Facial Glitter
CN β USAI Analysis
β¨ Facial Glitter (Cosmetic Glitter for Face & Body)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional-Level Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Facial Glitter"?
Facial Glitter is a cosmetic product used to add sparkle and shine to the skin, often used in festivals, performances, makeup artistry, and party makeup. In international trade, it is strictly regulated as a cosmetic preparation, not general merchandise or industrial glitter.
Two Main Categories: 1. Loose Cosmetic Glitter: Individual plastic/metal flakes packed in jars or pouches, mixed with binders (like oil, cream, or wax) to adhere to the skin. 2. Glitter-based Cosmetic Preparations: Glitter suspended in liquid, cream, or gel bases (e.g., glitter lip gloss, face paints).
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- If it is pure, untreated plastic/metal flakes without cosmetic binders β It may be classified under plastics or metals (Chapter 39/71), NOT cosmetics.
- If it is processed for cosmetic use (coated with titanium dioxide, mixed with binders, approved for skin contact) β It MUST be classified under Chapter 33 (Essential Oils & Perfumery; Toilet Preparations).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Cosmetic Grade? |
|---|---|---|---|
3304.99.00.00 |
Other beauty or makeup preparations and preparations for the care of the skin (other than medicated) | Loose facial glitter, glitter cream, glitter gel | β Yes |
3304.10.00.00 |
Lip makeup preparations | Glitter lip gloss or glitter lipstick | β Yes |
3304.91.00.00 |
Nail enamel | Glitter nail polish | β Yes |
3920.99.90.00 |
Other plates, sheets, film, foil and strip, of plastics | Raw plastic glitter flakes (industrial use) | β No |
7113.19.00.00 |
Jewelry and parts thereof, of precious metal | Gold/silver glitter (luxury/jewelry grade) | β No |
9619.00.00.00 |
Sanitary towels/tamps, napkins and tampons, napkin liners and pads for babies and similar articles, of any material or paper | Glitter used in sanitary products (rare) | β No |
π Critical Reminder:
- Most "Facial Glitter" falls under3304.99.00.00.
- Customs will require proof that the product is safe for skin contact (e.g., ingredient list, safety data sheet).
- If the product contains medicated ingredients (e.g., anti-acne glitter), it may fall under Chapter 30 (Pharmaceuticals), but this is extremely rare.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Post-November 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 3304.99.00.00 ββ Other Beauty or Makeup Preparations
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% (ad valorem) |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% (for China/Hong Kong products, effective from Nov 10, 2025) |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible (deny_de_minimis) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3304.99.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The "25% USITC surcharge" comes from Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act.
- The "10% IEEPA surcharge" is the additional tariff under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
- Total 35% is a high tariff, especially for low-value cosmetic items. Must be anticipated in advance!
π― 2. 3304.10.00.00 ββ Lip Makeup Preparations (Glitter Lip Gloss)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff Rate | 0% |
| USITC Surcharge | +25% |
| IEEPA Surcharge | +10% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β IEEPA:9903.01.24 β USITC:3304.10.00.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Note:
- Same tax rate as loose glitter.
- Even if it's "glitter lip oil" or "shimmering lipstick," itβs still under Chapter 33.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Combat Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documents Checklist (None Are Optional)
| Document | Must Provide | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Ingredient List | βοΈ | Must list all components, including binders and glitter material (e.g., PET, aluminum, titanium dioxide). |
| β Safety Data Sheet (SDS) | βοΈ | Proves the product is non-toxic and safe for skin contact. |
| β Product Photos (Clear Label) | βοΈ | Must show the front label, back label with ingredient list, and net weight. |
| β Cosmetic Notification Proof | βοΈ | For US: FDA Cosmetic Facility Registration & Product Listing (though not mandatory pre-market, itβs expected by customs for verification). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Cosmetic Glitter for Face" or "Makeup Preparation." |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | If not from China, can claim preferential rates. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detailing units, weight, and dimensions. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantra)
π₯ "Label Clearly, Ingredients Must Show, Donβt Say 'Plastic' β Say 'Cosmetic'!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Loose glitter in a jar | 3304.99.00.00 "Cosmetic Glitter for Face" |
Declare as "Plastic Flakes" β 85%+ tariff |
| Glitter Lip Gloss | 3304.10.00.00 "Lip Makeup Preparation" |
Declare as "Lip Balm" β Misclassification |
| Industrial Glitter (not for skin) | 3920.99.90.00 "Plastic Sheets/Strips" |
Declare as "Cosmetic" β Rejection/Fine |
| Glitter + Stick (Glitter Glue) | 3304.99.00.00 "Cosmetic Preparation" |
Declare as "Glue" β Chapter 35 (Higher Tariff) |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Scenario | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Glitter | Provide contract + formula/spec sheet to prove itβs a cosmetic preparation. |
| Glitter with "Anti-Bacterial" Claims | May be classified as a drug (Chapter 30). Requires FDA Drug Application. High Risk. |
| Bulk Raw Glitter Flakes | If not mixed with binders, declare as plastic (Ch 39). If mixed, declare as cosmetic (Ch 33). |
| Glitter in Sampling Packs | Same classification. Value must be declared accurately. |
π V. Global Major Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 3304.99.00.00 |
35% (China Origin) | FDA Facility Reg + Product List | High tariff due to Section 301. |
| π¨π³ China | 3304.99.00.00 |
5% | CCC (if applicable) + NMPA Filing | No additional surcharges. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 3304.99.00.00 |
0% (if compliant) | CPNP Notification + EU Safety Report | No tariffs if EORI registered. |
| π¬π§ UK | 3304.99.00.00 |
0% | UK Safety Report + NPC Registration | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 3304.99.00.00 |
5% | TGA Listing (if therapeutic claims) | Cosmetics are self-regulated. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 3304.99.00.00 |
0% | Japan Cosmetics Notification | No tariffs for most cosmetics. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the only major market with high additional tariffs (35%) for Chinese cosmetic glitter.
- EU/UK/AU/Japan have low or zero tariffs, but strict safety/notification requirements.
- China origin to US is cost-prohibitive for low-value glitter unless bundled with higher-margin products or shipped via third-party countries (with proper origin rules).
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring "Facial Glitter" as "Plastic Decorations" or "Craft Supplies"
π Consequence: Tariff jumps from 35% to 85%+ (Section 301 + punitive rates) + potential ban for mislabeling cosmetics.
β Error 2: Failing to declare Ingredients
π Consequence: FDA/Customs may seize the shipment for lacking safety information.
β Error 3: Using "Glitter" as the sole description on Invoice
π Consequence: Customs may classify it as general plastic (Ch 39) or deny entry due to lack of cosmetic proof.
β Error 4: Importing bulk glitter flakes without binding agents as "Cosmetics"
π Consequence: Rejected. Bulk flakes are industrial/plastic goods, not cosmetic preparations.
β Correct Practice:
"LOOSE COSMETIC GLITTER, FOR FACE & BODY USE, CONTAINS PET FLAKES, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, AND BINDERS, FDA COMPLIANT, NET WT 10g"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time, Reduce Costs!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Cosmetic Glitter = Ch 33, Base 0% + 35% Surcharges for China."
πΉ "Ingredients List is King β No List, No Entry."
πΉ "Donβt Call it Craft Glitter if itβs for the Face!"
π Tip:
If your glitter is originating from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, or Indonesia, you may apply for IEEPA Exemptions or lower Section 301 rates (check current HTS codes).
Apply for Advance Ruling if you have a large volume or ambiguous product type.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Provide Ingredient List + Apply for FDA Product Listing (if not done)
π Ensure your cosmetic glitter passes clearance smoothly, efficiently, and profitably!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every cent of cost deserves precise calculation!
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.