Find HS Code and trade information for masks

Masks

Masks are coverings designed to conceal or disguise the face. They serve a diverse range of purposes across cultures and throughout history, extending beyond simple concealment to encompass ritual, performance, protection, and aesthetic expression.

Materials

Masks are constructed from a wide variety of materials, influencing their durability, weight, appearance, and intended use. Common materials include:

• Natural Fibers: Bark, leaves, grasses, and animal hides (leather, fur) are used traditionally, particularly in indigenous cultures.
• Wood: A prevalent material for sculpted masks, offering versatility in form and detail. Different wood types (balsa, cedar, ebony) affect the mask's weight, texture, and resistance to wear.
• Metal: Gold, silver, bronze, copper, and iron are employed for ceremonial or high-status masks, often featuring intricate designs.
• Ceramics/Clay: Used for molded masks, frequently painted and decorated.
• Plastics/Rubber/Synthetic Fabrics: Common in modern masks for protective purposes (medical, industrial, recreational) or mass-produced theatrical applications.
• Paper/Cardboard: Often used for temporary masks in festivals or as a base for elaborate decorations.
• Glass/Acrylic: Used for specialized masks, such as those for diving or gas masks.

Purpose & Function

The function of masks varies significantly:

• Ritual & Ceremony: Masks often represent deities, spirits, or ancestral figures, used in religious practices, initiations, and celebrations to connect with the spiritual realm.
• Performance: Used in theatre, dance, and storytelling to portray characters, amplify emotions, and convey narratives. Examples include Commedia dell'Arte masks, Noh masks, and African tribal masks.
• Protection:
  • Medical: Surgical masks, respirators (N95, etc.) prevent the spread of pathogens and protect the wearer from airborne contaminants.
  • Industrial: Gas masks, welding masks, and dust masks safeguard workers from hazardous materials.
  • Sports: Hockey masks, fencing masks, and ski masks provide physical protection.
• Disguise & Concealment: Used for anonymity, espionage, or entertainment (e.g., masquerade balls).
• Aesthetic & Artistic Expression: Masks can be created as works of art, showcasing craftsmanship and cultural symbolism.
• Social Commentary: Masks can be used in protests or political demonstrations to express dissent or critique.

Usage Scenarios

• Healthcare Settings: Hospitals, clinics, laboratories.
• Industrial Environments: Construction sites, factories, chemical plants.
• Theatrical Productions: Stage performances, opera, dance.
• Cultural Events: Festivals, ceremonies, religious rituals.
• Sports Activities: Hockey, fencing, skiing, paintball.
• Everyday Life: Personal protection against pollution or allergens, fashion accessories.
• Law Enforcement/Military: Riot control, tactical operations.

Common Types

• Surgical Masks: Disposable masks used to prevent the spread of infection.
• Respirators (N95, KN95, etc.): More protective masks that filter out airborne particles.
• Commedia dell'Arte Masks: Leather masks representing stock characters in Italian theatre.
• Noh Masks: Carved wooden masks used in traditional Japanese theatre, conveying subtle emotions.
• African Tribal Masks: Diverse range of masks used in ceremonies and rituals, representing spirits and ancestors.
• Gas Masks: Used to protect against toxic gases and fumes.
• Welding Masks: Protect the eyes and face from sparks and radiation during welding.
• Hockey Masks: Provide facial protection in ice hockey.
• Full Face Masks: Covering the entire face, often used in diving, paintball, or airsoft.
• Masquerade Masks: Decorative masks worn during masquerade balls, often concealing the upper part of the face.
• Cosplay Masks: Masks representing characters from anime, manga, video games, or other fictional sources.
• Halloween Masks: Mass-produced masks worn for Halloween celebrations.

The declared goods are “masks”. Based on the provided information, several HS codes may be relevant depending on the specific type of mask.

• 6307909842: This HS code covers “Other made up articles, including dress patterns: Other: Other: Other Face masks, including respirators without replaceable filters: N95 respirators: Surgical”. It specifically refers to N95 respirators categorized as surgical masks. The total tax rate is 37.0%, comprising a 7.0% base tariff, 0.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 6307909870: This HS code covers “Other made up articles, including dress patterns: Other: Other: Other Face masks, including respirators without replaceable filters: Other face masks: Disposable”. This refers to disposable face masks that are not N95 respirators. The total tax rate is 37.0%, consisting of a 7.0% base tariff, 0.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 3926909950: This HS code covers “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Other Face masks and shields, medical positioning or transport pads, medical waste containers or disinfectant wipes dispensers”. This applies to face masks made of plastic or other materials, specifically including medical face masks and shields. The total tax rate is 42.8%, comprising a 5.3% base tariff, 7.5% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.
• 9020006000: This HS code covers “Other breathing appliances and gas masks, excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filters; parts and accessories thereof: Other breathing appliances and gas masks”. This applies to other types of breathing appliances and gas masks, excluding simple protective masks. The total tax rate is 32.5%, consisting of a 2.5% base tariff and 0.0% additional tariff, with a 30.0% additional tariff effective April 2, 2025.

Regarding HS code 6307909842 and 6307909870, please note that an additional tariff of 30.0% will be applied after April 2, 2025.