card stock
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4911914040 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4911998000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823903100 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9504400000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9504906000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
π Card Stock (Paper Cards & Playing Cards)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professionalιε
³ Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Card Stock"?
"Card Stock" (or Paper Cards) is a versatile term in international trade, covering everything from trading cards and game components to heavy-weight paper for printing. In customs classification, the distinction lies primarily in Material, Form, and Function.
Key Distinction Logic:
- Is it purely paper/cardboard? β Falls under Chapter 48 (Paper Products) or Chapter 49 (Printed Materials).
- Is it for games/play? β Falls under Chapter 95 (Toys, Games, and Sports Equipment).
- Is it printed with images/text? β Often classified as printed matter rather than raw paper.
β οΈ Critical Differentiation:
- If the card is generic, blank, or for general printing/packaging βε½ε ₯ 4911 (Printed matter) or 4823 (Other paper articles).
- If the card is specifically for playing games (e.g., poker, board game components, trading cards) βε½ε ₯ 9504 (Articles for games).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Tax Rate (ChinaβUS) |
|---|---|---|---|
4911.91.40.40 |
Other printed matter, including cards | Printed trading cards, greeting cards, business cards | 17.5% |
4911.99.80.00 |
Other printed matter (n.e.c.) | General printed paper cards, unspecified print | 17.5% |
4823.90.86.80 |
Other articles of paper/paperboard | Blank card stock, cut-to-size paper, packaging cards | 35.0% |
4823.90.31.00 |
Other paper/paperboard articles | Generic paper cards, no specific print/game function | 35.0% |
9504.40.00.00 |
Cards for playing games (e.g., poker) | Poker decks, standard playing cards | 10.0% |
9504.90.60.00 |
Other games, including table/casino games | Game components, trading cards (if deemed game accessories) | 10.0% |
π Key Reminder:
- "Playing Cards" vs. "Printed Cards": If the cards are intended for games (poker, board games), they belong in 9504. If they are printed materials (e.g., collectible cards without game function, or blank cards), they fall under 4911 or 4823. - Material vs. Function: Even if made of paper, the function (game vs. print) dictates the HS code. Misclassification can lead to significant tariff differences (10% vs. 35%).
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4911.91.40.40 & 4911.99.80.00 ββ Printed Paper Cards
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis for China-origin goods under current rules) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4911.91.40.40 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- Base Tariff 0%: Standard duty for printed matter. - USITC 7.5%: Additional tariff under Section 301 for specific Chinese imports. - IEEPA 10%: Additional tariff under Section 122 (or relevant IEEPA authority) targeting Chinese goods. - Total 17.5%: A moderate but significant cost. Ensure documents clearly state "Printed Matter" or "Trading Cards" to avoid being misclassified as raw paper.
π― 2. 4823.90.86.80 & 4823.90.31.00 ββ Blank/Cut Paper Cards
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +25.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4823.90.86.80 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Warning:
- High Tariff Alert: Misclassifying printed game cards as "blank paper" or generic paper articles leads to a 35% tariff, which is twice as high as the printed/game classification. - Reason: These codes cover "other articles of paper," which are subject to higher Section 301 rates (25%) compared to printed matter (7.5%).
π― 3. 9504.40.00.00 & 9504.90.60.00 ββ Playing Cards & Game Components
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge (Section 301) | +0.0% |
| IEEPA Surcharge (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:9504.40.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Strategy:
- Lowest Tax Burden: If your "card stock" is used for games (poker, board games, collectible trading cards designed for gameplay), classify under 9504. - Savings: Compared to the 35% paper tariff, this saves 25% in taxes. - Condition: Must clearly demonstrate the product's use in gaming contexts.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Preparation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification | βοΈ | Must specify: Material (Paper/Cardstock), Usage (Game/Print), Dimensions, Weight. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing front/back, packaging, and any text/images. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must be precise: e.g., "Poker Cards, Paper, Game Use" NOT just "Card Stock". |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for determining origin (China) and applying surtaxes. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantities, weights, and dimensions. |
| β Usage Declaration | βοΈ | Explicitly state: "Used for playing games" or "Used for printing purposes". |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Game Use is Key, Print is Next, Blank Paper is Expensive!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Action | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poker/Trading Cards | 9504.40.00.00 / 9504.90.60.00 |
Classify as 4823 |
Save 25% |
| Printed Business/Greeting Cards | 4911.91.40.40 / 4911.99.80.00 |
Classify as 4823 |
Save 17.5% |
| Blank Card Stock | 4823.90.86.80 / 4823.90.31.00 |
Classify as 9504 |
Risk of Penalty & Back Taxes |
π Critical Note:
- Do not declare "Trading Cards" as "Blank Paper" to avoid the 35% tariff. If they have printed images, they are printed matter (4911) or games (9504). - If the cards are blank and used for custom printing (e.g., by the buyer), they are paper articles (4823), not games.
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Custom-Printed Trading Cards | Declare as 9504 if used for gaming/collecting. Provide proof of game-like attributes (numbers, suits, game mechanics). |
| Blank Card Stock for DIY | Declare as 4823. Ensure no game-related imagery is present. |
| Gift Cards (Non-Rechargeable) | Often classified as 4911 (printed matter) if they are purely promotional. If they have monetary value, tax treatment may differ. |
| Cardboard Boxes (Not Cards) | Ensure distinction between "cards" (small, flat) and "boxes" (structural). Boxes may fall under different codes. |
π V. Global Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9504.40.00.00 (Game) |
10% | None | 17.5% for printed, 35% for paper. |
| π¨π³ China | 9504.40.00.00 |
5-7% | None | Lower base duty, no Section 301. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9504.40.00 |
0-2% | CE (if toys) | Very low duty for games. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9504.40.00 |
0-3% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to layered surtaxes.
- Correct classification is critical: Misclassifying game cards as paper articles results in a 25% extra tax burden.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Trading Cards" as "Paper Cards" (4823)
π Consequence: 35% tariff instead of 10%. Massive cost increase.
β Error 2: Declaring "Blank Paper" as "Game Cards" (9504)
π Consequence: Customs rejection, penalty, and forced reclassification.
β Error 3: Vague Description "Card Stock" on Invoice
π Consequence: Customs request for clarification, delay in release, potential audit.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Playing Cards, Paper, Printed, for Game Use, Model XYZ, No Monetary Value"
HS Code:9504.40.00.00
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification, Cost Optimization!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Game is 10%, Print is 17.5%, Paper is 35%! Classify by Use, Not Just Material!"
πΉ "Trading Cards = Games = 10% Cost. Blank Paper = 35% Cost. Choose Wisely!"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is custom-printed and has no game function (e.g., business cards, blank stock), use 4911 or 4823. If it is designed for games, use 9504. Always provide product images and usage descriptions to support your classification.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide Product Images + Apply for Advance Ruling if unsure.
π Optimize your supply chain, reduce tariffs, and ensure smooth clearance!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of tax 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.