HS Code for Notebook

Paper notebooks are classified under HTS heading 4820, which covers registers, notebooks, exercise books, and similar articles of paper or paperboard. All notebooks entering the United States under this heading are duty-free (0% general rate). The specific subheading depends on the type of binding, format, and dimensions of the notebook.

Paper notebooks are classified under heading 4820 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, which broadly covers registers, account books, notebooks, order books, receipt books, letter pads, memorandum pads, diaries, exercise books, binders, folders, and other articles of stationery made of paper or paperboard. The good news for importers is that all products under this heading enter the US duty-free.

The classification within heading 4820 depends on the product type and physical characteristics. Bound notebooks, diaries, and address books fall under 4820.10.20, with further breakouts based on size dimensions. Notebooks with standard dimensions (small side 6"-15" and large side 8.75"-15") are separately identified as either sewn composition books (4820.10.20.30) or other notebooks (4820.10.20.40). Notebooks falling outside these standard dimensions are classified under 4820.10.20.60. This size-based distinction exists for statistical tracking purposes, not duty rate differences.

Binding method matters for proper statistical classification. Sewn composition books have their own provision (4820.10.20.30), while spiral-bound, wirebound, or other non-bound formats that do not qualify as "bound" may fall under 4820.10.40.00, which is a residual category for notebooks and similar articles that are not bound in the traditional sense. Exercise books — typically school workbooks with lined or ruled pages — have their own specific subheading at 4820.20.00.00.

Importers should distinguish paper notebooks from electronic devices that share the same name. Laptop computers (commonly called "notebooks") are classified under heading 8471 with very different duty considerations. Similarly, if a notebook has significant non-paper components — such as a leather cover that constitutes the essential character of the product — classification could shift to the material of the cover (e.g., Chapter 42 for leather articles). However, standard paper notebooks with decorative covers remain under 4820 as long as the paper component gives the article its essential character.

All paper notebooks and stationery articles under heading 4820 enter the United States duty-free at a 0% general rate. This applies regardless of the country of origin, binding method, size, or specific format. Even under the Column 2 (non-MFN) rate, these products remain duty-free. This makes paper notebooks one of the simplest product categories for import duty assessment.