Find HS Code and trade information for polishing file

Polishing File

A polishing file, also known as a nail file or emery board, is a tool used to shape, smooth, and refine the edges of fingernails and toenails. They are commonly used in manicures and pedicures, and for general nail maintenance.

Material

Historically, polishing files were made from abrasive stones like sandstone. Modern files utilize a variety of materials:

• Emery board: Constructed from a ridged cardboard base coated with abrasive paper. Emery boards are disposable and relatively inexpensive.
• Metal files: Typically made of stainless steel with fine abrasive patterns. These are more durable and can be sanitized for repeated use. They can be more aggressive than other types.
• Glass files: Made from glass coated with abrasive particles. They are known for creating a very smooth finish and are gentle on the nails, reducing the risk of splitting or damage.
• Ceramic files: Similar to glass files, offering a smooth filing experience and durability.
• Crystal files: Made from crystal, they offer a very fine grit and are considered a premium option.

Purpose

The primary purpose of a polishing file is to:

• Shape: Alter the form of the nail, creating desired shapes such as square, round, oval, or almond.
• Smooth: Eliminate rough edges and imperfections on the nail surface.
• Thin: Reduce the thickness of the nail plate.
• Prepare: Create a surface conducive to polish application, ensuring better adhesion.
• Reduce breakage: Filing can help prevent snags and breaks by smoothing out weak points.

Function

Polishing files work by abrasion. The abrasive surface removes small particles of nail material with each stroke. The direction of filing is important to prevent damage; generally, filing in one direction is recommended. The grit of the file determines the aggressiveness of the abrasion. Lower grit numbers indicate coarser abrasives, suitable for shaping, while higher grit numbers indicate finer abrasives, suitable for smoothing and finishing.

Usage Scenarios

• Manicures & Pedicures: A fundamental step in professional nail care.
• Home Nail Care: Regular maintenance of fingernails and toenails.
• Acrylic/Gel Nail Preparation: Used to shape and refine artificial nails.
• Repairing Broken Nails: Smoothing edges after a break to prevent further damage.

Common Types

• Straight Files: The most common type, used for general shaping.
• Curved Files: Designed for shaping the edges of curved nails.
• Half-Moon Files: Feature a curved side for shaping and a straight side for finishing.
• Buffer Files: Have a very fine grit and are used to smooth the nail surface and add shine.
• Multi-sided Files: Incorporate different grits on different sides for shaping, smoothing, and buffing.
• Electric Nail Files (E-files): Powered tools with interchangeable bits for various nail care tasks, often used by professionals.

Based on the provided information, "polishing file" can be classified under the following HS codes:

• 8203103000: This HS code covers Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar handtools, and base metal parts thereof; Files, rasps and similar tools; Not over 11 cm in length. This would apply if the polishing file is a hand tool specifically designed for metal finishing and is less than or equal to 11 cm in length. The basic tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 0.0%. However, after April 2, 2025, an additional tariff of 30.0% will be applied, resulting in a total tariff of 30.0%.
• 8203106000: This HS code covers Files, rasps, pliers (including cutting pliers), pincers, tweezers, metal cutting shears, pipe cutters, bolt cutters, perforating punches and similar handtools, and base metal parts thereof; Files, rasps and similar tools; Over 11 cm but not over 17 cm in length. This applies if the polishing file is a hand tool for metal finishing and its length is between 11 cm and 17 cm. The basic tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 25.0%. After April 2, 2025, an additional tariff of 30.0% will be applied, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.
• 6804300000: This HS code covers Millstones, grindstones, grinding wheels and the like, without frameworks, for grinding, sharpening, polishing, trueing or cutting, hand sharpening or polishing stones, and parts thereof, of natural stone, of agglomerated natural or artificial abrasives, or of ceramics, with or without parts of other materials; Hand sharpening or polishing stones. This applies if the polishing file is a stone or ceramic-based tool specifically designed for hand polishing. The basic tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 25.0%. After April 2, 2025, an additional tariff of 30.0% will be applied, resulting in a total tariff of 55.0%.
• 8467290010: This HS code covers Tools for working in the hand, pneumatic, hydraulic or with self-contained electric or nonelectric motor, and parts thereof; With self-contained electric motor; Other Grinders, polishers and sanders; Angle grinders, sanders and polishers. This applies if the polishing file is a power tool with its own electric motor, specifically an angle grinder, sander, or polisher. The basic tariff is 0.0%, with an additional tariff of 7.5%. After April 2, 2025, an additional tariff of 30.0% will be applied, resulting in a total tariff of 37.5%.

It is important to determine the material, length, and power source of the polishing file to select the correct HS code.