纸质笔记本套装
CN → US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4820102010 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4820102060 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4901990093 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
📓 Notebook & Stationery Sets (Paper-based Notebook Packages)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Strategy
📌 Part 1: Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Paper Notebooks"?
Paper-based notebook sets are essential tools for business, education, and daily life. In international trade, they are not treated as a single homogeneous item but are classified based on their physical form, usage, and page count. Misclassification can lead to significant tax discrepancies.
The data highlights three distinct categories: 1. Business Notebooks/Binders: Formal, structured recording devices. 2. Recording Books/Logbooks: Specifically for logging, accounting, or official records. 3. Printed Booklets/Notebooks: Thicker, book-like forms with significant page counts.
⚠️ Key Distinction Points: - If the item is a small, bound booklet used for general notes with <49 pages (typically) → Often falls under 4820.10 (Registers, Account Books, Order Books, etc.). - If the item is a thick, book-like publication with 49 or more pages → It may be reclassified under 4901 (Printed Books, Newspapers, Pictures, etc.). - The material is strictly paper-based, ruling out electronic or leather-bound luxury cases unless the paper core is the primary value.
📦 Part 2: HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific HS Codes and their corresponding explanations:
| HS Code | Product Description | Summary & Classification Logic | Application Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
4820.10.20.10 |
Business Notebook Sets | Paper notebooks in the form of notebooks. Fits the category of registers, account books, and notebooks. | Business stationery sets, formal memo pads, corporate gift notebooks. |
4820.10.20.60 |
Business Notebook/Recording Book | Paper notebooks for recording/logging purposes. Fits the "recording book" category. | Account books, logbooks, specific purpose recording journals. |
4901.99.00.93 |
Printed Paper Notebooks | Paper notebooks classified under printed materials. Specifically fits the form of printed publications with 49 or more pages. | Thick diaries, annual planners, printed workbooks, educational booklets. |
🔍 Critical Note: - The threshold of "49 or more pages" is the decisive factor for
4901.99.00.93. - Items with fewer than 49 pages or those structured as "registers/account books" fall under4820.10. - Both categories attract heavy tariffs due to trade policies, but the base classification changes the legal basis of the assessment.
💰 Part 3: 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US) ✅ Origin: China (CN) ✅ Effective Time: Current enforcement of Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs.
🎯 1. 4820.10.20.10 & 4820.10.20.60 —— Business & Recording Notebooks
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% (General Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +25.0% (Added Duty on Chinese Goods) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Specific Provisional Tariff) |
| Total Tax Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 35% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ NO (deny_de_minimis) Note: Section 301 and IEEPA tariffs generally do not apply to de minimis shipments ($800). However, for large commercial imports, this rate applies strictly. |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4820.10.20.10/60 → FOOTNOTE:Section301 → Section122 |
📌 Explanation: - These codes fall under Chapter 48 (Paper and Paperboard). - Despite having a 0% base tariff, the 35% total effective rate is significant. - The 25% comes from the ongoing US-China trade tensions (Section 301). - The 10% is attributed to Section 122 tariffs (often related to national security or unfair trade practices, depending on current specific enactments).
🎯 2. 4901.99.00.93 —— Printed Notebooks (≥49 Pages)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Reduced Surtax for Certain Printed Goods*) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value × 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption? | ❌ NO (Subject to same restrictions as above) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4901.99.00.93 → FOOTNOTE:Section301 → Section122 |
📌 Explanation: - This is a major saving opportunity. By ensuring the product is classified as a "printed publication" (≥49 pages) rather than a simple "notebook," the Section 301 tax drops from 25% to 7.5%. - Total Rate: 17.5% vs. 35.0%. - Strategy: If your notebook set is thick enough (e.g., an annual planner or a thick composition book), aim for this classification to cut your tariff burden in half.
🛠️ Part 4: Customs Clearance Practical Advice (实战避坑指南)
✅ 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Product Specification Sheet | ✔️ | Must clearly state page count (critical for 4901 vs 4820). |
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | ✔️ | Describe as "Printed Notebook Set" or "Business Record Book" accurately. |
| ✅ Packing List | ✔️ | Show quantity and weight. |
| ✅ Photos of Product | ✔️ | Show the spine, binding, and page edges to prove thickness/page count. |
| ✅ Material Certificate | ✔️ | Confirm paper content (no significant electronic components or leather cases). |
✅ 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tactics)
🔥 "More Pages, Lower Tax! 49 is the Magic Number!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Tax Rate | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin Notebook / Pad (<49 pages) | 4820.10.20.10 / .60 |
35.0% | Accept higher cost; focus on branding/business value. |
| Thick Booklet / Planner (≥49 pages) | 4901.99.00.93 |
17.5% | Preferred! Ensure binding is sturdy and page count is verified. |
| Leather-bound Luxury Journal | Check Other Codes | Varies | If paper is <50% of value, might fall under Chapter 46 (Trunk/Bag) or 49. Not covered in current data. |
| Notebook with Pen/Pencil Set | Composite Good | Varies | If the pen is the dominant value, it might change the code. Keep them separate if possible. |
📌 Warning: - Do not artificially add pages to meet the 49-page threshold if it misrepresents the product. - However, if you produce Annual Planners, Daily Journals, or Thick Workbooks, ensure you market and label them as "Books" or "Publications" rather than just "Notebooks" to support the
4901classification.
✅ 3. Special Situations
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Notebooks | Provide sample with exact page count. Include a certificate of publication if applicable. |
| Gift Sets (Notebook + Pen) | If the notebook is the primary item, use the notebook's HS Code. If the pen is high-value luxury, consult separate codes. |
| Small Quantity Sample (<$800) | De Minimis Exemption: If shipped via courier (e.g., DHL, FedEx) as a personal sample, tariffs may be 0% due to the $800 de minimis rule. Verify current carrier compliance. |
| Bulk Commercial Import | Tariffs apply fully. Use the 17.5% rate if eligible. |
🌍 Part 5: Global Market Comparison (2026 Snapshot)
| Region | Typical HS Code | Est. Tariff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | 4820.10 / 4901.99 |
17.5% - 35.0% | Heavy surtaxes on Chinese origin. |
| 🇨🇳 China | 4820.10 / 4901.99 |
0% - 8% | Low base tariff. No surtaxes. |
| 🇪🇺 EU | 4820.10 / 4901.99 |
3.9% - 6.5% | No major trade war tariffs. |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 4820.10 / 4901.99 |
4.0% - 8.0% | Post-Brexit tariffs apply. |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 4820.10 / 4901.99 |
3.0% - 5.0% | Stable rates. |
📌 Conclusion: - The US market is the most challenging due to the 35% cap. - For US exports, maximize page count to qualify for the 17.5% rate. - Consider third-country manufacturing (e.g., Vietnam, Mexico) if volume is high and margins are thin, as these countries may be exempt from Section 301 tariffs.
📌 Part 6: Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Blood & Tears Lessons)
❌ Mistake 1: Treating all notebooks as one category.
👉 Consequence: Paying 35% when you could have paid 17.5% by correctly identifying a thick booklet as 4901.99.00.93.
❌ Mistake 2: Ignoring the "49-page" rule.
👉 Consequence: Customs officers will inspect the physical product. If it has 48 pages, they will reclassify it to 4820.10 and demand back taxes + penalties.
❌ Mistake 3: Claiming "De Minimis" for Bulk Shipments. 👉 Consequence: If you send 100 units to one address, it is not de minimis. It is subject to full tariffs and detailed entry filing.
❌ Mistake 4: Vague Descriptions ("Notebook"). 👉 Consequence: Customs may assign the highest dutiable code by default or delay clearance for further inspection.
✅ Correct Practice:
"Paper Notebook, Annual Planner, 52 Pages, Wire-Bound, 2026 Edition, Printed in China."
🎯 Part 7: Conclusion: Professional Classification, Cost Savings!
🎯 Remember the Key Takeaway:
🔹 "49 Pages is the Line: Below 35%, Above 17.5%."
🔹 "Don't just call it a Notebook; call it a Publication if it's thick enough!"
📌 Pro Tip: If your product is under $800 per shipment and sent to a single recipient in the US, it may qualify for De Minimis (Section 321) entry, potentially avoiding all tariffs. However, for B2B bulk shipments, this does not apply.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Audit your current HS Codes.
📊 Count your pages. If ≥49, switch to4901.99.00.93.
📝 Update your invoices to reflect the accurate product nature.
✨ Smart Classification is Your Best Tax Hedge!
💼 Save 17.5% on every unit. That's pure profit!
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) — 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.