HS code for binder
The U.S. HS code for a binder is usually 4820.30.00.20 (ring binder), with no general duty and an estimated total of 12.5% from China and 12.5% from Vietnam once additional duties are added.
Estimates use tariff data as of October 22, 2026. The China and Vietnam estimates include Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%). From China, Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply, up to 37.5% in total. Classifications and duty estimates are guidance based on the published HTSUS. The importer of record is responsible for the final classification.
Codes by variant
| Variant | HTS code | General duty | Est. from China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring binder | 4820.30.00.20 | Free | 12.5% |
- 4820.30.00.20: Binders (other than book covers), folders and file covers / Looseleaf binders
What decides the code
A ring binder is a looseleaf binder of paper or paperboard, classified under heading 4820 in HTSUS line 4820.30.00.20.
- Looseleaf construction with rings places the article in the binders, folders and file covers group under heading 4820.
- Paper or paperboard as the main material keeps the article in heading 4820 rather than a plastics heading.
- A binder that is not looseleaf, such as a fixed-page book cover, falls outside the looseleaf binder line.
Common mistakes
- Classifying a ring binder under 4820.10 as a notebook or diary is wrong because the rings make it a looseleaf binder.
- Putting a paperboard ring binder in a plastics heading is wrong because the cover material is paper or paperboard, not plastic.
- Treating a ring binder as a book cover under 4820.30 is wrong because book covers are excluded from the binders group.
Estimated U.S. duty by origin
- China
- 12.5% = Free general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor actionMay also apply: Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%). Up to 37.5%.
- Vietnam
- 12.5% = Free general + 12.5% Section 301: Forced labor action
For HTS 4820.30.00.20, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
EU code and duty
- Ring binder
- CN 4820 30 00, Free
EU Combined Nomenclature 2026, third-country (erga omnes) duty. Preferential rates and EU trade remedy duties are not included.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for a binder?
The U.S. HTS code for a binder is usually 4820.30.00.20 (ring binder). The first six digits, 4820.30, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a binder from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 4820.30.00.20 is Free. With the additional duties that apply to goods of China (Section 301: Forced labor action (12.5%)), the estimated total is 12.5% of customs value. Section 301: China list duty (7.5% or 25%) may also apply depending on the exact product. From Vietnam the estimate is 12.5%. Tariff data as of October 22, 2026.
Tariff schedule pages
- 4820.30.00.20Binders (other than book covers), folders and file covers / Looseleaf binders
- Heading 4820Registers, account books, notebooks, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries and similar articles, exercise books, blotting pads, binders (looseleaf or other), folders, file covers, manifold business forms, interleaved carbon sets and other articles of stationery, of paper or paperboard; albums for samples or for collections and book covers (including cover boards and book jackets) of paper or paperboard
Related products
Codes checked against the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule retrieved October 22, 2026. Additional duties reviewed October 22, 2026. This is an estimate: the importer of record is responsible for classification.