HS code for label maker
The U.S. HS code for a label maker is usually 8443.32.10.50 (thermal), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal | 8443.32.10.50 | Free | 12.5% |
- 8443.32.10.50: Printer units / Thermal transfer
What decides the code
A thermal label maker is a printer unit that prints by thermal transfer, so it is classified under heading 8443, specifically 8443.32.10.50.
- Printing method: thermal transfer printing places the unit in the printer units subheading under heading 8443.
- Connection: the unit is capable of connecting to an automatic data processing machine or to a network, which leads to 8443.32.
- Function: the device prints labels, so it is a printer unit rather than a copying machine or facsimile machine.
Common mistakes
- Classifying under 8471 as an automatic data processing machine is wrong because the label maker prints, it does not process data.
- Classifying under 8442 is wrong because that heading covers plates, cylinders and other printing components, not the printer itself.
- Classifying under 4821 as paper labels is wrong because the product is the printing machine, not the label stock.
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 8443.32.10.50, as a share of customs value, before fees. Check every measure for your entry with the tariff checker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for a label maker?
The U.S. HTS code for a label maker is usually 8443.32.10.50 (thermal). The first six digits, 8443.32, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a label maker from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 8443.32.10.50 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
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.