Find HS Code and trade information for labret

Labret

A labret is a form of body piercing located below the lower lip, through the skin immediately under the lip. It is a relatively ancient form of body modification with a complex history and diverse modern interpretations.

History and Origin

The term "labret" originates from the French word for lip. Historically, labrets were worn by numerous cultures worldwide, often signifying social status, religious beliefs, or rites of passage.

• Indigenous Cultures: Many Indigenous groups in North and South America, Africa, and the Pacific Islands traditionally wore labrets. Among these, the size and ornamentation of the labret frequently indicated rank, beauty, or marital status. Materials used varied widely depending on availability and cultural significance, ranging from bone, stone, shell, wood, and even jet.
• European History: Labrets experienced periods of popularity in European aristocratic circles, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries, often as a fashion statement.
• Modern Revival: The practice saw a revival in the late 20th century with the growth of the modern body modification movement.

Materials

Modern labrets are typically made from:

• Surgical Stainless Steel: A common and affordable option.
• Titanium: Biocompatible, lightweight, and hypoallergenic, making it suitable for initial piercings and sensitive skin.
• Gold (14k or higher): A popular choice for aesthetics, provided it is a high karat to minimize allergic reactions.
• Glass: Used for stretched labrets, particularly for decorative purposes.
• Acrylic/PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene): Often used for initial insertion or as retainers.

Purpose and Function

• Aesthetic Expression: The primary function in modern contexts is personal adornment.
• Cultural/Spiritual Significance: Some individuals choose labrets to connect with ancestral traditions or express their spiritual beliefs.
• Stretching: Labrets can be used to gradually stretch the lip opening over time, creating larger gauge piercings.

Usage Scenarios & Placement Variations

• Standard Labret: Pierced directly below the center of the lower lip.
• Off-Center Labret: Pierced to the side of the lower lip.
• Vertical Labret: Pierced through the lip, entering at the bottom and exiting at the top.
• Spider Bites: Two piercings close together on one side of the lower lip.
• Snake Bites: Two piercings, one on each side of the lower lip.
• Dahlia: A combination of labret and other lip piercings.

Aftercare & Considerations

• Initial Healing: Typically takes 6-12 months for complete healing.
• Cleaning: Regular cleaning with saline solution is essential to prevent infection.
• Jewelry Material: Choosing biocompatible materials is crucial to minimize allergic reactions and promote healing.
• Professional Piercer: It is highly recommended to have a labret pierced by a qualified and experienced piercer.
• Potential Risks: Risks include infection, allergic reactions, nerve damage, and scarring.
• Oral Health: Proper oral hygiene is vital to prevent dental issues.

Based on the provided information, determining the precise HS code for "labret" requires understanding its material composition. A labret is a form of body jewelry, typically worn in the lip, and can be constructed from various materials. Here's a breakdown of potential HS codes based on possible compositions, strictly adhering to the provided reference material:

• 9606220000: Buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs, button molds and other parts of these articles; button blanks: Buttons: Of base metal, not covered with textile material.

  • 96: Chapter 96 – Miscellaneous manufactured articles. This chapter covers a wide range of articles not specifically covered elsewhere.
  • 06: Heading 96.06 – Buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs, button molds and other parts of these articles; button blanks.
  • 220000: Subheading 9606.22.00 – Buttons: Of base metal, not covered with textile material. If the labret is made of a base metal (e.g., stainless steel, titanium) and isn't covered with fabric, this code may apply. The total tax rate is 55.0%.

• 9606296000: Buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs, button molds and other parts of these articles; button blanks: Buttons: Other: Other: Other.

  • 96: Chapter 96 – Miscellaneous manufactured articles.
  • 06: Heading 96.06 – Buttons, press-fasteners, snap-fasteners and press-studs, button molds and other parts of these articles; button blanks.
  • 296000: Subheading 9606.29.60 – Buttons: Other: Other: Other. This code is a broader category for buttons not specifically classified elsewhere. If the labret is made of a material other than base metal and isn't covered with textile material, this code may be applicable. The total tax rate is 57.9%.

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

It is important to note that if the labret is made of ivory, bone, tortoise-shell, horn, or antlers, HS codes 9601906000 or 9601908000 might be relevant. However, without knowing the exact material, it's impossible to determine the correct code definitively.