photo frame white card
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4820900000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926905000 | 21.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
🖼️ Photo Frame (White Cardstock/Paper-Based)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Entry Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition and Classification: Do You Really Understand "White Card Photo Frame"?
A "White Card Photo Frame" typically refers to a picture frame constructed primarily from paper, paperboard, or cardboard (often white cardstock or corrugated board), rather than wood, plastic, or metal. In international trade, the material composition is the critical determinant for HS Code classification.
Key Distinction:
- Paper/Cardboard Frames: If the frame is made of paperboard/cardboard (even if decorated or laminated), it falls under Chapter 48.
- Plastic Frames: If made of ABS, acrylic, or other plastics, it falls under Chapter 39.
- Wooden Frames: If made of wood, it falls under Chapter 44.
⚠️ Critical Classification Point:
- If the product is described as "White Card" (implying paper/paperboard material) and is used for holding photographs, it is classified as an "Article of stationery" or "Book cover/album cover" type item, specifically under Heading 4820.
- Note: If the frame is purely decorative and not for holding photos/samples, it might be considered "Other articles of paper." However, standard photo frames for personal use are often grouped with stationery/album accessories in many jurisdictions, or specifically under 4820.90 as other stationery articles.
- Wait! The provided data includes 3926.90.50.00 for "Frames or mounts for photographic slides." This is a specific heading for slides (transparencies), not standard paper-based photo frames. Standard paper/cardboard photo frames do not fit 3926.90.50.00 unless they are specifically plastic mounts for slides.
- Correction based on DATA: The data provided contains 4820.90.00.00 ("Other articles of stationery...") and 3926.90.50.00 ("Frames or mounts for photographic slides").
- Logical Deduction for "White Card Photo Frame":
1. If it is a paper/cardboard frame: It falls under 4820.90.00.00 (Other articles of stationery of paper/paperboard).
2. If it is a plastic frame for slides: It falls under 3926.90.50.00.
3. Most Likely Scenario: "White Card" strongly implies paper/paperboard. Therefore, the correct HS Code is 4820.90.00.00. The plastic slide frame (3926.90.50.00) is likely a distractor or for a different product type unless the user mistakenly thinks "photo frame" means "slide mount." We must clarify this distinction.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Cross-Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4820.90.00.00 | Other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard: Other | White cardstock photo frames, paper album covers, decorative paper frames | ✅ Paper/Paperboard |
| 3926.90.50.00 | Other articles of plastics: Frames or mounts for photographic slides | Plastic holders for 35mm slides, slide mounters | ✅ Plastics |
🔍 Key Reminder:
- "White Card" = Paper/Paperboard. Do NOT classify paper frames under Chapter 39 (Plastics).
- 3926.90.50.00 is ONLY for plastic frames for slides, not for standard paper photo frames for prints.
- If your product is a paper frame for photographic prints, it falls under 4820.90.00.00.
💰 III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Country of Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
🎯 1. 4820.90.00.00 —— Other Articles of Stationery (Paper/Paperboard)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ✅ Yes (If value <$800, can enter via Section 321) |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS: 4820.90.00.00 → USITC Footnote: None for 0% |
📌 Explanation:
- This category enjoys a zero tariff rate.
- No Section 301 surtax applies to general paper stationery articles under this specific subheading.
- Low Risk, Low Cost. Ideal for high-volume, low-value shipments.
🎯 2. 3926.90.50.00 —— Plastic Frames/Mounts for Photographic Slides
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (Ad valorem) |
| USITC Surtax (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| IEEPA Surtax | 0.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 0% = $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | ✅ Yes (If value <$800) |
| Legal Authority Path | HTSUS: 3926.90.50.00 → USITC Footnote: None |
📌 Note:
- Although this code is in the data, it is ONLY for plastic slide frames.
- Do NOT use this code for paper photo frames. Misclassification can lead to penalties, even if the rate is the same.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (实战避坑指南)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Mandatory | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Clearly state material: "100% White Cardstock / Paperboard" |
| ✅ Product Photos | ✔️ | Show the frame structure, emphasizing it is not plastic or wood |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Description: "Paper Photo Frame, White Card, for holding photographic prints" |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Include weight and dimensions |
| ✅ HS Code Declaration | ✔️ | Confirm 4820.90.00.00 for paper frames |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
🔥 "Material is King: Paper Goes to 48, Plastic to 39, Slides to 3926!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Wrong Code | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/Cardboard Photo Frame | 4820.90.00.00 | 3926.90.50.00 | No fine, but risk of audit |
| Plastic Photo Frame (for prints) | 3926.90.90.90 (Other) | 4820.90.00.00 | Misclassification |
| Plastic Frame for Slides | 3926.90.50.00 | 4820.90.00.00 | Minor risk, but specific code exists |
✅ 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| "White Card" with Plastic Window | If the frame has a clear plastic window (acetate/PET) but the frame body is paper, it still falls under 4820.90.00.00 as a composite good where paper is the essential character. |
| Decorative Paper Frames | If used as wall art, not for holding photos, still 4820.90.00.00 as "Other articles of stationery" or potentially 4901/4911 depending on decoration. Stick to 4820 for simplicity if it's a functional frame. |
| High-Value Luxury Paper Frames | If heavily embellished with gold leaf, jewels, etc., it may move to Chapter 71 or 96. For standard "White Card," stick to 4820. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4820.90.00.00 |
0% | None | Zero tariff, easy entry |
| 🇨🇳 China | 4820.90.00.00 |
0-5% | None | Low duty |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 4823.90 (Similar) |
0-6.5% | CE (if printed) | Standard paper goods |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 4823.90 |
0-6.5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules |
📌 Conclusion:
- USA is the most favorable market for paper photo frames with 0% tariff.
- No special certifications (like FCC/UL) are required for paper products.
📌 VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood Lessons)
❌ Mistake 1: Classifying paper frames under 3926.90.50.00
👉 Reason: Thinking "Photo Frame" = "Plastic Slide Mount"
👉 Consequence: Incorrect description, potential audit for misdeclaration.
❌ Mistake 2: Using "Wooden Frame" description for paper frames
👉 Consequence: Customs may assign 4420 (Wood) with higher duties (e.g., 3.4-5.7%) and require Fumigation Certificate. Avoid!
❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring the "White Card" material specification
👉 Consequence: If not specified, customs may classify as "Unspecified Plastic" or "Miscellaneous," leading to higher duties.
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
"Photo Frame, Made of White Cardboard/Paper, For Holding 4x6 Inch Prints, Not Made of Wood or Plastic, HS Code 4820.90.00.00"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification, Zero Cost Entry!
🎯 Remember the Mantra:
🔹 "Paper Frame = 4820.90.00.00 = 0% Tariff"
🔹 "Plastic Slide = 3926.90.50.00 = 0% Tariff"
🔹 "Material Defines the Code, Not the Function!"
📌 Pro Tip:
- For De Minimis shipments (<$800), you can use Section 321 to enter 4820.90.00.00 goods without paying duties or taxes, saving time and money.
- Always provide clear photos of the product showing the paper texture to prove it's not plastic or wood.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Confirm material with supplier: "Is the frame body 100% Paper/Cardboard?"
🚀 Declare as 4820.90.00.00 to enjoy 0% Duty!
✨ Professional Customs Clearance, Start with Accurate Classification!
💼 Your Profit Margin, Protected by Zero Tariffs!
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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) — Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) — More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) — Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) — 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 — The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate — Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties — 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.