Find HS Code and trade information for ear sticker

Ear Sticker

Ear stickers, also known as auricle patches or ear acupressure stickers, are small adhesive patches applied to specific points on the outer ear (auricle) for therapeutic purposes.

Material

Typically constructed from a non-woven fabric base, often cotton or silk, with an adhesive layer. The adhesive is generally hypoallergenic. The therapeutic component consists of small metal seeds, often made of stainless steel, silver, or gold plated metal, embedded within the adhesive. Some varieties incorporate herbal extracts or vitamins into the adhesive.

Purpose & Function

Ear stickers are based on the principles of auricular medicine, a form of alternative therapy rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Auricular medicine posits that the ear contains microsystems reflecting the entire body; specific points on the ear correspond to different organs, systems, and body parts.

The intended functions include:

• Pain Relief: Used for managing acute and chronic pain conditions, including headaches, back pain, and joint pain.
• Acupressure: Stimulating specific ear points is believed to trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers.
• Weight Management: Some stickers target points associated with appetite control and metabolism.
• Addiction Management: Used to address cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• General Wellness: Applied for stress reduction, improved sleep, and overall balance.

Usage Scenarios

• Self-Adhesive Application: Users typically apply the stickers themselves after identifying appropriate ear points (often guided by charts or healthcare professionals).
• Acupuncture Follow-Up: Frequently used after acupuncture treatment to maintain the effects of needle stimulation.
• Complementary Therapy: Often used in conjunction with other therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, or herbal medicine.
• Home Remedy: Widely available over-the-counter for self-treatment of various conditions.

Common Types

• Seed Patches: Contain small metal seeds, often requiring pressure to stimulate the points.
• Magnetic Patches: Incorporate small magnets for stimulation.
• Herbal Patches: Infused with herbal extracts believed to enhance therapeutic effects.
• Vacuum Patches: Utilize suction to stimulate ear points.
• Pre-Seeded Charts: Patches pre-arranged on a chart corresponding to specific body parts or conditions.
• Stainless Steel Ball Patches: Utilize small stainless steel balls for pressure stimulation.

Based on the provided information, “ear sticker” can be classified under the following HS codes:

• 3919905060: This HS code covers self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls: Other: Other. This is applicable if the ear sticker is made of plastic and is in a flat shape (sheet, film, strip, etc.). The basic tariff is 5.8%, with an additional 25.0% tariff, increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 60.8%.

• 3919905040: This HS code covers self-adhesive plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip and other flat shapes, of plastics, whether or not in rolls: Other: Other Transparent tape. If the ear sticker is a transparent tape made of plastic, this code applies. The tariff structure is the same as 3919905060: 5.8% basic tariff, 25.0% additional tariff (increasing to 30% after April 2, 2025), for a total of 60.8%.

According to the provided reference material, the HS code options related to 'ear sticker' are limited, with only the following 2 found.