Find HS Code and trade information for nail sponge

Nail Sponge

A nail sponge, also known as a nail buffer block, is a tool used in nail care for smoothing, shaping, and polishing nails. It is typically constructed from a porous abrasive material bonded to a core, often foam or cardboard.

Material

Nail sponges are primarily made from abrasive materials embedded in a base. Common abrasives include:

• Aluminum Oxide: Provides a coarser grit for shaping and removing ridges.
• Zirconia Alumina: A more durable abrasive, offering a balance between shaping and smoothing.
• Silica: Finer grit used for polishing and buffing to a high shine.
• Emery: A naturally occurring abrasive, often found in coarser sponges.
• Foam/Cardboard Core: Provides structure and a comfortable grip.

Purpose

The primary purposes of a nail sponge are:

• Smoothing: Removes imperfections, ridges, and unevenness on the nail surface.
• Shaping: Files and shapes the edges of the nails.
• Polishing: Buffs the nail surface to create a natural shine or prepare it for polish application.
• Preparing for Polish: Creates a smooth base for better polish adhesion and longevity.
• Removing Gel Polish Residue: Some sponges are specifically designed for removing residual gel polish after soaking.

Function

Nail sponges function through abrasion. The abrasive particles gradually wear away the nail surface as the sponge is rubbed against it. Different sides of the sponge typically feature varying grit levels, allowing for a multi-step process:

1. Coarse Grit: Used for initial shaping and removing significant imperfections.
2. Medium Grit: Refines the shape and smooths out remaining ridges.
3. Fine Grit: Polishes the nail surface to achieve a desired shine.

Usage Scenarios

• Manicures & Pedicures: Used as a standard tool in professional and at-home nail care routines.
• Gel Polish Removal: Specialized sponges assist in removing gel polish without damaging the natural nail.
• Natural Nail Enhancement: Used to improve the appearance of natural nails by smoothing and polishing.
• Repairing Minor Nail Damage: Can gently smooth out small chips or cracks.
• Buffing: Creating a glossy finish on nails without the use of polish.

Common Types

• Standard Nail Buffers: Typically feature three or four sides with varying grit levels.
• Gel Polish Remover Sponges: Designed with a specific texture and abrasive quality for efficient gel polish removal.
• Shaped Buffers: Available in various shapes (e.g., curved, straight) for specific nail contouring needs.
• Sanded Blocks: Larger blocks with coarser grit, used for more aggressive shaping and filing.
• Polishing Blocks: Fine-grit blocks primarily used for achieving a high-gloss shine.
• Double-Sided Buffers: Featuring two different grit levels for convenience.

Nail sponges are categorized under articles of plastics, typically used for personal care and hygiene.

Here are the relevant HS codes based on the provided reference material:

• 3926904800: This HS code covers “Other articles of plastics and articles of other materials of headings 3901 to 3914: Other: Photo albums”. While seemingly unrelated, this code broadly includes “Other articles of plastics”, which could encompass nail sponges depending on their composition and specific use. The basic tariff is 3.4%, with no additional tariff currently, but a 30% additional tariff will apply after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 33.4%.
• 3924104000: This HS code covers “Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Tableware and kitchenware: Other”. Nail sponges, used for personal hygiene, could fall under “other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles”. The basic tariff is 3.4%, with no additional tariff currently, but a 30% additional tariff will apply after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 33.4%.
• 3924905650: This HS code covers “Tableware, kitchenware, other household articles and hygienic or toilet articles, of plastics: Other: Other”. This is a broader category within plastics household articles, and nail sponges could be classified here. The basic tariff is 3.4%, with an additional tariff of 7.5% currently, and a 30% additional tariff will apply after April 2, 2025, resulting in a total tariff of 40.9%.

Important Note: The classification of nail sponges depends on their precise material composition and intended use. It is recommended to verify the material composition of the nail sponge to ensure accurate HS code selection.