Flat Brush
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9603908050 | 70.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603404060 | 14.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603306000 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9603404060 | 14.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
ποΈ Flat Brush (Metal & Plastic Variants)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2024β2025 Tax Regime Analysis | Professional Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know What a "Flat Brush" Really Is?
A Flat Brush is a versatile cleaning, painting, or polishing tool used across industriesβfrom industrial manufacturing to household maintenance. In international trade, its classification depends heavily on:
- Material composition (metal, plastic, wood, bristles)
- Structure and function (sweeping, scrubbing, painting, cleaning)
- Intended use (industrial, household, specialized)
β οΈ Key Differentiators: - Metal flat brushes with metal bristles or metal body β Classified under HS 9603.90.80.50 (high tax risk) - Plastic flat brushes (e.g., mop heads) β Classified under HS 3926.90.99.89 - Small black flat brushes for precision tasks β May fall under HS 9603.40.40.60 or 9603.30.60.00
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Based on Provided Data)
| HS Code | Product Description | Material | Tax Rate | Applicable Scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9603.90.80.50 |
Metal Flat Brush, classified under "Other Brushes" | Metal | 70.3% | Industrial metal scrubbing brushes, heavy-duty cleaning |
9603.40.40.60 |
Black Flat Brush, single unit | Mixed (likely plastic/wood handle + bristles) | 14.0% | Precision cleaning, painting, household use |
9603.30.60.00 |
Single Black Flat Brush (Brush Tool Category) | General bristles | 10.0% | Light-duty tasks, art, small maintenance |
3926.90.99.89 |
Flat Mop Head (Flat Mop) | Plastic | 22.8% | Household or commercial cleaning mops |
π Important Note:
- Metal flat brushes (HS 9603.90.80.50) face the highest tax burden due to metal content and Section 232/122 tariffs. - Plastic mop heads (HS 3926.90.99.89) are treated as "other plastic products" and carry moderate tariffs. - Black flat brushes (HS 9603.40.40.60 / 9603.30.60.00) are generally low-risk but still subject to Section 301 tariffs.
π° III. 2025β2026 Tariff Breakdown (Including Base, Add-on, and 122 Clause Taxes)
β Target Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current (2025β2026)
β Applicable Laws: Section 232, Section 301, IEEPA
π― 1. 9603.90.80.50 β Metal Flat Brush (70.3% Total Tax)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.8% | General MFN rate for brushes |
| Section 301 Add-on | 7.5% | China-specific tariff on selected goods |
| Section 232 (Steel/Aluminum/Copper) | 50% | Applies to metal components |
| 122 Clause (Additional Section 301) | 10% | Specific to certain brush categories |
| Total Tariff | 70.3% | 2.8% + 7.5% + 50% + 10% |
π Explanation:
- This classification is for metal-heavy brushes, triggering the 50% Section 232 steel/aluminum tariff. - De minimis exemption does NOT apply (denied for metal items). - High tax risk requires restructuring or alternative sourcing.
π― 2. 9603.40.40.60 β Black Flat Brush (14.0% Total Tax)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.0% | Standard brush classification |
| Section 301 Add-on | 0.0% | Exempt from Section 301 (if not metal) |
| 122 Clause | 10% | Applies to certain brush types |
| Total Tariff | 14.0% | 4.0% + 0.0% + 10% |
π Explanation:
- Non-metal brushes benefit from no Section 301 add-on, but still face the 10% 122 clause. - Suitable for light-duty, non-metal applications.
π― 3. 9603.30.60.00 β Single Black Flat Brush (10.0% Total Tax)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% | No base tax for certain brush types |
| Section 301 Add-on | 0.0% | Exempt |
| 122 Clause | 10% | Applies |
| Total Tariff | 10.0% | 0.0% + 0.0% + 10% |
π Explanation:
- Lowest tax bracket for small, non-metal brushes. - Ideal for precision tools or art brushes.
π― 4. 3926.90.99.89 β Flat Mop Head (Plastic) (22.8% Total Tax)
| Tax Component | Rate | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.3% | Plastic products base rate |
| Section 301 Add-on | 7.5% | China-specific tax |
| 122 Clause | 10% | Applies |
| Total Tariff | 22.8% | 5.3% + 7.5% + 10% |
π Explanation:
- Plastic mop heads are taxed under "other plastic products". - Moderate tax burden, but still significant for high-volume exports.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Tips (Avoiding Pitfalls)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Mandatory)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Material, dimensions, bristle type |
| β Material Declaration | βοΈ | Confirm metal vs. plastic composition |
| β Photos (Clear, Labeled) | βοΈ | Show bristles, handle, base |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | For potential tariff exemptions |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Accurate HS Code, value, description |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Prevent misclassification during inspection |
| β Third-Party Lab Report | βοΈ | For metal content verification |
β 2. Declaration Best Practices (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Know Your Material, Declare It Right!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Risk if Wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Metal brush with steel bristles | 9603.90.80.50 + full tax disclosure |
Under-declaration β 70.3% + penalties |
| Plastic mop head | 3926.90.99.89 |
Misclassified as brush β 22.8% instead of 14% |
| Small black brush for art | 9603.30.60.00 |
Misclassified as metal β 70.3% |
| Mixed material brush | Be specific | Vague description β Delayed clearance |
β 3. Special Cases
| Case | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM or Custom Brushes | Provide design specs to avoid "unspecified" classification |
| Brushes for Medical Use | May qualify for special use exemption with documentation |
| Export to Non-US Markets | Research local HS codes; US tax doesn't apply everywhere |
| Metal Content Below 5% | May avoid 50% steel tariff β verify with lab report |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2025β2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Base Tariff | Additional Taxes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9603.90.80.50 (metal), 9603.40.40.60 (non-metal) |
2.8% / 4.0% | +50% (metal), +10% (122) | Highest tax globally for metal brushes |
| π¨π³ China | Same as above | 5% | None | No Section 301/232 |
| πͺπΊ EU | Same as above | 0β6% | None | No 301/232 |
| π¦πΊ Australia | Same as above | 5% | None | No extra tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | Same as above | 0β10% | None | Varies by material |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market for metal flat brushes due to Section 232 + Section 301. - Non-metal brushes are more competitive in global markets. - Consider sourcing from Vietnam, Mexico, or India for IEEPA exemptions.
π VI. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
β Mistake 1: Classifying metal brushes as "non-metal"
π Result: 70.3% tax β Fines + Seizure
β Mistake 2: Not declaring metal content accurately
π Result: Delayed customs, increased audit risk
β Mistake 3: Using generic names like "Brush" without material details
π Result: Customs may misclassify β Higher tax
β Mistake 4: Attempting de minimis exemption for metal items
π Result: Denied by US Customs
β Correct Practice:
"Metal Flat Brush, 12cm, Steel Bristles, for Industrial Cleaning, Model X12, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Classification = Lower Costs!
π― Remember:
πΉ "Metal = 50%, Plastic = 10%, Brush = 14% β Know Your Material!"
πΉ "HS Code is the Gatekeeper β Get it Right or Pay the Price!"
π Pro Tip:
If your flat brush originates from Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, you may qualify for IEEPA exemptions, reducing total tax to 0%β5%.
π Action Plan:
π Contact customs broker + Submit product photos + Request HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Clear your goods, save costs, and scale your business!
β¨ Precision Classification is the Key to Global Trade Success!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved Starts with the Right HS Code!
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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.