As red Chinese lanterns adorn streets overseas and paper-cut window decorations embellish shopfronts abroad, festive New Year decorations are being exported in bulk as “cultural ambassadors”. From traditional crafts to contemporary creative designs, a growing number of goods carrying Eastern blessings are entering the global marketplace. Customs classification serves as an “international passport” to their smooth clearance. This article provides an overview of the customs classifications for these common festive items.
I. Paper Couplets
Typically made from waterproof glossy paper with fine printing techniques, they come not only in the classic black-on-red style but also in modern designs featuring gold foil or flocking. In terms of content, alongside traditional poetry, multilingual versions or simplified blessings have emerged to suit consumers from diverse cultural backgrounds. Paper couplets are generally classified under HS code 4911.9910.
II. Window Decorations
Traditional window decorations are mostly red paper-cuttings, featuring patterns ranging from traditional symbols of fortune, prosperity, longevity, and happiness as well as zodiac animals, to modern geometric abstractions and city silhouettes. With technological advances, machine-pressed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) static cling decals or plastic window stickers have become more popular due to their easy application and reusability. Paper window decorations are generally classified under HS code 4823.9090, while plastic ones fall under HS code 4911.9100.
III. Wall Calendars
New Year wall calendars are not just tools for checking dates but also artworks that carry the visual culture of the festival, blending utility with decoration. Themes often incorporate zodiac signs, along with traditional Chinese elements such as landscape paintings and calligraphy. Common materials include standard coated paper and high-quality imitation rice paper, featuring pre-punched holes or attached strings at the top for wall hanging. Wall calendars are generally classified under HS code 4910.0000.
IV. Lanterns
Lanterns are iconic ornaments in traditional Chinese festivals, symbolizing “light, celebration, and reunion”. Originally serving the practical purpose of dispelling darkness and illuminating the New Year, their vivid red color and warm glow have made them a centerpiece of festive atmospheres during family-orientedoccasions like the Spring Festival and Lantern Festival. Decorative lanterns are generally classified under HS code 9505.9000.
V. Fireworks and Firecrackers
Fireworks and firecrackers are pyrotechnic articles made from combustible compositions, designed to produce auditory and visual effects such as sound, light, color, and smoke for traditional entertainment. Lighting them is a customary Spring Festival practice, historically believed to ward off misfortune and welcome the new year, embodying people’s hopes and aspirations for the coming year. Such goods are generally classified under HS code 3604.1000.
VI. String Lights
String lights are low-wattage mesh or strip lights made mainly from plastic, copper wire, and small bulbs. They are used to decorate windows, plants, garden fences, and similar areas. New Year-themed designs often feature festive motifs such as firecrackers, lanterns, Chinese knots, fortune pouches, and zodiac animals. They typically offer multiple lighting modes, including steady on, flashing, and fading, to create warm and festive visual effects. These goods are classified according to the type of light source: LED-based string lights are generally classified under HS code 9405.4290, while those with other light sources fall under HS code 9405.4990.
VII. Modern Wood-Framed New Year Paintings
New Year paintings are decorative artworks traditionally displayed during the Chinese New Year, characterized by highly saturated colors depicting specific figures like door gods, wealth gods, and auspicious children. Modern versions use high-precision offset printing to reproduce traditional patterns, with the finished product mounted in a wooden frame and equipped with a hanging cord or hook on the back. Such goods are generally classified under HS code 4911.9910.
(Authors’ Affiliation: Huangpu Customs)
Disclaimer：The above content is translated from Chinese version of China Inspection and Quarantine Times. The China Inspection and Quarantine Times version shall prevail.
