paper tags
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4823901000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4823908000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π·οΈ Paper Tags (Paper Labels for Retail & Logistics)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know "Paper Tags"?
Paper tags are lightweight, rectangular labels made from paper or paperboard, primarily used in retail, logistics, and manufacturing for pricing, identification, inventory control, or promotional purposes. In international trade, they are distinguished from "paper labels" by their thickness, rigidity, and lack of adhesive backing (typically attached via string, punch, or staple).
Key Distinctions: * Plain Paper Tags: Unprinted or simply printed paper boards, no adhesive. * Printed Paper Tags: Pre-printed with prices, barcodes, or barcodes. * Paper Labels vs. Tags: Labels are usually thin, flexible, and adhesive-backed; tags are thicker, stiffer, and non-adhesive.
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If it is stiff, non-adhesive, and intended for attachment (e.g., price tags on clothing) β Heading 4811 or 4823.
- If it is adhesive-backed β Heading 4821.
- Most common "Paper Tags" for retail fall under 4811.59 or 4823.69, depending on processing and format.
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Adhesive? | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4811.59.00.00 |
Paper & paperboard, other coated, ink-jet printable, in rolls or sheets | High-quality retail price tags, glossy promotional tags | β No | Coated Paper |
4823.69.90.00 |
Cut paper tags, non-adhesive, in rolls or sheets | Standard clothing price tags, clearance tags, luggage tags | β No | Uncoated/Plain Paper |
4821.10.00.00 |
Paper or paperboard labels, whether or not printed | Adhesive labels, sticker tags, barcode labels | β Yes | Paper/Adhesive |
4819.20.00.00 |
Folded cards, blank or printed | Gift tags, greeting cards, rigid cardstock tags | β No | Cardboard/Card |
π Key Reminder:
- "Paper Tags" (non-adhesive) are typically classified under 4823.69.90.00 if plain/cut, or 4811.59.00.00 if coated/inkjet-ready.
- Do NOT misclassify adhesive tags under 4823; they must go under 4821.10.
- If the tag is made of plastic (even if it looks like paper), it may fall under 3926.90 or 3919.90.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4823.69.90.00 ββ Cut Paper Tags (Non-Adhesive)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax | None (Excluded from Section 301) |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% (Targeting China/HK products, effective Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Duty Rate | 10% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis for IEEPA surtax) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4823.69.90.00 |
π Explanation:
- Base Duty 0%: Paper tags are generally duty-free under normal MFN rates.
- IEEPA 10%: The $10\%$ surtax applies to most Chinese-origin paper products not explicitly exempted.
- Total 10%: This is a moderate duty, significantly lower than electronics or textiles.
π― 2. 4811.59.00.00 ββ Coated Paper Tags (Ink-Jet/Printable)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surtax | None |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 10% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4811.59.00.00 |
π Note:
- Coated paper tags are subject to the same 10% IEEPA surtax.
- If the paper is recycled or has special environmental claims, ensure documentation supports origin to avoid misclassification.
π― 3. 4821.10.00.00 ββ Adhesive Paper Labels/Tags
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surtax | None |
| IEEPA Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 10% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4821.10.00.00 |
π Warning:
- Many importers mistakenly classify adhesive tags under 4823.69. This leads to incorrect declaration.
- Always confirm if the tag has adhesive backing. If yes, use 4821.10.
π οΈ 4. Clearance Operational Advice (Practical Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Material (e.g., 300gsm cardstock), size, finish (gloss/matte) |
| β Sample Photo | βοΈ | Clear view of attachment method (string, punch hole, no adhesive) |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Paper Price Tags, Non-Adhesive, Coated/Uncoated" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Indicate roll length/sheet count, gross/net weight |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | To verify China origin for IEEPA applicability |
| β Adhesive Declaration | βοΈ | If unsure, explicitly state "Non-Adhesive" or "With Adhesive" |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonics)
π₯ "Non-Adhesive is 4823, Adhesive is 4821, Coated is 4811, All 10% for China!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Plain paper price tags with string | 4823.69.90.00 |
Misclassifying as 4821 (Adhesive) |
| Glossy, inkjet-ready tags | 4811.59.00.00 |
Misclassifying as 4823 (Plain) |
| Sticker tags with glue | 4821.10.00.00 |
Misclassifying as 4811 (Non-adhesive) |
| Plastic tags | 3926.90.90.00 |
Misclassifying as Paper |
β 3. Special Cases Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Custom Printed Tags | Provide design file or sample; declare as "Printed Paper Tags" |
| Eco-Friendly/Recycled Tags | Provide FSC or recycled content certification; may qualify for green import incentives in some countries |
| Tags with Embedded Electronics (RFID) | If RFID chip is embedded, classify as 8517.62 (Electronic Tags), NOT 4823 |
| Bulk Rolls vs. Cut Sheets | Declare as per actual form; rolls may have different handling requirements |
π 5. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4823.69.90.00 |
10% (IEEPA) | No special | 10% surtax applies |
| π¨π³ China | 4823.69.90.00 |
0% | N/A | Duty-free import |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4823.69.90.00 |
0% | CE (if electronic) | No surtax |
| π¬π§ UK | 4823.69.90.00 |
0% | UKCA | No surtax |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4823.69.90.00 |
0% | PSE (if electronic) | No surtax |
π Conclusion:
- US is the only major market imposing a 10% IEEPA surtax on paper tags from China.
- Other markets have 0% duty, making China a cost-competitive supplier for paper tags.
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying adhesive tags under 4823.69
π Consequence: Incorrect classification; potential penalty + retroactive tax adjustment.
β Error 2: Mislabeling RFID tags as "Paper Tags"
π Consequence: If electronic components are present, HS Code 8517.62 applies; misclassification may lead to confiscation or fines.
β Error 3: Omitting "Non-Adhesive" in description
π Consequence: Customs may suspect adhesive labels, leading to detailed inspection and delay.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Paper Price Tags, Non-Adhesive, Coated Paper, 2x3 inches, Printed, Model PT-2026"
π― 7. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Costs!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Non-Adhesive: 4823, Adhesive: 4821, Coated: 4811, All 10% for US China!"
πΉ "Paper tags are light, but duties are tight; declare right, avoid fright!"
π Pro Tip:
If your paper tags are manufactured in Vietnam, India, or Thailand, you may avoid the IEEPA 10% surtax when importing into the US.
Consider supply chain diversification for high-volume exports to the US.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide product sample + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, minimize duty costs, maximize profit margins!
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Every penny counts; get it right the first time!
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.