Find HS Code and trade information for butterfly hairpin

Butterfly Hairpin

A butterfly hairpin is a hair accessory, historically used to secure hair in place but now often employed as a decorative element.

Material:

Traditionally crafted from materials like tortoiseshell, wood, or metal (often silver, gold, or brass), modern butterfly hairpins are made from a wider range of substances including plastic, acrylic, and various alloys. Decoration frequently involves gemstones, pearls, enamel, beads, or intricate filigree work.

Purpose:

The primary function of a butterfly hairpin is to hold strands of hair in a desired style. This can range from securing a full updo to simply pinning back loose sections. Beyond functionality, they are frequently used for aesthetic purposes, adding visual interest and elegance to hairstyles.

Function:

Butterfly hairpins operate on a simple lever principle. Two wings, hinged at the center, are pressed together to grip the hair. The tension created by the wings, combined with the pin’s shape, prevents slippage.

Usage Scenarios:

• Formal Events: Butterfly hairpins are often paired with elegant hairstyles for weddings, galas, and other special occasions.
• Everyday Wear: Smaller, simpler designs can be used to secure everyday hairstyles, such as buns, ponytails, or to pin back bangs.
• Cultural Traditions: In some cultures, butterfly hairpins hold symbolic meaning and are used in traditional hairstyles for ceremonies or celebrations. (e.g., bichgae in Korea)
• Costuming & Theatre: Frequently used in historical or theatrical costumes.

Common Types:

• Metal Butterfly Hairpins: Durable and often ornate, available in various finishes (gold, silver, antique bronze).
• Plastic/Acrylic Butterfly Hairpins: Lightweight and affordable, often available in a wide range of colors and designs.
• Tortoiseshell Butterfly Hairpins: Classic and elegant, often featuring natural patterns. (Note: Genuine tortoiseshell is now heavily regulated due to conservation concerns.)
• Decorated Butterfly Hairpins: These include hairpins embellished with pearls, gemstones, beads, enamel, or filigree work, catering to various aesthetic preferences.
• Korean Bichgae (비녀): A traditional Korean hairpin, often long and slender, frequently made of metal or wood, and sometimes decorated. Historically signified marital status and social standing.

Butterfly hairpins fall under several potential classifications based on their material and specific characteristics. Here's a breakdown of relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 7319909000 - Other sewing needles, knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles for use in the hand, of iron or steel; safety pins and other pins of iron or steel, not elsewhere specified or included: Other: Other. This code covers a broad range of hand-use articles made of iron or steel. If the hairpin is constructed from these materials, this is a potential classification. The two-digit sections represent: 73 (Articles of iron or steel), 19 (Sewing needles, knitting needles, etc.), and 90 (Other).
• 7319901000 - Sewing needles, knitting needles, bodkins, crochet hooks, embroidery stilettos and similar articles for use in the hand, of iron or steel; safety pins and other pins of iron or steel, not elsewhere specified or included: Other: Sewing, darning or embroidery needles. If the hairpin is specifically designed for sewing, darning, or embroidery purposes and made of iron or steel, this code may apply. The two-digit sections represent: 73 (Articles of iron or steel), 19 (Sewing needles, knitting needles, etc.), and 10 (Sewing, darning or embroidery needles).
• 9615111000 - Combs, hair-slides and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and the like, other than those of heading 8516, and parts thereof: Combs, hair-slides and the like: Of hard rubber or plastics: Combs: Valued not over $4.50 per gross. If the hairpin is made of hard rubber or plastics and its value is not over $4.50 per gross, this code could be applicable. The two-digit sections represent: 96 (Miscellaneous manufactured articles), 15 (Combs, hairpins, etc.), and 11 (Of hard rubber or plastics).
• 9615192000 - Combs, hair-slides and the like; hairpins, curling pins, curling grips, hair-curlers and the like, other than those of heading 8516, and parts thereof: Combs, hair-slides and the like: Other: Combs: Valued not over $4.50 per gross. If the hairpin is made of materials other than hard rubber or plastics and its value is not over $4.50 per gross, this code may apply. The two-digit sections represent: 96 (Miscellaneous manufactured articles), 15 (Combs, hairpins, etc.), and 19 (Other).

Important Note: For HS codes 7319901000 and 7319909000, please be aware that a tariff of 2.9% applies to the base rate, with an additional 7.5% as a surcharge. A further 30.0% surcharge will be applied after April 2, 2025, and a 25% surcharge will be applied to steel and aluminum products.

For HS codes 9615111000 and 9615192000, the value of the hairpin is a key factor in determining the correct classification. If the value exceeds $4.50 per gross, a different HS code may be required.