Find HS Code and trade information for hand cream

Hand cream is an emollient that moisturizes the skin on the hands. It is typically used to alleviate dry, cracked, or chapped skin, and to protect the hands from the elements.

Material

Hand creams are formulated with a variety of ingredients, broadly categorized as follows:

• Humectants: These attract moisture to the skin. Common examples include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea, and honey.
• Emollients: These soften and smooth the skin by filling in gaps between skin cells. Examples include shea butter, cocoa butter, mineral oil, lanolin, and various plant oils (jojoba, almond, olive, etc.).
• Occlusives: These form a protective barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. Common occlusives include petrolatum, beeswax, and dimethicone.
• Other Additives: These provide additional benefits or improve the cream's texture and stability. These can include vitamins (e.g., Vitamin E), antioxidants, fragrances, and sunscreens.

Purpose

The primary purpose of hand cream is to:

• Hydrate: Replenish moisture lost due to environmental factors, frequent washing, or aging.
• Repair: Help heal dry, cracked skin.
• Protect: Create a barrier against harsh weather conditions (cold, wind, sun).
• Soothe: Reduce irritation and inflammation.
• Anti-aging: Some creams contain ingredients to reduce the appearance of age spots and wrinkles.

Function

Hand creams function by:

• Increasing Skin Hydration: Humectants draw moisture from the air and deeper layers of the skin.
• Strengthening the Skin Barrier: Emollients and occlusives help repair and reinforce the skin's natural protective layer, reducing water loss and protecting against irritants.
• Providing a Protective Layer: Occlusives create a physical barrier against environmental factors.

Usage Scenarios

Hand cream is used in a wide range of situations, including:

• Daily Moisturizing: As part of a regular skincare routine.
• Cold Weather: To combat dryness caused by cold temperatures and wind.
• Frequent Hand Washing: To replenish moisture lost from washing hands with soap and water.
• Dry Skin Conditions: To manage symptoms of eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions.
• After Exposure to Harsh Chemicals: To soothe and protect skin after contact with cleaning products or other irritants.
• Nighttime Treatment: Richer creams are often used overnight for intensive hydration.

Common Types

Hand creams are available in various formulations to address different needs:

• Lightweight Creams: Suitable for everyday use and normal to slightly dry skin.
• Rich Creams: Ideal for very dry, cracked, or damaged skin.
• Shea Butter Creams: Known for their deeply moisturizing and soothing properties.
• Glycerin Creams: Effective at attracting and retaining moisture.
• Anti-Aging Creams: Contain ingredients like retinol, peptides, and antioxidants to reduce wrinkles and age spots.
• SPF Creams: Provide sun protection to prevent sun damage.
• Fragrance-Free Creams: Suitable for sensitive skin.
• Organic/Natural Creams: Formulated with plant-based ingredients and free of harsh chemicals.
• Hand Masks: Intensive treatments for severely dry hands, typically left on for a longer period.

Hand cream falls under the category of cleaning preparations, specifically surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401. Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided information:

• 3402905010: Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401: Other: Preparations put up for retail sale: Containing any aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agent. This code applies to hand creams packaged for retail sale and containing aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agents.

  • 34: Chapter 34: Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, cleaning preparations, preservatives for washing liquids and cleaning preparations.
  • 02: Heading 3402: Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401.
  • 905010: Subheading 3402905010: Specifically identifies preparations put up for retail sale containing aromatic or modified aromatic surface-active agents.

• 3402905030: Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401: Other: Other Cleaning preparations. This code applies to hand creams not specifically defined as retail sale preparations containing aromatic agents, and generally covers other cleaning preparations.

  • 34: Chapter 34: Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing preparations, cleaning preparations, preservatives for washing liquids and cleaning preparations.
  • 02: Heading 3402: Organic surface-active agents (other than soap); surface-active preparations, washing preparations (including auxiliary washing preparations) and cleaning preparations, whether or not containing soap, other than those of heading 3401.
  • 905030: Subheading 3402905030: Specifically identifies other cleaning preparations.

Tax Information:

Both HS codes 3402905010 and 3402905030 share the following tax details:

• Basic Tariff: 3.7%
• Additional Tariff: 25.0%
• Additional Tariff (after April 2, 2025): 30.0%
• Total Tariff: 58.7%