Sticky Note and Envelope Set
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4817300000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911996000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4817100000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Sticky Note and Envelope Set
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Stationery Sets"?
A Sticky Note and Envelope Set is a composite item consisting of paper-based stationery components. In international trade, the classification hinges on the primary material (paper/cardboard) and the nature of the product (printed vs. manufactured packaging).
There are two distinct classification paths depending on whether the focus is on the printed content (Sticky Notes) or the container/packaging (Envelopes/Boxes).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the set is viewed primarily as printed paper goods (stamps, labels, printed notes) βε½ε ₯ 4911 (Other Printed Matter).
- If the set is viewed primarily as paper packaging/artifacts (boxes, bags, wallets, or manufactured paper goods) β ε½ε ₯ 4817 (Paper Artifacts).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Material Core Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
4911.99.80.00 |
Other printed matter, not elsewhere specified or included | Sticky notes, printed inserts, generic "other printed products" | β Printed Paper |
4911.99.60.00 |
Other printed matter (specific sub-category for general printed items) | Stamps, labels, or other paper products with printed design | β Printed Paper |
4817.30.00.00 |
Paper or cardboard articles, including address cards and similar articles of paper or paperboard, of a kind used for office, business or administrative purposes | Sets comprising paper stationery accessories, bags, or wallets | β Paper Artifact/Office Supply |
4817.10.00.00 |
Boxes, bags, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper orηΊΈζΏ, containing a set of paper stationery | Specific "Writing Compendiums" or boxed sets of paper stationery | β Paper Packaging/Set |
π Critical Reminder:
- If the sticky notes are merely decorative or informational and the envelope is the main container, Customs may view this as a paper artifact set (4817).
- If the value is driven by the printing/content of the sticky notes, it falls under printed matter (4911).
- Do not mix these classifications in one shipment if they trigger different tariff rates significantly.
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: Post-2025 (Current Trade War Context)
π― 1. 4911.99.80.00 ββ Other Printed Matter (Sticky Notes Focus)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% (Section 301 / Add-on Tariff) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (Targeting China/HK products, effective from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Denied (deny_de_minimis) due to IEEPA Section 301/122 provisions |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4911.99.80.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 7.5% is the standard Section 301 add-on for general printed goods not under higher penalty lists.
- The 10% is the specific IEEPA surcharge for Chinese-origin goods.
- Total 17.5% is moderate but eliminates the $800 de minimis exemption for single shipments, meaning duties must be paid on the entire value.
π― 2. 4911.99.60.00 ββ Other Printed Matter (Specific Sub-category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Denied |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4911.99.60.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Identical tax burden to4911.99.80.00.
- Suitable for generic printed stationery items where specific "other printed matter" categorization is preferred.
π― 3. 4817.30.00.00 ββ Paper Artifacts / Stationery Sets (Envelope/Bag Focus)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Higher penalty category for paper artifacts/packaging) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Denied |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4817.30.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This classification treats the set as a paper artifact or packaging item (e.g., a box containing stationery).
- The 25% surcharge is significantly higher than the 7.5% for printed matter, reflecting stricter penalties on manufactured paper goods/packaging from China.
π― 4. 4817.10.00.00 ββ Boxes, Bags, Wallets with Stationery Sets (Packaging Focus)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Denied |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4817.10.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Applies if the product is explicitly sold as a "Writing Compendium" or boxed set where the container is the primary feature.
- High tariff risk: 35% is double the rate of the "Printed Matter" classification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Non-negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Composition List | βοΈ | Must detail: # of Sticky Notes, # of Envelopes, Paper Weight (GSM), Printing Type. |
| β High-Res Photos | βοΈ | Show the set together. Is it a box? A bag? Just loose items? |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe item accurately: "Set of 10 Printed Sticky Notes and 10 Envelopes" vs "Paper Stationery Box Set". |
| β Origin Certificate | βοΈ | Critical for US Customs to apply/verify IEEPA/301 surcharges. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Content is Printed, Container is Paper; Choose wisely, save money!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose Sticky Notes + Envelopes (No fancy box) | 4911.99.80.00 |
Primary value is in the printed paper (sticky notes). | Reporting as 4817 β 35% Tax (Overpayment) |
| Boxed/Set Gift Pack (Packaging is key) | 4817.30.00.00 |
The product is a paper artifact/set. | Reporting as 4911 β Possible Customs Rejection/Re-classification |
| Writing Compendium (Pre-packaged stationery box) | 4817.10.00.00 |
Specifically defined as a "Writing Compendium". | Same tax rate as 4817.30, but specific description helps audit. |
β 3. Special Handling Tips
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| De Minimis ($800) Loophole? | β Closed. Both 4911 and 4817 categories from China are subject to IEEPA/301 surcharges, meaning no duty-free threshold applies for single shipments. |
| Mixed Shipments | Do not mix 4911 (17.5%) and 4817 (35%) in one line item. Declare separately or choose the higher risk category if inseparable. |
| Description Accuracy | Avoid vague terms like "Paper Goods". Use "Printed Stationery Set" for 4911 or "Paper Stationery Box" for 4817. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Est. Tariff (CN Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4911.99.80.00 |
17.5% | None specific | High scrutiny on "Printed" vs "Artifacts". |
| π¨π³ China | 4911.99.80.00 |
~5-6% | None | Lower import duty, but this is for export analysis. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4911.99 |
~6.5% | CE (if any electronic part, unlikely) | No Section 301 equivalent, but VAT applies. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4911.99 |
~6.5% | None | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the critical market due to the 17.5% - 35% tariff burden.
- Classifying as "Printed Matter" (4911) saves ~17.5% compared to "Paper Artifacts" (4817).
- Ensure your product description emphasizes the printed content (sticky notes) rather than the packaging to justify4911.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring as "Stationery Set" without specifying "Printed".
π Consequence: Customs may default to 4817 (35%) due to ambiguity.
β Mistake 2: Using "De Minimis" ($800) for shipments >$800.
π Consequence: 100% Duty + Penalties. The IEEPA surcharge negates the exemption.
β Mistake 3: Mislabeling a boxed set as "Loose Items".
π Consequence: Documentation mismatch β Hold for Inspection β Storage fees + Delays.
β Correct Practice:
"Set of Printed Sticky Notes and Envelopes, Paper-based, for Office Use, Model ABC" β Target HS:
4911.99.80.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Printed is 17.5%, Packaged is 35%; Don't let packaging kill your margin!"
πΉ "No De Minimis for China Paper Goods; Declare Accurately or Pay Double!"
π Pro Tip:
If your sticky notes are unprinted or purely plain paper, the classification might shift to 4823 (Other paper articles), which may have different surcharges. Always verify if the printing is the key value driver. For standard sticky notes (pre-printed adhesive), 4911 is the safest bet for lower tariffs.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a customs broker for Pre-Ruling if shipping large volumes.
π Optimize your product description to highlight "Printed" to qualify for4911(17.5%) instead of4817(35%).
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point saved is pure profit!
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.