HS code for sketchbook
The U.S. HS code for a sketchbook is usually 4820.10.20.60 (paper), 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper | 4820.10.20.60 | Free | 12.5% |
- 4820.10.20.60: Other
What decides the code
A paper sketchbook is a bound paper stationery article classified under heading 4820, specifically in the notebook and similar articles group at 4820.10.20.60.
- Paper or paperboard construction puts the sketchbook in heading 4820 as a stationery article, not in the printed book chapters.
- Bound sheets with a cover make it a notebook-type article, which falls in the 4820.10 group for diaries, notebooks and similar articles.
- Blank or lightly ruled pages for sketching keep it in 4820.10.20.60 as an other article of that group rather than a diary or address book.
Common mistakes
- Classifying a paper sketchbook under 4820.20 is wrong because that line covers exercise books, not bound sketch or notebook articles.
- Putting a sketchbook in heading 4901 is wrong because that heading covers printed books, not blank paper stationery.
- Classifying it under 4821 is wrong because that heading covers paper labels, not bound notebooks or sketchbooks.
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 4820.10.20.60, 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 sketchbook?
The U.S. HTS code for a sketchbook is usually 4820.10.20.60 (paper). The first six digits, 4820.10, are the international HS code.
What is the U.S. import duty on a sketchbook from China?
The U.S. general duty on HTS 4820.10.20.60 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
- 4820.10.20.60Other
- 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.