Baseball cards are a classic American collectible that millions enjoy collecting and trading. As a physical good that crosses international borders, baseball cards have a specific tariff code assigned by harmonized system (HS) for purposes of international trade and customs regulations. Understanding the correct HS code is important for importers and exporters of baseball cards to properly classify the goods and know what import duties may apply.
The HS code that applies to traditional baseball cards printed on cardboard stock is 4907.00.6000. This tariff line falls under Chapter 49 of Section X, which covers printed matter. More specifically, HS code 4907 covers unframed pictures, prints and photographs, excluding those classified in headings 4901 or 4903. The ‘6000’ six-digit suffix signifies that it applies to baseball cards.
This HS code would be used for traditional cardboard baseball cards featuring individual players, teams or league statistics printed for the purpose of collection and trading. It would not apply to items like gum cards still sealed in packaging, magnetic cards with special coatings, or high-end memorabilia cards made of unique materials. Those specialty items may be classified under different HS codes depending on their precise composition and intended use.
Understanding the composition of goods is key to proper HS classification. Baseball cards classified under 4907.00.6000 are typically made of paperboard or other paper pulps fused together to form a stiff cardboard. The cards feature printed images, stats and information about players or teams on one or both sides. Many vintage cards also included gum or candy promotions. Modern mass-produced hobby boxes of baseball cards packaged for trading/collecting purposes would also be classified here.
Knowing the HS code allows importers or exporters to search international trade databases for tariff rates, quotas and other regulatory requirements that may impact the movement of baseball cards across borders. For the United States, the MFN (most-favored-nation) tariff rate associated with HS code 4907.00.6000 is Free. This means no import duty would typically be assessed on cardboard baseball cards entering the US market from World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries with whom the US has normal trade relations.
It’s important to check for any non-tariff barriers or other import regulations likerules of origin that still must be followed. For example, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), cardboard baseball cards would need to meet regional value content rules to qualify for preferential tariff treatment between the three economies. Not meeting rules of origin could result in the full MFN tariff rate being applied instead of the lower or duty-free preferential rate.
Certain destinations may have quotas or limitations on the quantity or value of baseball cards that can be imported annually without incurring over-quota duties. Countries may also maintain prohibitions or restrictions on the importation of goods for various regulatory, ethical or inspection standards reasons as well. It’s important for traders to do thorough research on destination-specific import policies beyond merely identifying the applicable HS code.
On the export side, the US levies no export duties on cardboard baseball cards shipped abroad. However,Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) located at major US seaports or near borders are sometimes utilized by companies conducting international trade in baseball cards and other collectibles. FTZs enable the status of imported goods to be manipulated to delay, reduce or eliminate customs duties and import procedures until the item officially enters US customs territory for domestic consumption.
For example, a US baseball card manufacturer may import raw card stock, components or promotional materials for assembly into finished baseball card product within a bonded FTZ warehouse area. Periodic inventory counts and paperwork are required to monitor international transactions occurring within special trade zones that exist outside normal customs boundaries. But FTZ use can streamline logistics and provide substantial duty savings compared to clearing customs traditionally and then exporting finished goods.
The standard HS code of 4907.00.6000 covers traditionally produced cardboard baseball cards shipped globally for collection and trading purposes. Understanding this code, its associated tariff treatment under relevant trade agreements and any destination-specific rules helps companies import and export baseball cards compliantly. While a niche hobby product, billions are still spent annually on baseball cards worldwide making them an economically-meaningful good demanding proper international trade compliance. Knowledge of the applicable HS code is the starting point for staying on top of customs regulations impacting the cross-border baseball card trade.