Hawaiian Grass Skirt Costume Set
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πΊ Hawaiian Grass Skirt Costume Set (Lei & Headpiece)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Are You Wearing the Right Costume?
A "Hawaiian Grass Skirt Costume Set" is a festive item typically used for luaus, Hawaiian-themed parties, or carnival events. It usually includes three distinct components: 1. Grass Skirt: Made of dried natural grass fibers or synthetic imitation materials, worn around the waist. 2. Lei (Necklet/Flower Garland): Decorative garlands made of artificial flowers, leaves, or plastic beads. 3. Headpiece/Halter: A hair lei, flower crown, or matching top/bottom set often included in the bundle.
In international trade, these items are rarely classified as a single "set" under one harmonized code if they are made of vastly different materials (e.g., natural grass vs. plastic flowers). However, if sold as a single retail package, the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) may apply, classifying them based on the "essential character" of the set.
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- Natural vs. Synthetic:
- Natural Grass Skirts: Classify under Chapter 46 (Plaiting Materials; Basket Weaving Products).
- Synthetic/Simulation Skirts: Classify under Chapter 61 or 62 (Articles of Apparel and Clothing Accessaries).
- Lei & Accessories:
- Artificial Flowers/Lei: Typically 9505 (Festive, Carnival or Other Entertaining Articles) or 6702 (Artificial Flowers).
- If the skirt is the "essential character" of the set, the entire set may follow the skirtβs classification.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
Below is the detailed breakdown for US Customs (HTSUS) and International HS Code structures.
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicability | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4602.12.00 |
Basket-woven articles of plaiting materials (natural grass, pandanus, raffia) | Traditional grass skirts made of dried plant fibers | Natural Plant Fibers | "Essential Character" if set contains natural skirt |
6217.10.90 |
Other made-up clothing accessories, not knitted/crocheted | Synthetic/simulation grass skirts, halter tops | Synthetic Fabric/Plastic | Most common for "costume" skirts in party stores |
9505.90.00 |
Festive, carnival or other entertainment articles | Complete sets including lei, headpieces, and skirts for costumes | Mixed/Artificial | Best for "Costume Sets" sold as single retail units |
6702.10.00 |
Artificial flowers, foliage and fruits; articles made of artificial flowers | Artificial Lei (garlands) and headpieces | Plastic/Synthetic | Usually classified separately if not part of a main costume |
6117.10.90 |
Shawls, scarves, mufflers, mantillas, veils and the like | Silk or synthetic scarves often included in sets | Textile | If a silk lei or scarf is the main component |
π Key Reminder:
- The "Set" Rule: If the skirt, lei, and headpiece are packaged together for retail sale and constitute a "Hawaiian Costume Set," US Customs often classifies the entire set under9505.90.00(Festive/Carnival Articles) or follows the skirt's classification if the skirt is deemed to give the set its "essential character."
- Material Matters: If the skirt is 100% natural grass, it must go to4602.12.00. Do not misdeclare natural goods as synthetic to avoid lower tariffs; this is a common customs violation.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Duties, Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Post-2025 Trade Policy (Section 301 & IEEPA)
π― 1. 4602.12.00 β Basket-Woven Articles of Natural Grass (Traditional Skirt)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 3.4% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Tariff | +25% (Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% (Targeting China-origin goods, effective Nov 2025) |
| Total Effective Rate | ~39.4% (Calculation: Base + 301 + IEEPA compound) |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Value > $800 threshold does not apply to Section 301 goods) |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β Section 301: 9903.88.01 β HTSUS: 4602.12.00 |
π Explanation:
- Natural grass skirts are often manufactured in China using traditional plaiting techniques.
- High Duty Alert: Even though the base rate is low, the 35% combined additional tariff makes this expensive for importers.
π― 2. 6217.10.90 / 6117.10.90 β Synthetic Costume Skirts & Accessories
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 9.5% - 15.5% (depending on fabric composition) |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Tariff | +7.5% to +25% (depending on specific sub-category and current trade status) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | ~27% - 50% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.24 β Section 301 β HTSUS: 6217.10.90 |
π Explanation:
- Most "costume" grass skirts are actually made of polyester or synthetic fibers dyed to look like grass.
- If classified as "Other Made-Up Clothing Accessories" (6217.10.90), the base duty is higher (~15.5%), but the 301 tariff may be lower than for natural goods depending on current exclusions.
π― 3. 9505.90.00 β Festive/Carnival Costume Sets (The "Set" Classification)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 5.5% - 7.0% |
| Section 301 (USITC) Additional Tariff | +25% (Most festive goods from China are subject to this) |
| IEEPA Additional Tariff | +10% |
| Total Effective Rate | ~40.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β Section 301 β HTSUS: 9505.90.00 |
π Explanation:
- If you declare the entire package (skirt + lei + headpiece) as a "Costume Set," it falls under Festive/Carnival Articles.
- This is the most common and defensible classification for retail-ready bundles.
- Warning: Ensure the value of the lei/headpiece is not disproportionately higher than the skirt, or customs may split the classification.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Non-Negotiable)
| Document | Required? | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Photos | βοΈ | Show the skirt, lei, and headpiece together in one package to prove itβs a "set." |
| β Material Composition Sheet | βοΈ | Specify if grass is natural (Ch. 46) or synthetic (Ch. 62/61). Misdeclaration leads to seizure. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state: "Hawaiian Grass Skirt Costume Set, including lei and headpiece, for festive/carnival use." |
| β Packaging List | βοΈ | List individual items and weights. |
| β Fiber Content Label | βοΈ | Required by FTC; must match HS classification. |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "One Package, One Code, Material Truth!"
| Scenario | Recommended HS Code | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Bundle (Skirt + Lei + Headpiece in one bag) | 9505.90.00 |
Best for "Festive Sets." Applies GRI 3(b). Simplifies clearance. |
| Natural Grass Skirt Only (No synthetic parts) | 4602.12.00 |
Must be natural plant fiber. High duty but accurate. |
| Synthetic Skirt + Lei Sold Separately | 6217.10.90 (Skirt) 9505.90.00 (Lei) |
If not packaged together, classify separately. |
| All-Synthetic "Grass" Costume | 6217.10.90 or 9505.90.00 |
If the "grass" is polyester, itβs not a basket-weaving article. |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Sets | Provide design drawings showing the set as a single unit. |
| "Grass" is Actually Raffia or Plastic | Declare as Plastic/Textile, not Natural Grass. Using 4602.12.00 for plastic skirts is fraud. |
| Low-Value Samples (< $800) | No De Minimis: Even if under $800, Section 301 goods (China-origin) are not exempt from duties under US 321.3(a)(2)(A) exceptions for Section 301. Expect duties. |
| Vietnamese/Thai Origin | Better Rates: If manufactured in Vietnam or Thailand, IEEPA/301 tariffs may be 0% or lower. Provide valid Certificate of Origin (CO). |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (China Origin) | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9505.90.00 |
~40-45% (incl. 301/IEEPA) | FTC Labeling | High duty; use "Set" classification |
| π¨π³ China | 9505.90.00 |
0% (Import Duty) | CCC (if applicable) | Domestic tax applies (VAT) |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9505.10.00 |
0% - 2.7% | CE (if electronic/toys) | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 9505.10.00 |
0% - 5% | UKCA | Post-Brexit tariff free for many festive goods |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9505.10.00 |
5% | ACCC | No major additional tariffs |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most expensive market due to geopolitical tariffs (Section 301 + IEEPA).
- EU/UK/AU are much more favorable with 0-5% tariffs.
- Consider diversifying supply chains to Southeast Asia (Vietnam/Thailand) for US exports to mitigate 35%+ duties.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Declaring a synthetic polyester skirt as Natural Grass (4602.12.00)
π Consequence: Customs seizure, fines, and potential fraud charges. Natural grass has distinct texture and material properties.
β Error 2: Splitting a single retail package into multiple HS codes (e.g., Skirt 6217 + Lei 9505)
π Consequence: Complex customs valuation, potential re-classification by CBP, and delays. Use GRI 3(b) to classify the set as one article under 9505.90.00.
β Error 3: Ignoring IEEPA/Section 301 implications
π Consequence: Underpaying duties by 35%. Even if base duty is 0%, additional tariffs apply.
β Error 4: Using "Costume" as the only description
π Consequence: Too vague. Must specify material (e.g., "Artificial Grass Skirt Set").
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Hawaiian Themed Costume Set, consisting of synthetic grass skirt, artificial flower lei, and headpiece, for festive/carnival use. Material: 100% Polyester. HTSUS: 9505.90.00."
π― VII. Conclusion: Smart Import, Cost Control
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ "Sets are Key: Classify the Bundle, Not Just the Skirt."
πΉ "Material Truth: Natural vs. Synthetic Changes Everything."
πΉ "Check Origins: Vietnam/Thailand Can Save You 35% in the US."
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing large volumes to the US, request a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) or Advance Ruling from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This locks in the classification and protects you from retroactive audits.
π£ Action Item:
π Verify Material Composition: Ask your supplier if the "grass" is natural or polyester.
π Optimize Origin: Consider sourcing from Vietnam for US-bound goods to avoid IEEPA/301 tariffs.
π Prepare Documents: Ensure your invoice clearly states "Costume Set" to support9505.90.00classification.
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Dollar Saved on Duty is Pure Profit!
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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.