Stickers (120 pieces, white)
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4821904000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919102055 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4821902000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3919905060 | 40.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4811413000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π·οΈ Stickers (120 Pieces, White)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Labeling Products
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Stickers"?
Stickers, often referred to as labels in trade contexts, are self-adhesive items used for identification, branding, or informational purposes. In international trade, their classification hinges critically on two factors: Material Composition and Form/Usage.
Paper Labels (Adhesive Paper): Used for product packaging, shipping marks, or general branding.
Plastic/Film Labels (Synthetic Adhesives): Used for durability, weather resistance, or industrial applications.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the backing is paper-based and the adhesive is standard β Classified under Chapter 48 (Paper)
- If the backing is plastic/film-based (even if thin) β Classified under Chapter 39 (Plastics)
- The "120 pieces" quantity is irrelevant for HS classification but may affect packaging declaration.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material Inference | Total Tax Rate | Tax Composition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4821.90.40.00 |
Adhesive paper labels, other than printed | Paper or Paper-like Film | 35.0% | Base: 0% + Sec 301: 25% + 122 Clause: 10% |
3919.10.20.55 |
Self-adhesive plastic plates/sheets | Plastic/PVC/PET Film | 40.8% | Base: 5.8% + Sec 301: 25% + 122 Clause: 10% |
4821.90.20.00 |
Adhesive paper labels, classified as paper labels | Paper or Thin Film | 35.0% | Base: 0% + Sec 301: 25% + 122 Clause: 10% |
3919.90.50.60 |
Other self-adhesive plastic plates/sheets | Plastic or Paper-backed Plastic | 40.8% | Base: 5.8% + Sec 301: 25% + 122 Clause: 10% |
4811.41.30.00 |
Adhesive paper/cardboard in rolls/sheets | Paper/Cardboard with Adhesive | 35.0% | Base: 0% + Sec 301: 25% + 122 Clause: 10% |
π Focus Reminder:
- Paper-based stickers generally fall into the 35.0% total tax bracket (48xx.xx).
- Plastic-based stickers generally fall into the 40.8% total tax bracket (39xx.xx).
- The difference lies in the Base Tariff (0% vs 5.8%) and the specific material definition.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025+ (Current Trade Policy)
π― 1. Paper-Based Stickers (4821.90.40.00, 4821.90.20.00, 4811.41.30.00)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25% (USITC Footnote) |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific trade remedy or policy surcharge) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Generally denied for high-tariff goods from CN) |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:4821.90.40.00 β USITC:Sec301:25% β Policy:122:10% |
π Explanation:
- Base 0%: Paper labels are traditionally low-tariff goods.
- 301 (25%): Standard punitive tariff on Chinese manufactured goods.
- 122 Clause (10%): Additional surcharge applied to specific categories.
- Total 35%: A significant cost driver. Must be factored into FOB/CIF pricing.
π― 2. Plastic-Based Stickers (3919.10.20.55, 3919.90.50.60)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.8% (Ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25% (USITC Footnote) |
| Section 122 Clause Tariff | +10% (Specific trade remedy or policy surcharge) |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Path | HTSUS:3919.10.20.55 β USITC:Sec301:25% β Policy:122:10% |
π Note:
- Base 5.8%: Plastic products have a higher baseline duty.
- Total 40.8%: This is 5.8% higher than paper-based stickers.
- Risk: If customs classifies your "white stickers" as plastic film (even if thin), you pay more.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification | βοΈ | Must specify Material (Paper vs. Synthetic/Plastic/Film). "White" is not enough. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "Paper Label" OR "PET/PVC Plastic Label". |
| β Photos of Product | βοΈ | Show the adhesive backing, roll/sheet form, and thickness. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Self-Adhesive Paper Labels, White, 120pcs". Avoid vague terms like "Stickers". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Confirm quantity (120 pieces) and net weight. |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Strongly Recommended to avoid misclassification between Ch. 48 and 39. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ βMaterial is King: Paper is 35%, Plastic is 40.8%!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| White Paper Labels (Standard office/packaging) | 4821.90.40.00 or 4821.90.20.00 |
β Low Risk if material is clearly paper. |
| White Plastic/Film Labels (Waterproof/Industrial) | 3919.10.20.55 or 3919.90.50.60 |
β οΈ Higher tax (40.8%). Must prove plastic content. |
| Mixed Material (Paper with Plastic Window) | Likely 4821 or 3919 depending on essential character |
β High Risk of Audit. Seek Pre-Ruling. |
| Misdeclared as "Printed Paper" | 4823.xx (if printed) |
β οΈ Different tax rate. Ensure "Unprinted" vs "Printed" is clear. |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| "White" Stickers | Specify if they are blank (unprinted) or pre-printed. Blank paper labels often have lower base duties (0%) vs. printed. |
| Small Quantity (120 pcs) | Even in small quantities, the tariff rate applies. Do not assume de minimis exemption for China-origin goods. |
| Roll vs. Sheet | 4811.41.30.00 applies to rolls/sheets of adhesive paper. 4821.90.xx applies to cut labels. Ensure form matches description. |
| Adhesive Type | Standard pressure-sensitive adhesive is assumed. If itβs "repositionable" or "solvent-based", provide MSDS. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Estimated Tax (CN Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4821.90.40.00 (Paper) |
35.0% | High impact from 301 + 122 clauses. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3919.10.20.55 (Plastic) |
40.8% | Higher base tariff for plastic. |
| π¨π³ China | 4821.90.40.00 |
0% - 5% | Domestic trade, low/no tariff. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4821.10.00 |
0% | Generally free if under certain conditions. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4821.10.00 |
0% | Post-Brexit tariff likely 0%. |
π Conclusion:
- US Tariffs are the highest. The difference between Paper (35%) and Plastic (40.8%) is critical.
- EU/UK are more favorable, often 0% for paper labels.
- Strategy: If shipping to US, verify material strictly. If plastic, consider if paper alternative is feasible for cost savings.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring "Stickers" without specifying material.
π Consequence: Customs may assign the higher duty (40.8%) or demand manual inspection, delaying clearance.
β Mistake 2: Assuming "White" means "Unprinted" and thus lower tax.
π Consequence: Tax rate depends on material and adhesive form, not just printing status. However, unprinted paper labels (4821.90) often have 0% base duty, while printed might vary. Check HS details.
β Mistake 3: Misclassifying Plastic Film as Paper.
π Consequence: Audit, back-taxes, and penalties. If it tears like plastic, itβs Chapter 39.
β Mistake 4: Ignoring the "122 Clause" Surcharge.
π Consequence: Underestimating total landed cost. The 10% add-on is non-negotiable for many CN goods.
β Correct Practice:
"Self-Adhesive Labels, White, Unprinted, Paper Base, 120 Pieces per Pack, Model XYZ"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Paper is 35%, Plastic is 40.8%. Declare Material, Not Just 'Stickers'!"
πΉ "Base Duty + 301 (25%) + 122 (10%) = Total Landed Cost Impact."
πΉ "Small Quantities (120 pcs) Do Not Exempt You from High Tariffs!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your stickers are paper-based, aim for 4821.90.40.00 (0% base).
- If they are plastic, expect 3919.10.20.55 (5.8% base).
- Pre-ruling is highly advised to lock in the HS code and avoid surprises at US Customs.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your customs broker with product photos and material specs.
π Clarify "Paper vs. Plastic" in your commercial invoice.
π‘ Calculate Landed Cost using the correct 35.0% or 40.8% rate.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every 5.8% base duty difference counts in your profit margin!
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.