Letter Stamp
CN → US| HS编码 | 关税税率 | 原产国 | 目的国 | 文档 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9611000000 | 20.2% | CN | US | 官方文档 |
商品图片
AI分析
🖋️ Letter Stamps & Handheld Sealing Devices
(Date, sealing or numbering stamps and the like, designed for operating in the hand)
🌐 HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Customs Strategy
📌 I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Letter Stamps"?
Letter stamps (including hand-held sealing, numbering, or labeling devices) are essential tools for administrative efficiency, logistics, and document authentication. In international trade, they are strictly classified under Chapter 96, specifically Heading 9611.
Core Classification Principle:
The defining characteristic is "Hand-Operated". If the device requires manual operation to impress a design, date, number, or label onto a surface, it falls under HS Code 9611.00.00.00.
⚠️ Key Distinction:
- Hand-held Stamps: Manually pressed. → HS Code 9611.00.00.00
- Automatic/Industrial Stamping Machines: Powered by electricity, pneumatic, or mechanical automation. → Different HS Code (e.g., 8443 or 8460 depending on type)
- Typewriters/Printing Sets with Composing Sticks: Explicitly included in 9611.
📦 II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Official Tariff)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Operation Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
9611.00.00.00 |
Date, sealing or numbering stamps and the like, (including devices for printing or embossing labels), designed for operating in the hand; hand-operated composing sticks and hand printing sets incorporating such composing sticks | Office use, logistics labeling, personal sealing, manual numbering | ✅ Manual / Hand-Operated |
🔍 Critical Note:
- This code covers inks, pre-inked stamps, self-inking stamps, and mechanical numbering devices if they are designed for hand use.
- Exclusions: Do NOT classify here. If it is an automated industrial press, it belongs elsewhere.
💰 III. 2026 Tariff Rate Breakdown (For US Imports from China)
✅ Applicable Country: United States (US)
✅ Origin: China (CN)
✅ Effective Date: Current rates apply (Base + Additional Duties)
🎯 HS Code 9611.00.00.00 —— Handheld Stamps & Sealing Devices
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 2.7% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 / Additional Tariff | 7.5% (Specific to Chinese Origin) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 10.2% |
| Tax Calculation Basis | CIF Value (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) × 10.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | ⚠️ Check Limit: While basic rates are low, ensure the total value per shipment does not violate de minimis thresholds if claiming duty-free entry for small packages (currently $800 in US, but subject to scrutiny for "high-risk" items or specific origin rules). |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS: 9611.00.00.00 → Section 301 List 4A/B (if applicable) |
📌 Explanation:
- Base Duty (2.7%): The standard Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate for general office/school supplies.
- Additional Duty (7.5%): Reflects the ongoing trade measures on specific Chinese goods.
- Total Burden: At 10.2%, this is a moderate tax burden compared to electronics or steel, but still significant for low-margin bulk goods.
🛠️ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
✅ 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Commercial Invoice | Yes | Must clearly state "Handheld Letter Stamp" or "Manual Sealing Device". Avoid vague terms like "Office Tool". |
| ✅ Product Photos | Yes | Show the device being held in hand to prove "hand-operated" nature. |
| ✅ Material Description | Yes | Specify materials (e.g., "Plastic body, rubber pad"). Helps customs verify it's not a mechanical press. |
| ✅ HS Code Declaration | Yes | Explicitly declare 9611.00.00.00. |
✅ 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
🔥 “Manual is Key, Machine is No”
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Error to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-inked self-inking stamp | 9611.00.00.00 |
❌ Misclassifying as "Pen" (9608) → Wrong rate |
| Mechanical numbering device (hand-held) | 9611.00.00.00 |
❌ Misclassifying as "Machine Part" → Higher duty |
| Electric/Compressed Air Stamping Machine | NOT 9611 |
✅ Use appropriate industrial machine code |
| Stamp Pad (Ink Pad only) | 3215.90 (Ink) |
❌ Don't mix stamp + pad in one line if separate SKUs |
✅ 3. Special Cases
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Stamp + Ink Pad Set | If sold as a set, classify based on the essential character. Usually, the stamp body defines it, but check if the ink is sold separately for better accuracy. |
| Custom Logo Stamps | If the stamp is customized for a specific company, ensure the invoice describes it as "Custom Letter Stamp" to avoid ambiguity. |
| Bulk Imports | For large quantities, consider if the de minimis value allows duty-free entry under Section 321 (if < $800 per person per day). However, for commercial imports, full duty applies. |
🌍 V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Basic Tariff | Additional Duties (China) | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 9611.00.00.00 |
2.7% | 7.5% | 10.2% |
| 🇨🇳 China (Import) | 9611.00.00.00 |
~2% | 0% | ~2% |
| 🇪🇺 European Union | 9611.00.00 |
0% - 4.5% | 0% | Low |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 9611.00.00 |
4.5% | 0% | 4.5% |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | 9611.00.00 |
3.5% | 0% | 3.5% |
📌 Conclusion:
- The US market has the highest effective duty rate (10.2%) due to Section 301 tariffs.
- EU, UK, and Japan are more favorable, with no additional punitive tariffs.
- For US exporters, cost absorption or price adjustment is necessary to maintain competitiveness.
📌 VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
❌ Error 1: Classifying hand-held stamps under 9608 (Pens)
👉 Consequence: Wrong HS Code, potential audit, retroactive duty adjustment.
Fix: Stamps are for impressing, pens are for writing. Use 9611.
❌ Error 2: Describing as "Office Accessories" vaguely
👉 Consequence: Customs may classify under "Other Articles of Plastics/Rubber" with higher duties or delays.
Fix: Use precise language: "Hand-held rubber stamp for numbering packages."
❌ Error 3: Ignoring the "Hand-Operated" distinction
👉 Consequence: If the device is partially automated, it may be misclassified.
Fix: Clearly state "Manual Operation Required" on invoices.
✅ Correct Declaration Example:
"Hand-held rubber date stamp, plastic handle, rubber pad, for manual impressing of dates on documents, Model: DS-100"
🎯 VII. Conclusion: Accurate Classification Saves Money
🎯 Remember the Rules:
🔹 "Hand-held = 9611"
🔹 "Automatic = Industrial Machine Code"
🔹 "China to US = 10.2% Total Duty"
📌 Pro Tip:
If you are shipping small quantities (under $800) directly to individual consumers in the US, you may utilize the de minimis exemption (Section 321) to avoid the 10.2% duty, provided the goods are not subject to specific exclusions (which currently, most stamps are not). However, for B2B bulk shipments, plan for the 10.2% cost.
📣 Immediate Action:
📞 Verify the manual vs. automatic nature of your product.
📝 Draft invoices with precise descriptions.
📊 Calculate the 10.2% landed cost for US imports.
✨ Precision in Classification, Profit in Clearance!
💼 Every penny saved on correct HS Codes is pure profit!
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关于 HS 编码归类
协调制度（HS）是由世界海关组织（WCO）制定的国际贸易商品分类标准。全球 200 多个国家采用 HS 系统作为海关关税、贸易统计和进出口监管的基础。
每个 HS 编码遵循以下层级结构：
- 章（2 位）——商品大类（例如：第 84 章：机器和机械设备）
- 品目（4 位）——章内的更具体分类
- 子目（6 位）——国际通用细分，所有 WCO 成员国统一使用
- 本国细分（8-10 位）——各国自行扩展的细分编码，如美国 HTSUS 10 位编码
正确的 HS 编码归类对于顺利通关、准确缴纳关税和遵守贸易法规至关重要。错误归类可能导致海关延误、多缴关税或罚款。
从CN进口到US时，适用的关税税率可能包括：
- 最惠国（MFN）税率——适用于 WTO 成员国的标准关税税率
- 普通税率——适用于无贸易协定国家
- 贸易救济关税——附加关税，如 301 条款（反倾销）、232 条款（国家安全）或反补贴税
本页内容仅供参考。如需正式归类，请咨询当地海关或持牌报关代理。