memory card box
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926908700 | 40.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421999880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908680 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421919880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π¦ Memory Card Box (Card Organizers)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Strategic Clearance Strategies
π 1. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Truly Understand "Memory Card Boxes"?
Memory card boxes are essential accessories for photographers, gamers, and data enthusiasts to organize SD cards, microSD cards, CFexpress cards, and game cartridges. In international trade, classification depends heavily on the primary material of the box. Misclassification can lead to significant tariff discrepancies due to the complex "Section 301" and "122 Section" surtaxes applied to Chinese-origin goods.
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Plastic Boxes: Most common for general card storage. High sensitivity to Section 301 tariffs. - Wooden/Bamboo Boxes: Often used for premium packaging. Classified under Chapter 44. - Cardboard/Paper Boxes: Used for retail packaging or lightweight storage. Lowest base duty. - Game Card Specifics: Boxes specifically designed for game cartridges (e.g., Switch, PS5) may have different sub-headings than generic SD card holders.
π 2. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Applicable Scenario | Base Duty | Section 301 (25%) | Section 122 (10%) | Total Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3926.90.87.00 | Other plastic articles | Plastic | General SD/microSD card holders, generic organizers | 5.3% | β +25% | β +10% | 40.3% |
| 4421.99.98.80 | Other wooden articles | Wood/Non-metal | Wooden card organizers, mixed material (wood body) | 3.3% | β +25% | β +10% | 38.3% |
| 4823.90.86.80 | Other paper articles | Cardboard/Paper | Cardboard storage boxes, retail packaging for cards | 0.0% | β +25% | β +10% | 35.0% |
| 4421.91.98.80 | Other wooden articles (Bamboo specific) | Bamboo | Bamboo card organizers, premium eco-friendly cases | 3.3% | β +25% | β +10% | 38.3% |
| 3926.90.99.89 | Other plastic articles (Game Card Specific) | Plastic | Specifically for Game Cartridges (e.g., Switch, Xbox) | 5.3% | β +7.5% | β +10% | 22.8% |
π Critical Insight:
- Game Card Boxes (3926.90.99.89) enjoy a significantly lower Section 301 tariff (7.5%) compared to general plastic boxes (25%). This is a crucial distinction for gaming accessory exporters. - Paper/Cardboard (4823.90.86.80) has 0% base duty, making it the most cost-effective option for pure packaging, though it may lack durability for long-term storage. - Bamboo (4421.91.98.80) is treated similarly to general wood (4421.99.98.80) for tariff purposes, despite its "eco" marketing.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 Policies (Current Section 301 & 122 Enforcements)
π― 1. 3926.90.87.00 ββ General Plastic Card Boxes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.3% (Ad Valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +25% (High Sensitivity Item) |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122) | +10% (China/Hong Kong Origin) |
| Total Tax Rate | 40.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 40.3% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (Below $800 threshold does NOT apply to these HS codes under current enforcement interpretations for listed goods) |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:3926.90.87.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This is the standard classification for most plastic card organizers. - The 40.3% total duty is a major cost driver. Many exporters mistakenly assume a lower rate.
π― 2. 3926.90.99.89 ββ Plastic Game Card Boxes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.3% |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +7.5% (Lower Category for Specific Gaming Accessories) |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Pathway | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3926.90.99.89 |
π Strategic Advantage:
- Saving 17.5% in total duties compared to general plastic boxes! - Requirement: The product must be clearly identifiable as a game card holder (e.g., fits Nintendo Switch cartridges, PlayStation discs, etc.). Generic "card boxes" will be reclassified to3926.90.87.00.
π― 3. 4823.90.86.80 ββ Paper/Cardboard Card Boxes
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | +25% |
| IEEPA Surtax (Section 122) | +10% |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35.0% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
π Explanation:
- Lowest base duty, but still subject to full surtaxes. - Ideal for bulk shipping or retail packaging where the box is discarded after purchase.
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must clearly state material (e.g., "ABS Plastic," "Bamboo," "Kraft Paper"). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing compartments, size, and intended use (SD vs. Game Cartridge). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description must match HS Code exactly (e.g., "Plastic Game Card Storage Box" vs. "Plastic Card Holder"). |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Certify if the product contains any wood/bamboo treated with chemicals (ISPM 15 compliance may apply). |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Separate line items for different materials if mixed (though not recommended for clearance). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (The Golden Rules)
π₯ Rule 1: Be Specific About "Game Cards"
If your plastic box is designed for Nintendo Switch/Xbox/PlayStation cartridges, always use3926.90.99.89.
β Wrong: Labeling it as "Plastic Card Box" β Risk of reclassification to3926.90.87.00(40.3%).
β Right: Label as "Plastic Game Cartridge Organizer for [Console Name]" β Qualifies for3926.90.99.89(22.8%).π₯ Rule 2: Material Accuracy is Critical
- If a box has a plastic exterior but a cardboard interior, customs may classify it based on the essential character (usually the outer material).
- Bamboo must be declared as "Bamboo" (4421.91) not just "Wood" (4421.99) to avoid ambiguity, though tariffs are currently similar.π₯ Rule 3: Avoid "De Minimis" Traps
Many importers try to use the $800 de minimis rule for small boxes. However, HS codes starting with 3926.90, 4421, 4823 are often flagged for Section 301/122 duties. Do not assume they are exempt. Always declare properly.
β 3. Special Cases
| Scenario | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mixed Material Box (e.g., Wood frame + Plastic insert) | Classify based on primary material visible to the user. If wood is dominant, use 4421. If plastic is dominant, use 3926. |
| Bamboo vs. Wood | Ensure the supplier provides a bamboo-specific invoice. If declared as "wood," you lose the potential (though currently minimal) distinction. |
| Retail Packaging Only | If the box is just a sleeve for a game case, it may be considered a "part" of the game, but usually still classified as packaging (4823 or 3926). |
π 5. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Region | Recommended HS Code | Approx. Total Duty (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | See Table Above | 22.8% β 40.3% | High tariffs due to Section 301 & 122. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3926.90 (Plastic) |
~6.5% | No Section 301 equivalent. Lower base duty. |
| π¨π³ China | 3926.90 (Plastic) |
5.3% | No surtaxes. Only base duty applies. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3926.90 (Plastic) |
~6.5% | Post-Brexit tariffs similar to EU pre-Brexit. |
π Conclusion:
The US market is significantly more expensive for memory card boxes due to layered tariffs. Optimizing the HS Code (especially for game card boxes) is the #1 way to reduce landed costs.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
β Error 1: Calling a plastic game box "Plastic Card Holder"
π Result: Customs reclassifies to 3926.90.87.00 (40.3%). You pay 17.5% more in duties.
β Error 2: Assuming "Paper Box" = Low Tariff without Surcharge
π Result: While base duty is 0%, the 35% total duty is still high. Don't underestimate the impact of Section 301.
β Error 3: Using De Minimis ($800) for High-Value Shipments
π Result: Customs audit may reject de minimis for these specific HS codes, leading to back-taxes and penalties.
β Error 4: Mislabeling Bamboo as Generic Wood
π Result: Minor tariff difference currently, but creates compliance confusion. Always be specific.
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Game Cartridge Storage Case, Compatible with Nintendo Switch, Black, Model XYZ"
β HS Code:3926.90.99.89
β Duty: 22.8%
π― 7. Conclusion: Precision Classification = Profit Protection
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Game Cards Save 17.5%! Plastic is 40%, Paper is 35%, Wood is 38%."
πΉ "Describe the 'Game' function explicitly in your commercial invoice."
πΉ "Do not rely on De Minimis for these HS codes; plan for full duty payment."
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting plastic game card boxes, ensure your marketing materials and invoices explicitly mention compatibility with gaming consoles. This is your legal basis for the lower 7.5% Section 301 tariff. For general SD card holders, expect to pay the full 40.3%.
π£ Action Item:
π Consult a customs broker for an Advance Ruling if you are unsure about the material or intended use.
π Optimize your HS Code, optimize your profit margin!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every percentage point matters 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.