Heading 4821

Paper and paperboard labels of all kinds, whether or not printed

4 declarable lines

Heading 4821 covers paper and paperboard labels of every kind, whether or not printed, including adhesive address labels, shipping labels and printed product labels. The heading splits first on printing: printed labels fall under 4821.10, split by whether the printing was done by a lithographic process, and all other labels fall under 4821.90, split by whether the label is self-adhesive. All four declarable lines in this heading carry a general (MFN) rate of Free.

Products in this heading

Self-adhesive address labels on a roll or sheet
Printed shipping and mailing labels
Barcode and inventory labels
Product labels printed with a brand or logo
Printed paperboard hang tags for apparel
Unprinted adhesive jar and bottle labels
Price marking labels
Pressure-sensitive label sheets for laser printers

How to choose the right subheading

Whether the label is printed at all, which decides between 4821.10 and 4821.90
For printed labels, whether the printing was done by a lithographic process or by another method such as flexography or digital
For unprinted labels, whether the label is self-adhesive or uses another attachment method such as gummed or tie-on
Whether the article is actually a label, meaning it identifies or marks an item, rather than plain paper stock
The material of the label face, since plastic film or textile labels are not classified in chapter 48

Often confused with

Envelopes and paper mailers
Envelopes are provided for in their own heading even when printed with a return address.
Heading 4817
Printed catalogs, brochures and advertising leaflets
Printed matter whose main purpose is advertising or information, not labeling, is classified as printed matter.
Heading 4911
Corrugated shipping boxes printed with a logo
Packing containers of paperboard stay in the carton heading even when printed.
Heading 4819
Carbon paper and self-copy paper
Copying and transfer papers are named in their own heading and are not labels.
Heading 4816
Plain self-adhesive paper in rolls that is not made up as labels
Coated, adhesive paper stock in rolls stays in the paper heading until it is put up as labels.
Heading 4811

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for printed self-adhesive labels?

Printed labels are classified by printing method, not by adhesive. Lithographically printed labels go in 4821.10.20.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free, and labels printed by other methods go in 4821.10.40.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free.

What is the duty on paper labels?

All declarable lines in heading 4821 are duty free. For example, unprinted self-adhesive labels are classified in 4821.90.20.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free, and unprinted labels that are not self-adhesive go in 4821.90.40.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free.

How do I classify unprinted adhesive address labels?

Unprinted labels with a pressure-sensitive adhesive are classified in 4821.90.20.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free. If the labels are unprinted and attach by gumming, tying or another non-adhesive method, they fall in 4821.90.40.00 at a general (MFN) rate of Free.

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.