Loading...
SITCSection 8
U.S. imports of collectors' postage & revenue stamps, stamp-postmarks & first-day covers (SITC 89640) totaled $986K in April 2026, traded with 24 countries.
Importers of Collectors' Postage & Revenue Stamps, Stamp-Postmarks & First-Day Covers paid $38K in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 10% on $373K in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Collectors' Postage & Revenue Stamps, Stamp-Postmarks & First-Day Covers imports of $986K in April 2026 ran 14% above the year-to-date monthly average of $866K.
Last updated: April 2026 dataPhilatelic material — used postage stamps, revenue stamps, postmarks, first-day covers, and similar items valued as collectors' pieces rather than as valid postage — occupies a specialized classification that hinges on collectibility rather than face value or postal function. Unused stamps that are current and valid for postage in the destination country are explicitly excluded, keeping this heading focused on the secondary philatelic market. High-value collections may require detailed inventory appraisals for customs valuation purposes, and lots containing stamps from sanctioned countries should be reviewed against OFAC regulations before importation.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
The heading explicitly excludes unused stamps that are current and valid for postage in the country of destination (i.e., the US). An unused foreign stamp is generally treated as a collector's item because it cannot be used as valid US postage. The classification issue arises mainly with US stamps being re-imported, where CBP would look at whether the stamps are current legal tender for postage or are being traded purely as collectibles.
Yes. Stamps, covers, and philatelic lots originating from or depicting imagery of OFAC-sanctioned countries (such as North Korea or Iran) may be subject to import restrictions even as collector's items. OFAC has issued general licenses covering certain informational materials, but the scope is fact-specific. Importers of philatelic material with a sanctioned-country nexus should consult with a trade compliance attorney before importation.
Supplier Network
Get discovered by U.S. importers searching for HS 89640 — Collectors' Postage & Revenue Stamps, Stamp-Postmarks & First-Day Covers. Be the first supplier listed.
Monthly import values over time
| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANADA | $247K | $181K | -$65K |
| SWITZERLAND | $309K | -- | -$309K |
| GERMANY | $173K | $90K | -$83K |
| BRAZIL | $16K | $60K | +$45K |
| UNITED KINGDOM | $65K | $8K | -$57K |