Trading Card Storage Box
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421999880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926908700 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421919880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π Trading Card Storage Box (Card Holders & Albums)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly Is a "Trading Card Storage Box"?
A Trading Card Storage Box is a specialized accessory designed to organize, protect, and display collectible cards (e.g., PokΓ©mon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, sports cards). In international trade, the classification depends entirely on the primary material of the box, as different materials fall under different chapters of the Harmonized System (HS).
Key Material Categories: 1. Paper/Cardboard: The most common material for lightweight, disposable, or bulk storage boxes. 2. Wood/Bamboo: Used for premium, durable, or decorative storage cases. 3. Plastic: Used for rigid protective boxes, binder covers, or plastic toppers.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is primarily made of Paper/Cardboard β Chapter 48
- If the product is primarily made of Wood/Bamboo β Chapter 44
- If the product is primarily made of Plastic β Chapter 39
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes for Trading Card Storage Boxes by material:
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
4823.90.86.80 |
Other articles of paper pulp, paper, or paperboard | Cardboard/Paper | Bulk boxes, sleeve boxes, lightweight organizers |
4421.99.98.80 |
Other wooden articles | Wood | Premium wooden cases, decorative boxes |
4421.91.98.80 |
Other articles of bamboo | Bamboo | Eco-friendly wooden/bamboo organizers |
3926.90.87.00 |
Other articles of plastics | Plastic | Rigid plastic storage boxes, binder covers |
3926.90.99.89 |
Other plastics articles, not elsewhere specified | Plastic | General plastic card holders, sleeves (lower tariff tier) |
π Important Note:
- The material composition determines the HS Code. A "card box" made of wood is NOT classified under plastic codes, even if it contains plastic inserts.
- Packaging vs. Product: If the box is sold with the cards, it may be classified as part of the card set. If sold separately, it is classified by its material.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025-11-10 (Includes subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4823.90.86.80 ββ Cardboard/Paper Card Storage Box
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (122) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (High tariff prevents de minimis exemption) |
| Legal Basis | USITC:4823.90.86.80 β FOOTNOTE:Section 301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Explanation:
- Base Tariff: Paper products often have low base duties.
- Additional Taxes: Subject to both the 301 tariff (25%) and the 122 IEEPA tariff (10%) due to Chinese origin.
- Total Cost: High. Even though the base is 0%, the additional taxes bring the total to 35%.
π― 2. 4421.99.98.80 ββ Wooden Card Storage Box
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (122) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:4421.99.98.80 β FOOTNOTE:Section 301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Note:
- Wooden products start with a higher base rate (3.3%) compared to paper.
- Total Tax: 38.3%, making it the most expensive option among the listed materials.
π― 3. 4421.91.98.80 ββ Bamboo Card Storage Box
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (122) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 38.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:4421.91.98.80 β FOOTNOTE:Section 301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Note:
- Bamboo is classified under "Other articles of wood" in Chapter 44.
- Identical Tax Rate to wooden boxes: 38.3%.
π― 4. 3926.90.87.00 ββ Plastic Card Storage Box (Specific Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (122) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:3926.90.87.00 β FOOTNOTE:Section 301 β IEEPA:122 |
π Note:
- This code is for "Other articles of plastics" that fit specific descriptions.
- Total Tax: 40.3%, the highest total rate among the listed options.
π― 5. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Plastic Card Storage Box (General Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tariff | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff (122) | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis | USITC:3926.90.99.89 β FOOTNOTE:Section 301 (7.5%) β IEEPA:122 |
π Important:
- This code applies to "Other plastics articles" not specified elsewhere.
- Lower 301 Tariff: Only 7.5% additional tariff (vs. 25% for other codes).
- Total Tax: 22.8%, making it the most cost-effective plastic option.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state material composition (e.g., "100% Cardboard," "Bamboo Wood," "ABS Plastic"). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the entire box, including any inner linings or inserts. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must describe the product accurately as "Card Storage Box" and specify the material. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Itemize quantities and weights. |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required to verify Chinese origin for tariff application. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state the primary material to avoid classification disputes. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Rules)
π₯ βMaterial Dictates Code, Donβt Guess!β
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Cardboard Box | 4823.90.86.80 |
Misdeclare as plastic to avoid high tax β Audit Risk! |
| Wooden Box | 4421.99.98.80 |
Declare as "wooden parts" only β Wrong Code, High Penalty |
| Plastic Box (Specific) | 3926.90.87.00 |
Use generic plastic code β May be reclassified |
| Plastic Box (General) | 3926.90.99.89 |
Best for general plastic holders |
| Mixed Material | Primary Material | If >50% plastic, classify as plastic |
π Strategy:
- If you want the lowest tax rate and your product is plastic, ensure it fits3926.90.99.89(22.8%) rather than3926.90.87.00(40.3%).
- Paper/Cardboard offers a 35% rate, which is lower than wood/plastic specific codes but higher than the general plastic code.
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Boxes | Provide design files and material specs to confirm HS Code. |
| Plastic with Wood Inserts | Classify based on essential character (usually the main structure). |
| Cardboard with Plastic Windows | If plastic window is minor, classify as Paper (4823.90.86.80). If plastic is substantial, reclassify as Plastic. |
| Bamboo vs. Wood | Both are 38.3%. Ensure documentation specifies "Bamboo" if claiming eco-friendly marketing. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4823.90.86.80 (Paper) |
35.0% | High due to 301 + IEEPA |
| πΊπΈ USA | 3926.90.99.89 (Plastic) |
22.8% | Best rate for plastic |
| πΊπΈ USA | 4421.99.98.80 (Wood) |
38.3% | Highest rate |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4823.90.80 (Paper) |
~0% | Check for VAT |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90.97 (Plastic) |
~3% | Lower tariffs than US |
| π¬π§ UK | 4823.90.80 (Paper) |
~0% | Post-Brexit rules apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA imposes significant additional tariffs on Chinese-origin goods.
- Plastic (3926.90.99.89) offers the lowest total tax (22.8%) among the listed options.
- Paper/Cardboard is a balanced option (35.0%).
- Wood/Bamboo is the most expensive (38.3%).
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Classifying a Plastic Box under Paper (4823.90.86.80) to avoid tax.
π Consequence: Customs audit, penalty, and possible seizure.
β Mistake 2: Not specifying Material in the invoice.
π Consequence: Customs may assign the highest default rate or delay clearance.
β Mistake 3: Assuming Bamboo has a lower tariff than Wood.
π Consequence: Both are 38.3% under current rules. No benefit.
β Best Practice:
- Use "Card Storage Box, [Material], [Model]" in descriptions.
- For Plastic, always verify if
3926.90.99.89applies to save 17.5% vs.3926.90.87.00.
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Clearance, Cost Optimization!
π― Key Takeaways:
πΉ Plastic (
3926.90.99.89) is the cheapest option (22.8%) if applicable.
πΉ Paper (4823.90.86.80) is a solid middle ground (35.0%).
πΉ Wood/Bamboo are the most expensive (38.3%).
πΉ Always declare material accurately to avoid audits.
π Pro Tip:
If you are a manufacturer, consider designing plastic products that fit under
3926.90.99.89to minimize US tariffs.
For e-commerce sellers, paper boxes are lightweight and cheaper to ship, despite the 35% tariff.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a customs broker for an Advance Ruling if your product has mixed materials.
π Optimize your HS Code to save thousands in tariffs!
β¨ Precision in Classification Saves Money!
πΌ Every Percentage Point Counts in Global Trade!
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.