Date, sealing or numbering stamps and the like, (including devices for printing or embossing labels), designed for operating in the hand; hand-operated composing sticks and hand printing sets incorporating such composing sticks
1 declarable lines
Heading 9611 covers hand-operated stamps and similar marking devices, including date stamps, sealing stamps, numbering stamps and hand devices for printing or embossing labels. It also covers hand-operated composing sticks and hand printing sets that incorporate such sticks. The heading has a single declarable line, 9611.00.00.00, so classification turns on whether the article is a hand-operated marking device or printing set rather than on material.
Products in this heading
- Self-inking date stamp used at a front desk
- Hand-held numbering stamp for invoices or checks
- Hand-operated embossing label maker with tape
- Hand stamp with changeable rubber characters
- Hand-operated composing stick for setting type
- Hand printing set supplied with a composing stick
- Hand-operated seal press for impressing documents
How to choose the right subheading
- Whether the device is designed to be operated in the hand rather than mounted on or driven by a machine
- Whether the article is a stamp, seal or numbering device rather than a writing instrument
- Whether the item is a hand printing set or composing stick, or a set incorporating a composing stick
- Whether an accompanying ink pad or ribbon is entered separately from the stamp
- Whether the product is a marking device or merely a printed paper label
Often confused with
- Heading 4821Sheets or rolls of printed paper labels
The label itself is paper of chapter 48, not a hand stamping device.
- Heading 9612Ink pads and inked ribbons for stamps
Ink pads and ribbons are classified by their own heading even when sold with stamps.
- Heading 9608Ball point pens, felt-tip markers and mechanical pencils
Writing instruments with their own heading are excluded from 9611.
- Heading 9609Tailors' chalks, crayons and writing chalks
Chalks and crayons are marking materials, not hand-operated stamping devices.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for a hand-operated date stamp?
Hand-operated date stamps and similar hand marking devices are classified under 9611.00.00.00. The general (MFN) duty rate for that line is 2.7%.
What is the duty on a hand numbering stamp?
A hand-operated numbering stamp falls under 9611.00.00.00 and is dutiable at the general (MFN) rate of 2.7%.
How do I classify a hand embossing label maker?
A hand-held device that prints or embosses labels is classified under 9611.00.00.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 2.7%. The adhesive label tape or printed labels themselves are classified separately, so declare the device and the label supply on their own lines.
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.