Wooden Tag
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π·οΈ Wooden Tags (Tags Made of Wood)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "Wooden Tags"?
Wooden tags are rigid or semi-rigid labels attached to products (apparel, luggage, jewelry, gifts, industrial parts) for identification, branding, or pricing purposes. In international trade, they are primarily classified based on their material composition and function.
Core Classification Principle:
Since wooden tags are made of wood, they generally fall under Chapter 44 (Wood and Articles of Wood). The specific HS Code depends on whether they are simple unworked tags or processed/printed tags.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Unworked/Basic Wooden Tags: Simple cut pieces of wood, possibly drilled for string/ribbon β HS Code 4421.90
- Processed/Printed Tags: Engraved, printed, painted, or shaped specifically for branding β HS Code 4421.90 (Still generally under 4421, as Chapter 44 covers "Other articles of wood")
- β NOT Paper Tags: If the tag is paper/cardboard with a wooden hanger or insert, it may be classified as paper (4811/4823). Pure wooden tags are Chapter 44.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Wood Processing Level |
|---|---|---|---|
4421.90.90.80 |
Other articles of wood (incl. tags, labels, blanks) | Branding tags, price tags, jewelry tags, luggage tags | β Processed (cut, drilled, printed, engraved) |
4421.99.99.90 |
Other articles of wood (non-specified) | Raw wooden blanks for further processing | β Basic shaping |
9615.19.00.00 |
Combs, hair-slides, etc. (Wooden hair accessories) | β Incorrect β Only if the tag is part of a hair accessory | N/A |
4602.12.00.00 |
Woven tags (if woven from wood fibers) | β Incorrect β Only if made of woven wood fiber, not solid wood | N/A |
π Key Reminder:
- Pure wooden tags (solid wood, cut to shape, drilled) are classified under4421.90.90.80("Other articles of wood").
- Do NOT classify as paper tags (4811/4823) even if printed on wood, unless the base material is paper with a wooden accent.
- Do NOT classify as plastic tags (3926.90) if made of real wood, even if coated with varnish/paint.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4421.90.90.80 ββ Other Articles of Wood (Wooden Tags)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Additional Tax | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% (on China/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 38.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4421.90.90.80 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 3.4% base tariff is standard for "Other articles of wood."
- The 25% Section 301 tariff applies to most Chinese-made wooden goods, including tags.
- The 10% IEEPA tariff is an additional levy on Chinese products effective from Nov 10, 2025.
- Total 38.4% is a high tariff for small-value items. Importers must plan accordingly!
π― 2. 4421.99.99.90 ββ Other Articles of Wood (Less Common)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 3.4% |
| Section 301 Additional Tax | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tax | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 38.4% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 38.4% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4421.99.99.90 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Same tariff structure as4421.90.90.80.
- Applies to wooden items not specifically listed elsewhere (e.g., raw wooden blanks).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Required Documentation (Missing = Delay/Seizure)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material (Wood type: bamboo, oak, etc.), dimensions, weight, finish (paint/varnish) |
| β Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the tag, showing drill holes, printing, or engraving |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must state "Wooden Tags" or "Wooden Labels," not "Paper Tags" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Quantity per carton, total weight |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Confirm no prohibited wood species (check USDA regulations) |
| β ISPM 15 Compliance | βοΈ | If packed in wooden pallets/crates, wood packaging must be heat-treated and marked |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Material is King, Not Function!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Pure wooden tag (drilled, printed) | 4421.90.90.80 β "Wooden Tags" |
Misdeclare as "Paper Tags" (4811) β 25% penalty + back taxes |
| Wooden tag with string/ribbon | Include string in value | Split declaration β String 0%, Tag 38.4% β Customs may reclassify entire item |
| Wooden tag attached to product | Declare separately if possible | If sold as a set, declare as "Apparel with Wooden Tags" β Tags may be included in apparel tariff |
| Bamboo tags | 4421.90.90.80 (Bamboo is under Chapter 44) |
Misdeclare as "Grass Products" (4601) β Wrong chapter |
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Tags | Provide design files and material specs to avoid "generic" misclassification |
| Engraved/Branded Tags | Still 4421.90.90.80. Branding does not change chapter |
| Wooden Tags with Metal Hooks | If metal hook is integral, declare as "Wooden Tag with Metal Part" β Still 4421.90.90.80 unless metal is dominant by value |
| Recycled Wood Tags | Same tariff. No special duty reduction |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4421.90.90.80 |
38.4% (3.4% + 25% + 10%) | USDA (if wood is raw) | High tariff due to Section 301 + IEEPA |
| π¨π³ China | 4421.90.90.80 |
5% | None | No additional taxes |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4421.90.90 |
0% | None | No additional taxes |
| π¬π§ UK | 4421.90.90 |
0% | None | Post-Brexit tariff alignment |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 4421.90.90 |
5% | None | No additional taxes |
| π²π½ Mexico | 4421.90.90 |
0% (USMCA) | None | Preferential if Mexican/US origin |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with high additional tariffs for wooden tags from China.
- EU, UK, Canada, Mexico offer 0%β5% tariffs, making them more cost-effective for Chinese exports.
- Consider supply chain diversification (e.g., Vietnam, Thailand) to avoid US additional taxes if exporting to the US.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring wooden tags as "Paper Tags" (HS 4811)
π Consequence: Customs reclassifies β 38.4% tariff applied retroactively + penalties!
β Mistake 2: Not declaring wood type
π Consequence: USDA may detain shipment if invasive species are suspected β Delay + Inspection Fees
β Mistake 3: Including wooden tags in the value of the main product without separate declaration
π Consequence: If the main product has a lower tariff, customs may audit and reassign value β Complexity + Risk
β Mistake 4: Ignoring ISPM 15 for wooden packaging
π Consequence: Rejection at US port β Re-export or Destruction
β Correct Approach:
"Wooden Tags, Oak Wood, 50mm x 25mm, Drilled, Printed with Brand Logo, Packaged in Non-Wooden Cartons"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Wooden = Chapter 44, Not Chapter 48!"
πΉ "US Tariff = 38.4%, EU/UK = 0%!"
πΉ "Declare Material, Not Just Function!"
π Pro Tip:
If your wooden tags are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may exempt from IEEPA/301 tariffs when importing to the US.
Recommend Advance Ruling (Pre-classification) from CBP to avoid disputes.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for Pre-classification
π Ensure your wooden tags pass customs smoothly, minimize costs, and maximize profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of cost deserves precise calculation!
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.