Chimney Brush
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9603908050 | 70.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603908010 | 20.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326908676 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π§Ή Chimney Brush (Cleaning Tools)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π 1. Product Definition and Classification: What Exactly is a "Chimney Brush"?
A chimney brush is a specialized cleaning tool designed for removing soot, creosote, and debris from chimneys, flues, and vents. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on its material composition (metal core vs. plastic/bristle) and function.
The data provided identifies two main categories: 1. Iron/Steel Articles: Specifically metal handles for brooms, mops, or brushes. These are considered parts/components of the cleaning system. 2. Brushes & Cleaning Implements: The complete functional unit (bristles, handle, and head). This includes standard chimney brushes.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- If importing only the metal handle (to be assembled with bristles elsewhere or sold separately): It falls under HS 7326.90.86.76.
- If importing the complete brush (with bristles, wire, or synthetic heads): It falls under HS 9603.90.80.50 (or .10 for specific types like whiskbrooms).
- Note: A complete chimney brush is typically classified under "Other Brushes" (9603.90.80.50) unless it is a specific type like a whiskbroom (9603.90.80.10).
π¦ 2. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Material/Component |
|---|---|---|---|
7326.90.86.76 |
Metal handles for brooms, mops, paint applicators and similar products | Importing only the metal shaft/handle | β Iron/Steel Handle Only |
9603.90.80.50 |
Other brushes (including chimney brushes), hand-operated, not motorized | Importing the complete brush (handle + bristles/heads) | β Complete Brush Unit |
9603.90.80.10 |
Whiskbrooms | Specific type of small hand brush | β Specific Brush Type |
7326.90.86.88 |
Other articles of iron or steel (General category) | Other steel/iron parts not specifically listed above | β General Steel Parts |
π Key Reminder:
- Do not mix components and finished goods in a single line item if their tax rates differ significantly.
- A complete chimney brush (wire coil + plastic handle) is generally classified under 9603.90.80.50 because the essential character is that of a "brush," not just a "metal handle."
- If the product is only a metal rod without bristles, use 7326.90.86.76.
π° 3. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current rates apply (Note: Rates reflect recent 301/IEEPA surcharges)
π― 1. 9603.90.80.50 β Complete Chimney Brush (Other Brushes)
This is the most common classification for a finished chimney brush.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.8% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% (Specific to this subheading) |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50% (Applicable if the brush contains significant steel/iron components, such as the wire coil or handle) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 60.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 60.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (High tariff rate usually excludes de minimis benefits) |
| Legal Basis Path | Base: 2.8% β Surtax: 7.5% β Steel Surcharge: 50% |
π Explanation:
- The 60.3% rate is high due to the layered surcharges.
- The 50% steel surcharge applies because chimney brushes typically contain steel wire coils or steel handles.
- Critical: If you classify a complete brush as9603.90.80.10(Whiskbroom), the steel surcharge may not apply if itβs not considered a "steel article" under the specific interpretation, resulting in a lower rate.
π― 2. 9603.90.80.10 β Whiskbrooms (If Applicable)
Some small, rigid brushes might be classified here if they fit the legal definition of a whiskbroom.
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.8% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50% (Note: Data shows total 10.3%, implying NO steel surcharge applied here in the example) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 10.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 10.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Likely Not Eligible (Low rate, but still subject to inspection) |
π Note: The data shows
10.3%for9603.90.80.10, which is2.8% + 7.5%. This suggests that for this specific subheading, the 50% steel surcharge is NOT applied. This is a massive savings if your product qualifies.
π― 3. 7326.90.86.76 β Metal Handles Only
If you import only the metal handles (no bristles).
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.9% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +0.0% |
| Steel/Aluminum/Copper Surcharge | +50% (Applicable because it is a steel article) |
| Total Effective Tax Rate | 52.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 52.9% |
π Comparison:
- Complete Brush (9603.90.80.50): 60.3%
- Handle Only (7326.90.86.76): 52.9%
- Whiskbroom-like (9603.90.80.10): 10.3%
π οΈ 4. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Document Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must specify: Handle material (Steel/Plastic), Bristle type (Wire/Nylon), Length, Diameter. |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the brush head and handle. Show if itβs a complete unit or just a handle. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe as "Chimney Cleaning Brush" or "Metal Handle for Brush," not just "Part." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Separate line items if importing handles and bristles separately. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Chimney Brush (Wire + Handle) | 9603.90.80.50 |
Itβs a "Brush." The steel wire is part of the brush, not a separate "steel article." | High Tax (60.3%) due to steel surcharge. |
| Small Rigid Brush (Whiskbroom type) | 9603.90.80.10 |
If it fits the definition of a whiskbroom, it avoids the steel surcharge. | Low Tax (10.3%) β Best Option if applicable. |
| Metal Handle Only (No Bristles) | 7326.90.86.76 |
Itβs a "Metal Handle." | Medium Tax (52.9%). |
π₯ Pro Tip:
- Try to classify as9603.90.80.10if your brush is small, rigid, and resembles a traditional whiskbroom. This can save you 50% in taxes!
- If itβs a large, flexible wire chimney brush, you likely must use9603.90.80.50.
- Do not claim9603.90.80.10for a large, heavy-duty wire brush if it doesnβt fit the legal definition, as this can lead to audits and penalties.
β 3. Special Considerations
| Situation | Advice |
|---|---|
| Steel Wire Content | The 50% steel surcharge applies to "articles of iron or steel." If your brush is mostly plastic bristles on a plastic handle, still use 9603.90.80.50. The surcharge applies to the product type if it contains steel components. Check with customs if your product is plastic-only to avoid the 50% surcharge entirely. |
| Importing Handles & Bristles Separately | If you import handles (7326.90.86.76) and bristle packs separately, you may avoid the "complete brush" classification. However, if they are shipped together for immediate assembly, customs may treat them as a complete brush. |
| De Minimis | Due to high tariff rates (over 10%), de minimis ($800) exemption is likely not available. |
π 5. Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | HS Code (Brush) | Est. Total Tax | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9603.90.80.50 |
60.3% | High due to steel surcharge. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 9603.90.80.10 |
10.3% | Only if classified as whiskbroom. |
| π¨π³ China | 9603.90.80.50 |
~10-13% | No 301 or steel surcharge. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9603.30.00 |
4.0% | No steel surcharge. |
π 6. Common Errors & Pitfalls
β Error 1: Classifying a complete steel-wire chimney brush as 9603.90.80.10 (Whiskbroom).
π Result: Customs may reclassify it, apply the 50% steel surcharge, and issue a 60% tax bill.
β Error 2: Ignoring the 50% steel surcharge.
π Result: Underpayment. The 50% surcharge applies to many steel-containing items, including parts of brushes.
β Error 3: Separating handles and bristles to avoid "complete brush" classification.
π Result: If shipped together, customs may view them as a single functional unit. If separated, ensure they are truly for different end-users.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Chimney Cleaning Brush, Complete Unit, Steel Wire Bristles, Plastic Handle, Model XYZ" β
9603.90.80.50
OR
"Small Whiskbroom for Household Use, Bristles Only, Plastic Handle" β9603.90.80.10(if applicable)
π― 7. Conclusion: Save Costs with Smart Classification
π― Key Takeaway:
- Biggest Risk: The 50% steel surcharge on 9603.90.80.50 and 7326.90.86.76.
- Biggest Opportunity: Classifying as 9603.90.80.10 (if your brush qualifies as a whiskbroom) can reduce tax from 60.3% to 10.3%.
π Action Plan:
1. Audit Your Product: Is it a "whiskbroom" (rigid, small) or a "chimney brush" (flexible, large)?
2. Check Material: If itβs all plastic, you might avoid the steel surcharge entirely.
3. Consult Customs Broker: Get a pre-ruling if your brush falls into a gray area.
β¨ Professional clearance starts with accurate classification!
πΌ Donβt let a 50% surcharge eat your profits!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.