Storage Card Album
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4202329300 | 52.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4202399000 | 55.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820500000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926904800 | 13.4% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909987 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Storage Card Album (Photographic/Memory Card Albums)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Storage Card Album"?
A Storage Card Album (often used for memory cards, SD cards, CF cards, or sometimes photographic prints) is a container designed to organize and protect data storage media or small images. In international trade, the classification depends strictly on the material and the specific intended use.
Based on the provided data, there are two primary classification paths: 1. Paper/Paperboard Albums: Classified under Chapter 48 (Stationery/Albums). This is the most common classification for albums made of paper, cardboard, or similar materials, even if they hold digital media cards. 2. Plastic Albums: Classified under Chapter 39 (Articles of Plastic). This applies if the album is made primarily of plastic materials (e.g., PVC sleeves, hard plastic cases).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point: - If the album is made of paper, cardboard, or paperboard β Go to 4820.50.00.00 or 4820.90.00.00. - If the album is made of plastics β Go to 3926.90.48.00.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Latest 2026 Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
4820.50.00.00 |
Registers, account books, notebooks, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting pads, binders (looseleaf or other), folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for collections | Paper / Paperboard | 25.0% |
4820.90.00.00 |
Other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for collections and book covers (including cover boards and book jackets) of paper or paperboard: Other | Paper / Paperboard | 25.0% |
3926.90.48.00 |
Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Photo albums | Plastics | 3.4% |
π Critical Clarification: - "Photo Album" vs. "Storage Card Album": While the HS code
3926.90.48.00explicitly lists "Photo albums", customs may interpret "Storage Card Album" differently. If the product is clearly designed for photographic prints (physical photos), it falls here. If it is designed for SD/Memory cards, customs might argue it is a "stationery item" or "container" and classify it under Chapter 48 (4820) if it uses paper components, or potentially Chapter 39 if it is purely plastic. - However, looking at the provided data,3926.90.48.00is the only plastic-specific album code. If your product is a plastic card holder/album, this is the correct code. - If your product is a paper-based binder/folder for cards, use4820.50.00.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025 November 10 onwards (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4820.50.00.00 & 4820.90.00.00 ββ Paper/Cardboard Stationery Albums
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tax Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (Section 301 Tariffs) |
| Total Tax Rate | 25.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 25% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Section 301 tariffs apply regardless of value) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301 β USITC:4820.50.00.00 / 4820.90.00.00 |
π Explanation: - Although the base tariff for paper albums is 0%, the 25% additional tariff from the Section 301 trade action is fully applicable. - This is a high-cost category for Chinese-origin paper goods.
π― 2. 3926.90.48.00 ββ Plastic Photo/Card Albums
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tax Rate | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | 0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 3.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 3.4% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Eligible (Under $800, may be exempt from duties if not subject to specific restrictions, but note that Section 301 can apply to some plastic goods; however, this specific code shows 0% surcharge in the data) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:3926.90.48.00 |
π Note: - Plastic albums have a significantly lower tax burden (3.4% vs 25%). - If your product can be reasonably described as a "Photo Album" (even if it holds memory cards alongside photos, or is marketed as a memory card album), using
3926.90.48.00is highly advantageous. - Warning: If customs determines the item is not a "photo album" but a general "plastic container," it may fall under3926.90.99.87(Other plastic articles), which has a 12.8% total tax rate (5.3% base + 7.5% surcharge). Always ensure the product description matches "Photo Album" or "Card Album" clearly.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Clearly state dimensions, material (Paper vs. Plastic), and capacity (e.g., "Holds 10 SD Cards"). |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "Outer cover: Cardboard; Sleeves: Paper or Plastic?" |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the product in use. If it holds photos, emphasize "Photo Album." If it holds cards, show the slots. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Paper Card Album" or "Plastic Photo/Storage Album." Avoid vague terms like "Office Supplies" without detail. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Standard packing details. |
β 2. Declaration Strategy (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material is King, Function is Queen, Name is Law!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic Case for Memory Cards | 3926.90.48.00 (Plastic Photo Album) |
Lower tax (3.4%). Justify as "Album for storage of digital media/photos." |
| Paper/Cardboard Binder for Cards | 4820.50.00.00 (Stationery Album) |
Higher tax (25%). Must be paper-based. |
| Hybrid (Plastic Cover + Paper Sleeves) | Consult HS Code Expert | Likely 3926 if plastic is the essential character, or 4820 if paper dominates. Risk of 12.8% if misclassified as "other plastic article." |
| General Plastic Container (No specific album function) | 3926.90.99.87 |
Avoid this! Tax is 12.8%. Only use if itβs not an album. |
β 3. Special Circumstances Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Materials | If the album is 80% plastic, argue for 3926.90.48.00. Provide material composition breakdown. |
| "Photo" vs. "Data" Naming | Even if used for SD cards, if the product is marketed as a "Memory Card Album," customs may still accept 3926.90.48.00 if structured like a photo album. If described as "Stationery," expect 4820. |
| High-Value Shipments | For large commercial shipments, consider Advance Ruling to lock in the 3926.90.48.00 classification if plastic-based. |
| De Minimis (Section 321) | If total value < $800, check if 3926.90.48.00 qualifies for exemption. Since the surcharge is 0%, it may be duty-free under de minimis, whereas 4820 items with 25% tax might still face scrutiny. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.48.00 (Plastic) |
3.4% | No specific certs for simple albums | Best Option if plastic-based |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4820.50.00.00 (Paper) |
25.0% | None | High tariff, avoid if possible |
| π¨π³ China | 4820.50.00.00 |
Low (1-5%) | None | Import into China is cheap |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4820.50.00.00 or 3926.90.48.00 |
Varies (0-3%) | CE (if electronic accessory), but generally low | Plastic albums often 0-3% |
| π¬π§ UK | Same as EU | Post-Brexit rates apply | UKCA (if applicable) | Similar to EU |
π Conclusion: - For US Export: Plastic albums (
3926.90.48.00) are significantly cheaper (3.4% vs 25%). - Strategy: If your product is plastic, emphasize "Plastic Photo/Card Album" in documentation. If it is paper, accept the 25% tax or consider redesigning the packaging to include plastic components that make it a "plastic article" (consult customs broker).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Calling a plastic album "Stationery" to avoid plastic tariffs
π Consequence: Customs will reclassify based on material, leading to 12.8% (if not photo album) or 3.4% (if photo album). No savings, just confusion.
β Mistake 2: Calling a paper album "Plastic" because it has plastic sleeves
π Consequence: If paper is the essential character, it falls under 4820 (25%). Misclassification leads to penalties and back taxes.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring the "Surcharge" on paper products
π Consequence: Assuming 0% tax because the base rate is 0%. Result: 25% surprise charge at customs.
β Mistake 4: Vague Description "Storage Organizer"
π Consequence: Customs has discretion. They may assign the highest possible rate or require detailed inspection, delaying clearance by weeks.
β Correct Approach:
"Plastic Photo Album, designed for SD/Memory cards and photos, hard cover, PVC sleeves, Model XYZ" β
3926.90.48.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Plastic Album = 3.4% (Save Big!)"
πΉ "Paper Album = 25.0% (Painful!)"
πΉ "Be Honest, Be Specific, Declare by Material!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are shipping small quantities (<$800), the 3926.90.48.00 plastic album may be duty-free under de minimis rules, while paper albums with 25% tax may still incur duties depending on specific US regulations. Always check the latest de minimis updates.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult your customs broker with product photos.
π Aim for3926.90.48.00if possible.
π° Reduce your tax burden from 25% to 3.4%!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every dollar saved is a dollar earned!
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.