sticky notes tear off
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4820104000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820102060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Sticky Notes / Self-Adhesive Pads (Tear-Off)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Sticky Notes"?
Sticky Notes (Tear-Off Self-Adhesive Pads): These are small sheets of paper coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive on one side, designed to be temporarily attached to surfaces and easily removed without residue. They fall under the broader category of "Stationery Articles of Paper or Paperboard."
In international trade, it is crucial to distinguish between:
- Simple Tear-Off Pads / Sticky Notes: Sheets with adhesive backing, often sold in blocks, dispensers, or rolls. These are classified as "Other" stationery articles.
- Pre-printed Memo Pads / Business Forms: If the notes contain pre-printed text, logos, or specific business layouts (like invoice reminders), they may fall under different subheadings, but general "sticky notes" usually go to "Other."
- Adhesive Tape vs. Sticky Notes: Tape (HS 4903 or 3506) is continuous; sticky notes are discrete sheets. Do not confuse the two.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the product is discrete sheets with adhesive backing, intended for writing/memoing β HS 4820
- If it is continuous tape (masking tape, duct tape, clear tape) β HS 4823 or 3506
- If it is pre-printed business forms (e.g., carbonless copy paper, invoices) β Check HS 4820.10 further or HS 4820.90
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Includes Pre-printed Business Forms? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4820.10.40.00 | Registers, account books, notebooks...: Other | General sticky notes, plain memo pads, blank self-adhesive sheets, tear-off notepads without specific business form layout | β No (Generic Stationery) |
| 4820.10.20.60 | Registers...: Diaries, notebooks...; memorandum pads, letter pads... | Pre-printed memo pads, letter pads, business-specific tear-off notes with company letterheads or specific formats | β Yes (Specific Article Type) |
π Critical Reminder:
- 4820.10.40.00 is the most common code for plain, blank sticky notes or generic memo pads.
- 4820.10.20.60 applies if the product is specifically described as "memorandum pads, letter pads" with pre-printed content or specific business use.
- Do NOT misclassify as "Tape" (HS 3506/4823) β Sticky notes are discrete paper articles, not continuous adhesive tape.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Additional Taxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 4820.10.40.00 ββ Other Stationery Articles (Generic Sticky Notes / Plain Memo Pads)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25% (From USITC Footnote 9903.88.01 under Section 301) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (Against China/HK products, from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4820.10.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 25% USITC tariff is part of the Section 301 trade remedies against China.
- The 10% IEEPA tariff is an additional national emergency tariff.
- Total 35% is a high tariff, significantly impacting cost. Must be calculated into landed cost!
π― 2. 4820.10.20.60 ββ Memorandum Pads, Letter Pads (Pre-printed / Business Specific)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Additional Tariff | +25% |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β No |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:4820.10.20.60 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Same tax structure as generic sticky notes.
- Even if pre-printed, it still falls under high tariffs.
- No tariff advantage for pre-printed vs. plain in this category under current US-China trade policy.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoid Pitfalls Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Missing Items = Delays)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Dimensions, number of sheets, adhesive type, paper weight |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear view of the product, packaging, and any pre-printed text |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must specify: "Sticky Notes" or "Self-Adhesive Memo Pads" |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail net/gross weight, quantity per box |
| β Origin Certificate (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, may claim preferential rates |
| β Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) | βοΈ | Optional, but helpful if adhesive is considered hazardous |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Plain vs. Printed, Pad vs. Tape, Name Precise, Tariff Safe!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Blank sticky notes in dispenser | 4820.10.40.00 β "Sticky Notes" |
Misdeclare as "Tape" β 6.5β10% + potential penalties |
| Pre-printed company memo pad | 4820.10.20.60 β "Memo Pad" |
Misdeclare as "Paper" β 4.5% (but risk reclassification + penalties) |
| Continuous adhesive tape roll | 4823.90.00.00 or 3506.91.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "Sticky Note" β Incorrect HS |
| Bulk rolls of self-adhesive labels | 4821.10.00.00 |
Misdeclare as "Sticky Note" β Different tax treatment |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Sticky Notes | Provide design files; declare as "Pre-printed Memo Pad" if applicable |
| Eco-friendly/Biodegradable Pads | No tariff change, but may need sustainability certification for marketing |
| Gift Sets (Sticky Notes + Pens) | De minimis rule: If < $800, may be duty-free; if > $800, declare all items |
| Samples for Evaluation | Declare as "Samples β Not for Resale" with value < $500 to avoid duties |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4820.10.40.00 / 4820.10.20.60 |
35% (China Origin) | None Specific | High additional tariffs |
| π¨π³ China | 4820.10.40.00 |
5β10% | None | Import duty + VAT 13% |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4820.10.40.00 |
6.5% | REACH (if adhesive regulated) | No additional tariffs |
| π¬π§ UK | 4820.10.40.00 |
6.5% | UKCA (if applicable) | Post-Brexit rules apply |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 4820.10.40.00 |
5% | None | No additional tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only market with high additional tariffs (35%) for Chinese-origin sticky notes.
- EU/UK/AU have standard low tariffs (5β6.5%) with no Section 301/IEEPA penalties.
- For US imports, consider supply chain diversification (e.g., produce in Vietnam/Mexico) to avoid 35% tariff.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring sticky notes as "Adhesive Tape"
π Consequence: Incorrect HS, potential audit, penalty.
β Mistake 2: Failing to distinguish between "Plain" and "Pre-printed"
π Consequence: If pre-printed is declared as plain, customs may reclassify and charge extra duties + penalties.
β Mistake 3: Ignoring IEEPA 10% tariff in cost calculation
π Consequence: Profit margin wiped out by unexpected 35% total tax.
β Mistake 4: Using "Stationery" as generic description
π Consequence: Customs may ask for clarification, delay clearance. Use precise terms: "Self-Adhesive Memo Pads."
β Correct Practice:
"Sticky Notes, Self-Adhesive, 3x3 inch, 100 Sheets/Pad, Plain White, Model SN-100, Pack of 12 Pads"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Plain = 40.00, Printed = 20.60, Total 35% in US!"
πΉ "HS Code determines fate, tariff difference is huge, declare precisely, avoid fines!"
π Pro Tip:
If your sticky notes are originating from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, Malaysia, you may apply for IEEPA Exemption, reducing tariff to 0β5%.
Recommend applying for an Advance Ruling before shipment to confirm HS Code and avoid clearance risks.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact a professional customs broker + Provide product photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Let your sticky notes pass customs smoothly, boost efficiency, and double profits!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of your cost deserves precise calculation!
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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) 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.