4817 - Envelopes, letter cards, plain postcards and correspondence cards, of paper or paperboard; boxes, pouches, wallets and writing compendiums, of paper or paperboard, containing an assortment of paper stationery:

Heading 4817 encompasses a range of paper and paperboard articles primarily designed for communication and stationery purposes. This category specifically includes envelopes, which are folded paper coverings for letters and documents, as well as letter cards, plain postcards, and correspondence cards. Furthermore, it extends to paper or paperboard boxes, pouches, wallets, and writing compendiums that contain an assortment of paper stationery, such as pads, notepaper, and related writing implements.

Distinguishing this heading from its siblings within Chapter 48, which covers a broad spectrum of paper and paperboard products, is the specific function and composition of the items listed. While other headings might cover raw paper or more general paper articles like books or printed matter, 4817 focuses on items designed for mailing, personal correspondence, or as assembled stationery kits. The common thread is the paper or paperboard construction and their intended use in conveying messages or facilitating writing.

Within Heading 4817, subcategories provide further detail on the specific types of stationery articles. The distinct subdivisions allow for precise classification based on whether the item is an envelope, a flat card for correspondence, or a more elaborate compendium containing multiple stationery components. This granular approach ensures accurate tariff assessment by distinguishing between the different forms and functionalities of these paper-based communication tools.