wooden seal
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4421999880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4421919880 | 38.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9611000000 | 20.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016990500 | 20.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4016996050 | 37.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πͺ΅ Wooden Seal: Complete HS Classification & Customs Strategy (2026)
π Global HS Code Master Guide | China-to-USA Import Tax Breakdown | 38.3% vs 20.2% Decoding
π I. What is a "Wooden Seal"? Context & Classification Logic
A Wooden Seal is a hand-held stamping tool used to imprint dates, signatures, or official marks. In customs trade, the material and intended use determine the HS Code:
- Wooden Seals (General) β Made of wood, used for manual marking.
- Rubber Seals (Wooden Handle) β Rubber stamping surface, wooden handle.
- Date/Numbering Seals β Specifically designed for serial/date stamping.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Wooden Body + Wood Stamp βε½ε ₯ 4421.99.98.80 / 4421.91.98.80 (Wood Products)
- Wooden Body + Rubber Stamp βε½ε ₯ 4016.99.05.00 / 4016.99.60.50 (Rubber Products)
- Specific "Date/Numbering" Function βε½ε ₯ 9611.00.00.00 (Stamps & Similar)
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Matrix (2026 Authoritative Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Key Material | Use Case | Tax Rate (CNβUS) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4421.99.98.80 |
Wooden Seal, Made of Wood, "Other Wood Products" | Wood | General manual stamping | 38.3% |
4421.91.98.80 |
Wooden Seal, Wooden Item, "Other Wood Products" | Wood | Similar to above, specific sub-category | 38.3% |
9611.00.00.00 |
Wooden Seal for Manual Date/Sealing/Numbering | Wood + Rubber (if any) | Specialized date/number stamps | 20.2% |
4016.99.05.00 |
Rubber Seal, Sulfurized Rubber, "Other Household Items" | Sulfurized Rubber | Rubber stamp, wooden handle | 20.9% |
4016.99.60.50 |
Rubber Seal, Sulfurized Rubber, "Other Sulfurized Rubber Products" | Sulfurized Rubber | Commercial rubber stamp | 37.5% |
π Key Insight:
- Wooden seals (pure wood) face 38.3% tax due to Section 301 + 122 tariffs.
- Date/numbering seals (9611.00.00.00) are cheaper at 20.2% if marketed for office/serial use.
- Rubber seals (4016.xxxx) vary: household use = 20.9%, commercial = 37.5%.
π° III. 2026 Tariff Breakdown (China β USA)
β Applicable Market: United States
β Origin: China
β Effective Date: 2025β2026
π― 1. 4421.99.98.80 & 4421.91.98.80 (Wooden Seals)
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.3% | HTSUS General |
| Section 301 (China) | +25.0% | 122 Tariff (2025) |
| Section 122 (China) | +10.0% | 301 Tariff (2024) |
| Total | 38.3% | β |
π Why?
- These fall under "Wood Products" (Chapter 44), heavily taxed by Section 301 + 122 policies.
- No de minimis exemption for China-origin wood seals.
π― 2. 9611.00.00.00 (Date/Numbering Seals)
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.7% | HTSUS General |
| Section 301 (China) | +7.5% | 301 Tariff (2025) |
| Section 122 (China) | +10.0% | 301 Tariff (2024) |
| Total | 20.2% | β |
π Why Lower?
- Classified as "Stamps & Seals" (Chapter 96), not "Wood Products".
- 7.5% Section 301 is lower than the 25% wood tariff.
π― 3. 4016.99.05.00 (Rubber Seals)
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.4% | HTSUS General |
| Section 301 (China) | +7.5% | 301 Tariff (2025) |
| Section 122 (China) | +10.0% | 301 Tariff (2024) |
| Total | 20.9% | β |
π Why?
- Rubber seals are taxed under Chapter 40 (Rubber), not wood.
- 7.5% Section 301 applies (not the 25% wood tariff).
π― 4. 4016.99.60.50 (Commercial Rubber Seals)
| Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Duty | 2.5% | HTSUS General |
| Section 301 (China) | +25.0% | 301 Tariff (2025) |
| Section 122 (China) | +10.0% | 301 Tariff (2024) |
| Total | 37.5% | β |
π Why Higher?
- Commercial rubber seals fall under Chapter 40, Subheading 60.50, subject to 25% Section 301.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Strategy & Action Plan
β 1. Product Definition for Customs
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pure wooden stamp (no rubber) | 4421.99.98.80 |
9611.00.00.00 β 20.2% vs 38.3% |
| Wooden handle + rubber stamp | 4016.99.05.00 |
4421.91.98.80 β 20.9% vs 38.3% |
| Date/number stamp (wood/rubber) | 9611.00.00.00 |
4421.99.98.80 β 20.2% vs 38.3% |
β 2. Documentation Checklist
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Product Spec Sheet | Confirm material (wood vs rubber), function (date vs general) |
| Photos (Seal + Handle) | Prove if rubber stamp is separate |
| Invoice (Clear Description) | "Wooden Date Stamp, Rubber Insert, Model X" |
| Origin Certificate | If non-China, avoid 122/301 tariffs |
β 3. Pitfall Avoidance
- β Mistake: Calling a "rubber seal with wooden handle" a "wooden seal" β 38.3% tax.
- β Fix: Describe as "Rubber Seal, Wooden Handle" β 20.9% tax.
- β Mistake: Not specifying "date/numbering" function β 38.3% tax.
- β Fix: Add "for manual date/numbering" β 20.2% tax.
π V. Global Tax Comparison (2026)
| Country | HS Code | Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4421.99.98.80 |
38.3% | 301 + 122 tariffs |
| π¨π³ China | 4421.99.98.80 |
3.3% | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9611.00.00 |
0% | CE certification |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9611.00.00 |
5% | PSE certification |
π Key Takeaway:
- USA is the only market charging 38.3% for wooden seals.
- Reclassify as "Date Stamp" or "Rubber Seal" to save 18%β18.1%.
π― VI. Pro Tips for Exporters
- Rephrase Product Name:
- Instead of "Wooden Seal", use "Wooden Date Stamp with Rubber Insert".
- Pre-Classification:
- Submit Ruling Request to US Customs for
9611.00.00.00(20.2% vs 38.3%). - Supplier Negotiation:
- Ask suppliers to make wooden seals without rubber (use
9611.00.00.00if applicable).
π£ Final Call to Action
π₯ "Don't Pay 38.3% for a Wooden Seal! Repackage as 'Date Stamp' β 20.2% Tax!"
π Contact Us: Get HS Code pre-ruling + Tax Optimization Strategy!
β¨ Precision Classification = Profit Maximization!
πΌ Your Seal Deserves a 20.2% Tax, Not 38.3%!
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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.