper or film-backed paper labels | β Paper / Film-Paper |
3919.90.50.60 |
Other plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip, of plastics | Flat plastic star stickers, vinyl decals | β Plastic (Non-adhesive tape specific) |
3919.10.20.55 |
Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, and strip, of plastics | Plastic or gelatinous film self-adhesive stars | β Plastic (Self-adhesive film) |
9503.00.00.90 |
Other toys; reduced-size ("scale") models and similar recreational models | Star stickers sold as toy accessories or stationery sets | β Paper or Plastic (as accessory) |
π Key Reminder:
- Material dictates the chapter: Paper goes to 48, Plastic goes to 39.
- Usage dictates the exception: If the primary character is "Toy," it may go to 95, significantly lowering taxes.
- Do not mix: Do not declare plastic stickers as paper to avoid penalties.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes, Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Current Trade War Context)
π― 1. 4821.90.20.00 & 4821.90.40.00 ββ Paper-Based Star Stickers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff (Add-on) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High duty rate excludes it from $800 exemption) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4821.90.20.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- Paper products often have a 0% base duty, but the Section 301 (25%) and Section 122 (10%) add-ons apply.
- Total: 35%. This is a high-cost category for paper goods from China.
π― 2. 3919.90.50.60 & 3919.10.20.55 ββ Plastic-Based Star Stickers
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 5.8% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff (Add-on) | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3919.xx.xx.xx β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Note:
- Plastic stickers have a 5.8% base duty.
- Adding 25% + 10% results in a Total of 40.8%.
- This is the highest tax bracket among the options. Avoid if possible.
π― 3. 9503.00.00.90 ββ Star Stickers as Toy/Stationery Accessories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Basic Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff (Add-on) | 0.0% (Exempt/Not Applicable) |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Duty > 3% or specific exclusion rules apply, but significantly lower than others) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9503.00.00.90 β IEEPA:122 |
π Key Advantage:
- Toys and certain stationery accessories often enjoy 0% base duty and exemption from Section 301 tariffs.
- Only the Section 122 (10%) applies.
- Total: 10%. This is the most cost-effective classification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential for Smooth Clearance)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material composition (Paper % vs Plastic %), Adhesive type |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing the star shape, backing paper, and any packaging |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe item as "Star Stickers" or "Decorative Labels" |
| β Usage Description | βοΈ | If claiming Toy Status (9503), state "Sold as part of craft kit" or "Children's toy accessory" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Weight and quantity details |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantras)
π₯ βMaterial Defines Chapter, Usage Defines Tax! βToyβ Saves 30%!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Risk of Wrong Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Stickers | 3919.10.20.55 (40.8%) |
High cost. Ensure material is correctly identified as plastic. |
| Paper Stickers | 4821.90.20.00 (35.0%) |
Moderate cost. Ensure it is not mislabeled as plastic. |
| Star Stickers sold with Toys | 9503.00.00.90 (10.0%) |
Savings Alert! If declared as general labels, you pay 35-40%. If declared as toy accessories, you pay 10%. |
| Mixed Packaging (Paper + Plastic) | Declare by predominant value/material | Split declaration may trigger audits. |
π Critical Tip:
To use HS Code9503.00.00.90(10% tax), the goods must truly be toys or craft accessories.
- β Good: "Kids' Craft Kit with Star Stickers"
- β Bad: "Bulk Paper Star Labels for Warehouse Use" (This must be 4821/3919).
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Stars | Provide design proof. If designed for children, emphasize "Toy/Craft" nature. |
| Mixed Materials | If a sticker has a paper face and plastic backing, classify by the essential character (usually the face material). |
| Small Quantity Samples | If value <$800, check if de minimis applies (Note: High duties may still be collected depending on current enforcement). |
| Packaging as Toy Set | If stickers are bundled with crayons, glue, or other toys, declare the entire set under 9503 to leverage the lower tax rate. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9503.00.00.90 |
10% (If Toy) | CPSC (If toy) | Best Option: Use 9503 if applicable. Avoid 3919 (40.8%). |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4821.90.20.00 |
35% (Paper) | None | Common for office supplies. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3919.10.20.55 |
40.8% (Plastic) | None | Highest tax burden. |
| πͺπΊ EU | Varies | 0-6% | CE (If toy) | EU tariffs are generally lower; Section 301/122 do not apply. |
| π¨π³ China | Varies | 5-12% | None | Import duty varies by material. |
π Conclusion:
- USA Market: Classification is critical. Saving 30% is possible by correctly declaring as Toy/Craft Accessory (9503) rather than generic labels.
- Material Matters: Plastic is more expensive to import than Paper due to higher base duties + same add-ons.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
β Error 1: Declaring Plastic Star Stickers as Paper to avoid base duty.
π Consequence: Customs inspection reveals plastic content β Penalty + Back Taxes + Potential Seizure.
β Error 2: Declaring General Office Paper Stickers as "Toys" (9503).
π Consequence: Customs rejects "Toy" classification because there is no play value β Audit + Fine for Misdeclaration.
β Error 3: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff.
π Consequence: All Chinese-origin goods are subject to the 10% IEEPA tax. Failure to declare leads to customs holds.
β Correct Practice:
"Self-Adhesive Star Decals, Paper Substrate, for Office Labeling" β 4821.90.20.00
"Children's Craft Sticker Set, Including Star Shapes, Paper" β 9503.00.00.90
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Maximum Profit!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Paper 35, Plastic 40, Toy 10! Choose wisely!"
πΉ "Material defines HS, Usage defines Tax. Misdeclare = Big Loss."
π Pro Tip:
If you sell star stickers alongside other toys, bundle them. Declare the entire set as a Toy/Craft Product (9503.00.00.90) to enjoy the 10% tariff instead of 35-40%.
For pure office supplies, stick to 4821.90.20.00 (35%). Avoid Plastic (3919) unless necessary, as it is the most expensive.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your freight forwarder + Provide Product Photos + Confirm End-Use (Toy vs. Office)
π Optimize your HS Code, Slash your Costs, Clear Customs Faster!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Saved is Pure Profit!
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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.