Clothing Comb
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8214909000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8214209000 | 14.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8509805095 | 14.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
𧡠Clothing Comb (Fabric Defuzzer & Lint Remover)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Level Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Clothing Comb"?
In international trade, "Clothing Comb" is a generic term that can refer to two distinct types of products. Correct classification is critical because the tax rates differ significantly based on whether the item is a manual grooming tool or an electric appliance.
- Manual Metal Comb (De-pilling Brush):
A hand-held tool with a metal blade or fine mesh, used to remove lint, pills, or pet hair from fabric. It is typically made of stainless steel. - Electric Fabric Defuzzer (De-hairing Machine):
An battery-operated or plug-in device with a rotating cutter head or suction mechanism, designed to remove fuzz and static from clothing.
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If it is manual, handheld, and made of metal β Classify under Chapter 82 (Tools/Utensils).
- If it is electric, has a motor/battery, and plugs in or runs on batteries β Classify under Chapter 85 (Electrical Machinery).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
Based on the provided data, here are the specific classifications for "Clothing Comb" variants:
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
8214.90.90.00 |
Manual Stainless Steel Comb (Classified as other knife articles or manicure/pedicure sets) |
Manual de-pilling combs, pet hair remover brushes, metal lint brushes. | 1.4Β’ each + 3.2% + 10.0% |
8214.20.90.00 |
Manual Manicure/Pedicure Set (Includes comb combinations) |
Sets containing a comb + nail clippers/scissors. | 14.1% |
8509.80.50.95 |
Electric Fabric Defuzzer (Other household appliances) |
Battery-powered or plug-in lint removers, electric de-hairing machines. | 14.2% |
π Focus Alert:
- Manual vs. Electric is the deciding factor.
- If you mistakenly declare an electric defuzzer as a manual comb (8214...), you risk penalties for misclassification.
- If you declare a manual comb as an appliance (8509...), you may face higher duties unnecessarily.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: 2025/2026 (Post-Trade War Surtaxes Apply)
π― 1. 8214.90.90.00 ββ Manual Stainless Steel Clothing Comb (Non-Set)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 1.4Β’ each (Specific Duty) + 3.2% (Ad Valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% (Note: Specific duty component is exempt, but ad valorem is subject to general rules) |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% (Ad Valorem) |
| Total Tax Calculation | (1.4Β’ Γ Quantity) + (3.2% + 10.0%) Γ CIF Value |
| De Minimis Exemption | β οΈ Complex: Specific duty (1.4Β’) must be paid regardless of value. Ad valorem parts may be exempt under $800 (de minimis) if total tax is low, but Section 301/122 rules vary. For high-volume, itβs risky. |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8214.90.90 β USITC:8214.90.90 β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- This classification treats the comb as a "tool" or "utensil."
- The 1.4Β’ per unit fee applies even for small quantities.
- The 10% Section 122 tax is critical. It is added to the ad valorem percentage.
- Total Ad Valorem Load: 13.2% (3.2% base + 10% Section 122).
π― 2. 8214.20.90.00 ββ Manual Manicure/Pedicure Set (Including Comb Kits)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 4.1% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 14.1% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Eligible (If total value β€ $800, no duty is collected due to de minimis, but Section 301/122 applicability on de minimis is subject to ongoing policy changes. Assume no duty for now, but verify.) |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8214.20.90 β USITC:8214.20.90 β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- This applies if the clothing comb is bundled with nail clippers/scissors in a "manicure set."
- If sold alone, it must not use this code.
π― 3. 8509.80.50.95 ββ Electric Fabric Defuzzer (Home Appliance)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Rate | 4.2% |
| Section 301 Surtax | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 14.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Eligible (Likely, similar to above, but electrical items may face additional safety scrutiny). |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:8509.80.50 β USITC:8509.80.50 β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- This applies to electric lint removers.
- Slightly higher base rate (4.2%) compared to manual combs (3.2%), but no per-unit fee.
- Total Ad Valorem Load: 14.2% (4.2% base + 10% Section 122).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Field Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Must clearly state: Manual vs. Electric, Material (Stainless Steel), Function (De-pilling). |
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Clear images of the item, including any motor/battery compartment if electric. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must accurately describe the item. Use precise terms like "Manual Stainless Steel Lint Comb" or "Electric Fabric Defuzzer." |
| β Packaging List | βοΈ | If selling a "Manicure Set," list all components. |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | For 8214 codes, confirm stainless steel content. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "Manual goes to 82, Electric goes to 85. Name it right, save your money!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual Metal Comb | 8214.90.90.00 |
8509.80.50.95 |
Overpayment of 1.0% + potential delay for proof of non-electric. |
| Electric Defuzzer | 8509.80.50.95 |
8214.90.90.00 |
Underpayment Risk. Customs will reclassify, add duties, and possibly fine. |
| Comb + Nail Clippers | 8214.20.90.00 |
8214.90.90.00 (for each) |
Overcomplication. Better to use set code if bundled. |
β 3. Special Cases
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Private Label | Ensure the invoice matches the brand and model. Mislabeling can trigger customs audits. |
| Mixed Containers | If shipping both manual combs and electric defuzzers, separate them in the packing list and declare under different HS codes. |
| De Minimis ($800) | For 8214.90.90.00, the 1.4Β’ per unit fee always applies, even for de minimis shipments. This is a critical cost factor for high-volume, low-value items. |
| Section 301/122 | Confirm if your specific product type is exempt from Section 301 (most are not, but verify the latest HTSUS footnote). Section 122 (10%) is currently active for many Chinese goods. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 8214.90.90.00 (Manual) 8509.80.50.95 (Electric) |
Manual: 13.2% + 1.4Β’/unit Electric: 14.2% |
No major certs for manual. FCC/UL for electric. |
Section 122 (10%) applies. High scrutiny on "De Minimis" abuse. |
| π¨π³ China | 8214.90.90.00 |
5% - 7% | No major certs | Standard import. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 8214.90.90 |
3.5% - 4.5% | CE Marking (if electric) | No Section 122 equivalent. |
| π¬π§ UK | 8214.90.90 |
3.5% - 4.5% | UKCA (if electric) | Post-Brexit rules align with EU. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 8214.90.90 |
5% | GOST-R (if electric) | No special surtaxes. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to Section 122 (10%) and specific duties (1.4Β’) for manual combs.
- Electric models have a slightly higher ad valorem rate (14.2% vs 13.2%) but avoid the per-unit fee.
- Manual combs are cheaper per unit tax-wise but suffer from the per-unit surcharge, which can be significant for large volumes.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Declaring an electric defuzzer as a manual comb (8214...)
π Consequence: Customs will reclassify to 8509..., add duties, and impose penalties for misdeclaration.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring the 1.4Β’ per unit fee on 8214.90.90.00
π Consequence: If you ship 10,000 units, thatβs $14,000 in specific duties alone, even if the ad valorem tax is low. This can wipe out profit margins on low-cost items.
β Mistake 3: Bundling a comb with nail clippers but declaring as a single manual comb
π Consequence: Customs may reject the set classification and demand separate declarations, leading to delays.
β Mistake 4: Failing to declare electric components for 8509
π Consequence: Missing FCC/UL certs can lead to detention and destruction of the shipment.
β Correct Practice:
βStainless Steel Manual De-Pilling Comb, Hand-Held, No Power Sourceβ
OR
βElectric Fabric Lint Remover, Battery Operated, FCC Certifiedβ
π― VII. Conclusion: Precision Classification for Cost Efficiency
π― Remember the Mantras:
πΉ βManual is 82, Electric is 85. Donβt mix them, or youβll pay the fee!β
πΉ β1.4Β’ per unit adds up fast. Check your volume before declaring manual!β
πΉ βSection 122 (10%) is on all Chinese goods. Budget accordingly.β
π Pro Tip:
For high-volume manual combs, calculate the 1.4Β’ per unit cost. If it exceeds the ad valorem savings, consider if bundling into a manicure set (
8214.20.90.00) is feasible to eliminate the per-unit fee.
For electric defuzzers, ensure FCC/UL compliance is in place before shipping to avoid detention in the US.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your freight forwarder to confirm the latest Section 122 applicability for your specific product variant.
π Prepare detailed product descriptions to support your HS Code choice.
π Ensure smooth customs clearance and maximize your profit margins!
β¨ Professional Customs Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent saved on duty is profit earned!
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.