Envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, of paper or paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper or paperboard, containing an assortment of paper stationery
4 declarable lines
Heading 4817 covers paper and paperboard envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, plus paper or paperboard boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums sold with an assortment of paper stationery inside. It splits into four declarable lines: envelopes, gummed or perforated writing sheets prepared as combination sheets and envelopes, other letter cards and postcards, and stationery containers with assorted contents. All four lines carry a general (MFN) rate of Free.
Products in this heading
- Plain mailing envelopes of paper
- Windowless correspondence cards with matching envelopes
- Plain postcards without printing
- Gummed sheets of writing paper perforated to fold into a combined sheet and envelope
- Paper wallet holding an assortment of stationery
- Paperboard writing compendium containing notepaper and envelopes
- Paper pouch sold as a stationery set
How to choose the right subheading
- Decide whether the item is an envelope, a card (letter card, postcard, correspondence card), or a container holding assorted stationery.
- For cards, check whether the sheet is border-gummed or perforated and prepared for use as a combination sheet and envelope.
- For containers, check that the box, pouch, wallet or compendium holds an assortment of paper stationery rather than being an empty box.
- Confirm the article is made of paper or paperboard, not of plastic, textile or leather.
- Check whether the item is printed in a way that moves it to a printing chapter rather than chapter 48.
Often confused with
- Heading 4819Plain shipping cartons and folding boxes sold empty
Packing containers of paperboard are classified as cartons and boxes, not stationery containers.
- Heading 4820Notebooks, letter pads and diaries
Bound or padded stationery goods fall in the stationery articles heading.
- Heading 4821Printed paper labels
Labels of all kinds, printed or not, have their own heading.
- Heading 4818Paper napkins and tissues
Household and sanitary paper articles are excluded from heading 4817.
- Heading 4814Wallpaper and paper window transparencies
Wallcoverings are covered by a separate heading.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for paper envelopes?
Paper envelopes are classified under 4817.10.00.00, which carries a general (MFN) rate of Free.
What is the duty on plain postcards and correspondence cards?
Letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards other than combination sheets and envelopes are classified under 4817.20.40.00, with a general (MFN) rate of Free.
How do I classify a paper box sold with assorted stationery inside?
A paper or paperboard box, pouch, wallet or writing compendium containing an assortment of paper stationery is classified under 4817.30.00.00, and the general (MFN) rate is Free. An empty paperboard box of the same size is classified elsewhere, under heading 4819.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.
All lines in heading 4817
- 4817.10.00.00EnvelopesFree
- 4817.20.20.00Sheets of writing paper, with border gummed or perforated, with or without inserts, prepared for use as combination sheets and envelopesFree
- 4817.20.40.00Letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards / OtherFree
- 4817.30.00.00Boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper or paperboard, containing an assortment of paper stationeryFree