4821.10.20.00 - Printed in whole or in part by a lithographic process

This HTS category, 4821.10.20.00, specifically covers paper and paperboard labels of all kinds that are printed in whole or in part by a lithographic process. Lithography is a printing technique that relies on the immiscibility of oil and water, where an image is directly transferred from a flat surface, typically a stone or metal plate. Therefore, items classified here are labels with a design or text that has been produced using this particular printing method, regardless of the quantity or complexity of the printed content.

It is important to distinguish this category from its sibling, 4821.10.40.00, which covers "Other" printed labels. While this sibling category encompasses all printed labels not produced via lithography, 4821.10.20.00 is exclusively for those employing the lithographic printing process. Classification hinges on the specific printing method used; if the label is printed using offset lithography, stone lithography, or any other lithographic technique, it will fall under this heading. Labels printed by flexography, gravure, letterpress, or digital printing methods, for instance, would be classified under the "Other" category.

As this is a leaf node within the HTS structure, there are no further subcategories. The classification of printed labels is resolved at this level based on the printing method. Therefore, accurate identification relies on understanding the lithographic printing process and ensuring the label's printed elements were created through this specific technology.