Sticker
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4811413000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102055 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π·οΈ Stickers (Adhesive Labels & Decals)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Sticker"?
In international trade, "Stickers" are not a single unified product but rather a category of adhesive materials used for labeling, decoration, or identification. The HS Code depends heavily on the substrate (material) and the structure (self-adhesive nature).
Common interpretations include: Paper-Based Stickers: Made of paper coated with adhesive. Often classified under Chapter 48 (Paper products). Plastic/Polymer-Based Stickers: Made of PVC, PET, or other plastics. Often classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If the base material is Paper β Likely 4811.41.30.00
- If the base material is Plastic/Film β Likely 3919.10.20.55 or 3919.90.50.60
- Note: Many traders misclassify plastic stickers as paper products to seek lower taxes, leading to customs audits.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Base Material Inference |
|---|---|---|---|
4811.41.30.00 |
Self-adhesive paper or paperboard, in rolls of a width exceeding 30 cm, other than printing or writing paper | Paper-based stickers, decorative labels, packaging labels | β Paper/Paperboard |
3919.10.20.55 |
Self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, in rolls of a width not exceeding 20 cm, whether or not in rectangular shapes with cut edges or in simple squares or rectangles, other than those of subheading 3919.10.00.00 | Plastic stickers (e.g., PVC/PET), small roll decals, die-cut plastic stickers | β Plastic (β€20cm width) |
3919.90.50.60 |
Other self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics | Large roll plastic stickers, non-standard shapes, industrial plastic adhesive films | β Plastic (Other) |
π Key Reminder:
- Material Conflict Check: Customs will inspect the material. If a "paper sticker" is actually coated PET, it must be classified under 3919. - "Other" Category: For plastic stickers, if they don't fit the specific "β€20cm" rule or have special properties, they fall under 3919.90.50.60.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4811.41.30.00 ββ Self-Adhesive Paper/Paperboard
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4811.41.30.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- While the base tariff for paper products is 0%, the 25% Section 301 tariff applies to most Chinese-origin goods. - An additional 10% IEEPA tariff (often referred to as Section 122 or similar emergency powers) applies to China-origin goods. - Total 35% is significantly higher than the base rate. This is a high-cost classification for high-volume sticker imports.
π― 2. 3919.10.20.55 ββ Self-Adhesive Plastic Sheets/Film (β€20cm)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.8% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3919.10.20.55 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Explanation:
- Plastic stickers have a base duty of 5.8%. - The 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% IEEPA tariff are still applied. - Total 40.8% is the highest among the listed options due to the base rate.
π― 3. 3919.90.50.60 ββ Other Self-Adhesive Plastic Products
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.8% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10.0% |
| Total Duty Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3919.90.50.60 β FOOTNOTE:301 |
π Explanation:
- Similar to the previous plastic category, this covers "other" plastic self-adhesive items. - Total 40.8% applies. The base rate is 5.8%, plus the two surcharges.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (No Exceptions)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state Base Material (Paper vs. PVC/PET) and Adhesive Type. |
| β Material Composition Certificate | βοΈ | Third-party lab report proving whether it is paper or plastic. Crucial for HS Code determination. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing texture, cross-section (if possible), and packaging. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe product accurately: e.g., "Self-Adhesive Paper Label" vs. "PVC Sticker". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Dimensions and weight per roll. Width is critical for distinguishing between 3919.10 and 3919.90. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ βMaterial is King, Width is Queen, Adhesive is the Heart!β
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Sticker Roll | 4811.41.30.00Description: "Self-adhesive paper roll, width >30cm" |
Calling it "Plastic Sticker" β Overpaying by 5.8% base |
| Plastic Sticker Roll (β€20cm) | 3919.10.20.55Description: "Self-adhesive plastic film, width β€20cm" |
Calling it "Other Plastic" β Wrong subheading |
| Plastic Sticker Roll (>20cm) | 3919.90.50.60Description: "Self-adhesive plastic film, width >20cm" |
Calling it "Paper Sticker" β Customs Penalty Risk |
| Die-Cut Stickers (Loose) | Check if still on backing paper. If yes, still Chapter 48 or 39. | Declaring as "Ready-made Goods" without HS specificity |
π Critical Note:
- Width Matters: For plastic stickers, widths β€20cm fall under3919.10, while others fall under3919.90. - Material Proof: If customs suspects your "paper sticker" is actually plastic (common with glossy PVC), they will demand a lab test. Failing this can lead to reclassification and penalties.
β 3. Special Handling Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material Stickers | If the sticker has a plastic top layer and paper backing, customs may classify it by the primary material or the characteristic essential material. Provide detailed layer analysis. |
| Pre-Printed vs. Blank | Pre-printed stickers still follow the material rule. Printing does not change the HS Code from 4811/3919 to a chapter on printed matter (unless specifically exempt). |
| Small Samples | Even small samples are subject to duties. Do not rely on "free sample" claims to bypass HS Code rules. |
π V. Global Main Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4811.41.30.00 (Paper) or 3919.10.20.55 (Plastic) |
35% (Paper) / 40.8% (Plastic) | None specific, but HS accuracy is key | High tariffs due to 301 & IEEPA |
| π¨π³ China | 4811.41.30.00 or 3919.10.20.55 |
~5-10% | CCC (if applicable) | Lower base duties, no Section 301 |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4811.41 or 3919.10 |
~4-6% | CE (if applicable) | No Section 301 equivalent, but VAT applies |
| π¬π§ UK | 4811.41 or 3919.10 |
~4-6% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most expensive market for stickers due to the combination of base tariffs and political surcharges (301 + IEEPA). - Paper stickers (35%) are cheaper than Plastic stickers (40.8%) in the US market. - Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) if sticker volumes are high to avoid US surcharges.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling plastic stickers "Paper Stickers" to avoid 5.8% base duty.
π Consequence: Customs audit, penalty, and potential seizure. Lab tests will prove it's plastic.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the 20cm width rule for plastic stickers.
π Consequence: Wrong HS Code (3919.90 vs 3919.10). While the total tax is similar, incorrect declaration can lead to fines.
β Mistake 3: Assuming "De Minimis" applies.
π Consequence: No De Minimis for China-origin stickers. Even a single sticker is taxable.
β Mistake 4: Vague descriptions like "Stickers" or "Labels".
π Consequence: Customs may choose the highest duty rate or require re-declaration.
β Correct Practice:
"Self-Adhesive Paper Labels, 100% Paper Base, Width 40cm, Roll Form, No Printing"
OR
"Self-Adhesive PVC Decals, 100% Plastic Film, Width 15cm, Die-Cut"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Cost Control, Risk Reduction
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Paper is Cheaper (35%), Plastic is Expensive (40.8%), Material is Critical!"
πΉ "No De Minimis, No Excuses, Accurate HS Code Saves Thousands!"
π Pro Tip:
If your stickers are made in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you can avoid the 25% Section 301 tariff and potentially the 10% IEEPA tariff.
π Action: Apply for a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling) from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to confirm the HS Code and duty liability before shipment.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide Material Composition Report + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Clear your stickers through US Customs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Precise Classification!
πΌ Every cent of your cost deserves to be calculated precisely!
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.